Bring natural beauty home with hardwood flooring

Solid or engineered wood flooring?

Solid and engineered hardwood flooring both feature real wood, but their construction differs.

• Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of wood. Depending on the plank thickness and condition, it can often be sanded and refinished multiple times. This makes it an attractive choice for homeowners who value traditional hardwood construction and longevity.
• Engineered wood flooring features a genuine wood veneer over several supporting layers. This layered construction provides greater dimensional stability when temperature and humidity fluctuate. Engineered wood can therefore be suitable for some spaces and subfloors where solid hardwood may not be recommended.

Your installation area, subfloor, lifestyle, and design preferences can help determine the right option.

Which hardwood species should you choose?

The wood species influences your floor’s grain, color, hardness, and overall character.

• Oak is a classic choice with noticeable grain and excellent versatility.
• Maple offers a smoother, more subtle appearance that suits clean and contemporary interiors.
• Hickory features bold grain patterns and dramatic natural color variation for a rustic look.
• Walnut is known for its deep brown tones and sophisticated character.

Because natural wood varies from plank to plank, viewing samples in person can help you understand how different species may look throughout a room.

Prefinished vs. unfinished hardwood flooring

Prefinished hardwood flooring arrives with its stain and protective finish already applied at the factory. It offers consistent color and reduces the amount of finishing work required in your home.

Unfinished hardwood flooring is installed before being sanded, stained, and finished on-site. This option provides greater control over stain color and can be helpful when matching new hardwood with existing floors.

Consider your preferred appearance, timeline, and desired level of customization when comparing prefinished and unfinished hardwood.

Explore popular hardwood flooring shades

Hardwood flooring comes in far more than traditional brown. Light natural finishes can make a room feel open and airy, while honey and medium-brown shades provide warmth and classic appeal. Deep brown and espresso floors create a richer contrast.

You can also explore gray, greige, whitewashed, and other contemporary finishes. Consider your walls, cabinets, furniture, natural lighting, and overall color palette when choosing a hardwood shade.

Add character with hardwood flooring textures

Texture can dramatically change the appearance of hardwood floors. Smooth planks provide a clean, refined surface, while wire-brushed hardwood reveals more of the natural grain for added depth.

Hand-scraped flooring has noticeable variations that create a rustic, lived-in appearance.

Distressed hardwood incorporates intentional marks and irregularities for an aged look. Textured surfaces may also make small scratches and everyday wear less noticeable in active households.

How do you clean and maintain hardwood floors?

Routine maintenance helps protect hardwood flooring. Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum using a hard-floor setting to remove dirt and grit that could scratch the finish. Wipe up spills quickly and use cleaners approved for your specific hardwood.

Avoid excessive moisture and steam mops unless the manufacturer specifically allows them. Use entry mats to reduce tracked-in dirt and felt protectors beneath furniture to help prevent scratches. Maintaining consistent indoor humidity can also reduce excessive expansion and contraction.

Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s care instructions for the best results.

Shop trusted hardwood flooring brands

Classic Flooring carries hardwood floors from AHW, Anderson Tuftex, Bruce, Shaw Floors, and Somerset Floors. These collections give you plenty of options for comparing species, constructions, colors, textures, and price points.

Our experienced sales staff can explain the differences and help you find flooring that works with your project, budget, and design goals.

Hardwood flooring FAQs

How long does hardwood flooring last?

Quality hardwood can last for 30-100 years or more with proper installation and care. Its lifespan varies based on the product, household traffic, environmental conditions, and maintenance.

Does hardwood flooring need to acclimate before installation?

Many hardwood products require acclimation before installation so the wood can adjust to indoor conditions. Requirements vary by product, so follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Can hardwood flooring be refinished?

Many solid hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Some engineered hardwood flooring can also be refinished, depending on the thickness of its real-wood wear layer.

Is engineered hardwood real wood?

Yes. Engineered wood floors have a genuine hardwood surface combined with supporting layers designed to improve dimensional stability.

Where can hardwood flooring be installed?

Hardwood is commonly used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other interior spaces. Suitable locations depend on the product, subfloor, moisture conditions, and manufacturer recommendations.

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