When it comes to choosing a hardwood flooring species, homeowners are faced with a tough decision—which one do we choose? Being in the Palatine Hardwood Flooring industry for over 25 years, we definitely know the choice can be difficult. With such a wide variety of options, the choices can be hard to narrow down, but there are several factors to take into consideration that can greatly affect a homeowner’s choices and help make the decision a lot easier. Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a hardwood flooring species:
(1) Hardness: Each species of hardwood flooring has a different level of hardness, so determining the hardness of the floor becomes important when you are first choosing a flooring type. This factor becomes especially important depending the area you are putting the floors and whether the area is considered a high or low traffic area.
(2) Grain Pattern: This one really comes down to preference. Some wood species have an open grain and others have a closed grain. Open grain species of hardwood flooring, such as oak or ash hardwood flooring, have grain patterns that are very pronounced. Closed grain flooring, such as yellow birch or maple flooring, have grain patterns that are less pronounced. While some homeowner’s love the busy pattern, others prefer a simple, less busy pattern. This is a matter of taste, but nonetheless, it’s something to think about when having hardwood flooring installed.
(3) Color: Every species offers its own color range. The range can go from a pale yellowish tone or off-white to a very dark shade. When you are shopping for hardwood flooring, keep color in mind and make your decision after thoroughly reviewing a variety of color options. When it comes to color, don’t be afraid to get creative.
(4) Stability: Stability of a hardwood flooring species is also important to consider when having hardwood flooring installed. Some species of hardwood are harder than others. Some harder wood species tend to expand and contract to a greater degree as opposed to other species, which are not as hard. Stability is affected by environment. Consider factors that will affect expansion and contraction in your hardwood flooring before going through with the hardwood flooring installation process. This means you need to take into consideration your local climate and the humidity level as both will affect your hardwood flooring.
Choosing the right hardwood flooring specie can be a difficult decision, but with our experience and expertise, we can help you make the right call on what is best for your hardwood flooring needs. Contact us or comment below with questions.
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