Natural, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, hardwood floors add value to a living space. American hardwood flooring in particular, is easily obtained, and an ideal sustainable building material, as it is a renewable resource, and easily recycled. Also, unlike carpeting, wood does not trap dust and allergens, providing a healthier living environment.
With so many different types of hardwood flooring, it is only a matter of deciding which kind of lumber will most effectively enhance a room? Rich dark black walnut, or a more neutral wood, such as maple or oak? Take the time to investigate different varieties to find the most suitable, and therefore the best hardwood flooring.
Traditional White Oak Hardwood Floors
White oak lumber is an excellent choice for many homes. Traditionally used for ship building and barrels, this wood is impervious to liquids, and very resistant to wear. With a modern surface finish, white oak hardwood floors are very easy to clean and maintain. They are also do well with sanding, staining, and finishing.
White oak wood is long-grained, with dynamic swirls and curls. The heartwood ranges from light to dark brown. Although this type of American hardwood flooring can be finished in a range of shades, it is important to be done properly, as the tannins in the wood have been known to react with some liquids and turn green or brownish.
Exotic Dark Black Walnut Hardwood
Black walnut hardwood is also readily available, with trees growing throughout the eastern United States, as well as in the central states. The demand for black walnut is not as high as white oak however; black walnut makes up just under two percent of all commercially available American hardwood. This may be because the heartwood tends to be a rich chocolate brown, with deep purple streaks. The darker color is ideal to contrast lighter colors and woods, but it is not suited for every environment.
This type of wood becomes more lustrous with age. The grain is straight, with some degree of waviness. Black walnut is suitable for sanding, painting, sanding, and polishing. It is not quite as hard and dent-resistant as oak, but is still a very strong, highly desirable lumber.
Durable Maple Wood Flooring
Of all the different types of hardwood flooring, maple is the most practical. Not only is it used for doors, household floors, cabinetry, and furniture, but it is also used for work surfaces, butchers blocks, cutting boards, and gymnasium floors, because it is so resistant to wear. Hard maple, also known as sugar maple, is an extremely strong and heavy material, making it somewhat difficult to work with initially, yet very efficient in the long run.
This variety of American hardwood is readily available, with trees growing primarily in the eastern states. It is also the source of maple syrup. Hard maple is somewhat difficult to sand, but stains and finishes well. The sapwood being a pale brown, and the heartwood being a light to reddish color, It is well suited with neutral tones.
Elegant Cherry Hardwood Floors
Cherry hardwood is another popular type of American lumber. Unlike the hard, sturdy oak and maples, cherry trees have a more subtle history of use. Cherry bark has been used as a traditional medicine; the wood is frequently used for carvings, and musical instruments, as well as floors and furniture. It has a smooth, satiny texture, and an appealing reddish-brown color. Cherry hardwood flooring has great dimensional stability. Relative to other types of wood, it is more pliable, yet still reasonably strong and resistant.
The Best Hardwood Flooring
Ultimately, the best hardwood flooring is that which suits a particular space. White oak may be ideal for kitchens, or anywhere that exposure to moisture is possible; black walnut works well for aesthetic interest; maple may be best in a house with children or pets; and, cherry can work in any well-preserved environment. With proper care and maintenance, all hardwood floor types will prove an excellent investment over time.
Sources:
- National Wood Flooring Association
The Hardwood Council
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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