Beautiful hardwood flooring built to last

What is the difference between solid and engineered wood flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of natural wood. It delivers a traditional hardwood experience and can often be sanded and refinished multiple times. With proper care, solid hardwood can provide decades of use.

Engineered wood flooring has a real hardwood veneer over multiple supporting layers. This construction improves dimensional stability, helping the flooring handle changes in temperature and humidity better than many solid wood products.

Both options give you genuine wood underfoot. The best choice depends on your subfloor, installation location, lifestyle, and preferred look. We can explain the differences and recommend products suited to your space.

Hardwood flooring species

The wood species affects your floor's color, grain, hardness, and overall character.

Oak wood flooring is a classic choice known for durability and noticeable grain. White oak typically has a more subtle appearance, while red oak tends to feature warmer undertones.

Maple has a smoother grain that fits clean, contemporary interiors. Hickory offers dramatic grain patterns and natural color variation for a more rustic look. Walnut is prized for its deep brown tones and sophisticated character.

Think about more than appearance when choosing a species. Homes with pets, children, or heavy traffic may benefit from a harder wood species and a finish designed for active spaces.

Hardwood flooring colors

Hardwood flooring comes in colors ranging from pale natural tones to deep brown.

Light hardwood can make a room feel open, bright, and relaxed. Natural and medium brown floors offer timeless appeal and work well with changing décor. Dark hardwood creates bold contrast and can give larger spaces a rich, dramatic feel.

You can also explore honey, beige, taupe, gray-brown, and blended tones. Our in-house design consultants can help coordinate hardwood flooring with your cabinets, countertops, walls, and other finishes.

How does hardwood flooring texture affect its appearance?

Texture can completely change the personality of hardwood flooring.

Smooth hardwood provides a clean, polished look. Wire-brushed hardwood exposes more of the natural grain, creating subtle texture and a relaxed appearance. Hand-scraped flooring has deeper variations for a rustic, lived-in style.

Texture can be practical, too. Wire-brushed and hand-scraped surfaces may make minor scratches, dents, and everyday wear less noticeable than perfectly smooth flooring.

Which hardwood flooring finish should you choose?

Finish affects the appearance of hardwood as well as how easily everyday wear can be seen.

Matte and low-sheen finishes provide a natural look while helping to disguise dust and small scratches. Satin finishes add a gentle glow without looking overly shiny. Glossy finishes create a polished appearance but may make footprints and imperfections more visible.

Many prefinished hardwood flooring products also include durable factory-applied coatings that provide extra protection against everyday wear.

How do you clean and maintain hardwood floors?

A simple care routine can help hardwood flooring stay beautiful for years.

Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit that could scratch the finish. Wipe up spills quickly and use a cleaner recommended for your specific hardwood product.

Avoid excessive water, abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and steam mops unless the flooring manufacturer specifically approves them. Place mats near entrances to catch dirt and moisture, and use felt pads under furniture legs to reduce scratches.

Maintaining consistent indoor humidity is also important. Major humidity changes can cause natural wood to expand or contract.

Hardwood flooring FAQs