If you are looking for hardwood flooring for your home, there are many options available. The most common types are Oak and Ash. But you can also choose from engineered wood, which is cheaper than solid wood. While Oak is the most popular wood, you should also be aware of the differences between the two species. You can get softer, less expensive ash hardwood flooring instead of oak. Here are some tips to help you decide which type of flooring is best for your home:
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring is Better than Unfinished
You need to choose the right flooring service, such as Quality Hardwoods of Michigan, whether you are building a new home or redecorating an old one. A hardwood floor enhances any style of home. The 948-year-old Tower of London features wood flooring, as does almost every castle in the world. Wood also softens the harsh lines of modern architecture. Either way, a wood floor will complement any decor and will last for decades. There are two main types of hardwood flooring: pre-finished and unfinished. The right flooring choice depends on your personal taste, budget, and time frame.
One major advantage of prefinished hardwood flooring over unfinished is speed of installation. Unfinished wood flooring has to be sanded and finished on site. Prefinished hardwood flooring is a better choice if you have a busy schedule, as you won’t need to deal with the countless hours it takes to complete the process.
Another major advantage of prefinished wood flooring is that it comes with a wide variety of hardwood species. Besides choosing the species of wood that you prefer, you can also select the stain color and sawn profile that will best match your decor. Once the wood is cut and sanded, the installer will apply a sealant to the wood and apply the stain.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring is Cheaper than Solid Wood
When it comes to flooring, solid wood is the gold standard, but engineered hardwood is much cheaper. Even if you want a particular type of wood, like ebony, engineered wood is an affordable choice, as it uses less of it than solid planks. In addition, engineered wood is more durable and resists moisture and temperature variations better than solid wood.
Engineered wood is made of a wood layer that is usually less dense than solid wood. The real hardwood is only on the top layer. The rest of the flooring is plywood. It’s also easier to install, without the help of a professional, and you can easily glue it down. This kind of flooring is suitable for all levels of a home, from basements to upper levels.
Engineered wood can be sanded lightly. This means you can remove scratches without damage. However, you should note that the veneer on engineered wood wears off after a few standings. This means that you can’t refinish it as easily as solid wood.
Oak Hardwood Flooring is The Most Popular Species
Oak hardwood flooring is one of the most popular species of hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons. Not only does it have a classic and timeless look, but it is also easy to clean. It also can go with a variety of decor styles. Whether you want a rustic farmhouse look or modern, oak can fit in with your interior design.
Oak hardwood flooring comes in two basic varieties: red oak and white oak. Red oak has a slightly rose tint to its wood while white oak has a lighter golden brown color. Both types take stain well and are suitable for high-traffic areas. If you’re looking for an attractive, traditional floor, red oak is an excellent choice.
Oak is one of the most popular species of hardwood flooring in the United States. It has a beautiful grain that stains well, and can be stained any color you desire. Oak is also fairly durable and will last for many years if properly cared for. The price of oak flooring can vary dramatically, with higher-end varieties costing more but featuring higher-end quality and nicer hues. However, cheap oak flooring is available as well, costing anywhere from $3 to $9 a square foot.
Ash Hardwood Flooring is Softer than Oak
Ash is a hardwood, ranking 1320 on the Janka hardness scale. This makes it harder than oak, beech, and heart pine, but it is softer than maple and hickory, which have much lower hardness ratings. Ash is also easier to cut. This makes it a good choice for moderate foot traffic.
Ash hardwood flooring is similar in appearance to oak, with large swirling grain that displays the stain color. However, the Emerald Ash Borer is threatening the Ash tree population and reducing the number of Ash trees available for flooring. Although softer than oak, ash is tough enough to withstand high wear and foot traffic.
Both ash and oak floors are great choices for hardwood floors. Ash hardwood flooring has a light color and neutral tone, making it a popular choice. Oak is more popular in the US, and the two main varieties are red and white. Red oak is stiffer and more dense, while white oak is softer.
