Choosing the right type of hardwood flooring for your home

Hardwood flooring is timeless, durable, and can elevate the look of any home. Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, choosing the right type of wood floors can feel overwhelming. There are many factors to consider—style, durability, installation, and cost. But don’t worry. I’m here to simplify the process for you. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essentials, from solid versus engineered hardwood to finishes, plank sizes, and wood species. Let’s dive in.

Solid hardwood vs. engineered hardwood: what's the difference?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with solid or engineered hardwood flooring. It’s a critical choice because each comes with its own pros and cons.

1. Solid hardwood: As the name suggests, solid hardwood is made from solid wood planks, typically around ¾ inch thick. You can sand and refinish these floors multiple times, which makes them incredibly long-lasting. However, solid hardwood flooring doesn’t play well with moisture. This type of flooring expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, which can lead to warping over time, especially in areas like basements.
2. Engineered hardwood: Engineered hardwood is a more modern take. It’s made by bonding a thin layer of hardwood to a plywood or fiberboard base. This construction makes it more resistant to moisture and temperature changes. While you can’t refinish it as many times as solid hardwood, engineered wood floors still offer great durability and versatility. This might be your best bet if you’re installing over concrete or in rooms with higher humidity.

Which wood species suits your style?

Next up, let’s talk about wood species. Different types of wood come with varying hardness levels, colors, and grain patterns. The most popular species for hardwood flooring include oak, maple, birch, and pecan. But which one is right for your home?

• Oak: Oak is the classic wood flooring choice. It’s strong, durable, and has a versatile grain pattern that works with both traditional and modern decor. Oak comes in two varieties: red oak and white oak. Red oak has a warm, reddish hue, while white oak has a more neutral, brownish tone. Both are highly durable, making them a safe choice for high-traffic areas.
• Maple: Maple is another popular hardwood flooring option, known for its light color and smooth grain. It has a sleek, modern look that pairs well with minimalist design. While maple is slightly harder than oak, it can show dents and scratches more easily, so it may not be the best option if you have kids or pets running around.
• Birch: Birch offers a pale, light wood that brings an airy, fresh look to any space. It’s great for modern and Scandinavian-inspired homes. Birch has a fine, even grain and is typically lighter in color than oak or maple, giving rooms a soft, inviting glow. While birch is a hardwood, it’s slightly softer than oak, so it may show wear in high-traffic areas over time. However, its bright tones and warm appearance make it a popular choice for many homeowners.
• Pecan: Pecan is a beautiful and unique wood species. Known for its striking grain patterns and a wide range of colors—from creamy white to rich browns—pecan brings a rustic, natural charm to any room. It’s also incredibly durable and harder than both oak and maple, so it's ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets. The bold grain and variation in color add personality to your floors, making pecan a standout option.

Choosing the right finish: glossy, matte, or somewhere in between?

Once you’ve picked your wood species, you’ll need to decide on the finish. The finish not only protects your wood floors from damage but also gives them their final look. So, what finish should you choose?

• Glossy finish: If you want floors that shine and reflect light, a glossy finish is the way to go. It creates a smooth, polished look that can make your space feel more open. However, glossy finishes tend to show scratches and footprints more easily, so if you have kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic, you may want to consider a less reflective option.
• Matte finish: On the opposite end of the spectrum, matte finishes offer a more understated, natural look. A matte finish highlights the grain and texture of the wood, giving it a more organic feel. It’s also great at hiding dust, dirt, and scratches, making it an outstanding choice for active households.
• Satin finish: If you’re looking for something in between, a satin finish strikes a balance between the two. It offers a slight sheen without being too reflective, giving your floors a polished look that’s still practical for everyday use. Satin finishes are popular because they’re low maintenance and work well in almost any room.

Plank size: wide or narrow?

Plank size may not be the first thing you think about when choosing hardwood flooring, but it can have a big impact on the overall look of your space. Planks come in a range of widths, from the standard 2-3 inches to wider boards that can be 5 inches or more.

• Narrow planks: Traditional wood floors often use narrow planks. These create a classic, uniform look that works well in smaller spaces. Narrow planks also tend to hide imperfections better, so if you expect your floors to take a beating, they could be a good option.
• Wide planks: Wide planks, on the other hand, are a growing trend. They make a room feel more open and can showcase the wood’s natural grain more dramatically. Wide planks are great for large, open spaces, but keep in mind they can be more susceptible to gapping and cupping if there are fluctuations in humidity.

Installation methods: nail-down, glue-down, or floating?

When it comes to installation, there are three main methods: nail-down, glue-down, and floating. Each has its benefits, but the right one for you depends on your home and the type of hardwood flooring you’ve chosen.

• Nail-down installation: This is the traditional method for installing solid wood floors. It involves nailing the planks directly to a wooden subfloor. The nail-down installation provides a stable, long-lasting floor but requires more time and effort to install. It’s best for solid hardwood rather than engineered wood flooring.
• Glue-down installation: Glue-down installation is commonly used for engineered wood floors. The planks are glued directly to the subfloor, creating a solid bond. This method is ideal for areas where moisture might be a concern, like basements, as it helps prevent the floor from shifting over time.
• Floating installation: Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor. Instead, the planks are clicked together and “float” above the subfloor. This method is fast, easy, and great for DIYers. Floating installation works well with engineered hardwood and is perfect for areas where you can’t nail or glue the floor down.

Where will you install your wood floors?

Not all hardwood flooring is created equal, and some types are better suited to certain areas of your home than others. Before making a final decision, consider where you plan to install your wood flooring.

• Living rooms and dining rooms: These high-traffic areas benefit from durable woods like oak or pecan, which can handle daily wear and tear without showing too many dents or scratches. A satin or matte finish will help hide imperfections and keep your floors looking fresh longer.
• Bedrooms: Bedrooms don’t typically see as much foot traffic, so you can get away with softer woods like birch or cherry. These species bring a touch of elegance and warmth to your sleeping space.
• Kitchens: Hardwood in the kitchen is tricky due to the potential for spills and moisture. If you’re set on wood floors for your kitchen, engineered hardwood is the better option, as it’s more resistant to humidity and changes in temperature. Choose a wood species like oak or pecan, which can handle a little more activity.

Cost considerations

Last but not least, let’s talk budget. Hardwood flooring can range widely in price depending on the type of wood, finish, and installation method. Solid wood tends to be more expensive upfront but has a longer lifespan due to its ability to be refinished multiple times. Engineered wood flooring is usually more affordable, but keep in mind that it may need to be replaced sooner if you can’t refinish it as often.

Remember to factor in the cost of installation, which can vary based on the method you choose and the size of your space. While DIY installation can save money, it’s often worth investing in professional installation to ensure the longevity and quality of your floors.

Visit our wood flooring store today

Choosing the right type of hardwood flooring for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you go with solid or engineered hardwood, oak or pecan, wide or narrow planks, there’s an option out there that will fit your style, budget, and lifestyle. Take your time, consider your options, and enjoy the process of transforming your home with beautiful wood floors. We have showrooms in Havertown and Malvern, PA. Call or stop by Havertown Carpet today!