Hardwood floors are a timeless choice for homeowners, offering a blend of durability, aesthetics, and value.
This guide will delve into the best hardwood floors available today, discussing various species of hardwood, their costs, installation process, maintenance, and more. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Best Types of Hardwood Floors
Here are some of the most popular hardwood species, according to our research:
- Cherry
- Hickory
- Maple
- Oak
- Walnut
When it comes to choosing new flooring, understanding the different species of hardwood is a big part of the equation. Each species has its unique characteristics, including color variation and durability, which can significantly impact the aesthetics and longevity of your flooring.
Furthermore, a wood’s color can vary considerably between different species and even within the same species. For example, the heartwood (the older, harder central portion of the tree) tends to be darker than the sapwood (the younger, softer outer portions of the tree).Â
Cherry, specifically Brazilian cherry or Jatoba, is prized for its rich, reddish-brown color. It’s also one of the harder hardwood species, although it can darken over time when exposed to light.
Hickory is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. It has a varied grain pattern that can range from straight to wavy, and its color can vary from light to medium brown.
Maple is another popular choice for hardwood flooring. It’s known for its light, creamy color, and subtle grain pattern. Maple is also quite hard, making it a durable choice for high-traffic areas.
Oak is one of the most common hardwood species used for flooring. It comes in two main
types: red oak and white oak. Red oak is known for its warm, reddish color and pronounced grain pattern, while white oak is slightly harder with a more subtle grain and a light to medium brown color.
Walnut offers a range of colors from light to dark brown, often with a purplish hue. It’s slightly softer than other hardwoods but popular for its deep, rich colors and straight grain.
Durability Rating
The Janka scale measures the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear in pounds-force (lbf). The Janka rating is a crucial factor to consider when choosing hardwood flooring, as it indicates how well the wood will stand up to daily wear and tear. The higher the lbf, the harder and more durable the wood.
Below, we’ve listed popular hardwoods in order of most durable to least durable according to their Janka rating.
- Cherry: Brazilian cherry, also known as Jatoba, is extremely hard, with a Janka rating of 2,820 lbf.
- Hickory: Hickory is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods, with a Janka rating of 1,820 lbf.
- Maple: Hard maple has a Janka hardness rating of 1,450 lbf, making it one of the harder domestic hardwoods.
- Oak: White oak has a Janka hardness rating of 1,360 lbf (pounds-force), while red oak is slightly softer at 1,290 lbf.
- Walnut: Black walnut has a Janka rating of 1,010 lbf, making it one of the softer hardwoods.
Hardwood Floors Compared
The comparison table breaks down our findings for the five most sought-after types of wood flooring. Please note that the costs are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as wood grade, location, and market conditions.
| Hardwood Species | Avg. Material Cost per Sq. Foot | Avg. Installation Cost per Sq. Foot | Janka Rating | Durability |
| Cherry | $4–$7 | $3–$8 | 950 | Medium |
| Hickory | $3–$7 | $3–$8 | 1,820 | High |
| Maple | $3–$10 | $3–$8 | 1,450 | High |
| Oak (Red) | $2–$6 | $3–$8 | 1,290 | High |
| Oak (White) | $4–$7 | $3–$8 | 1,360 | High |
| Walnut | $5–$10 | $3–$8 | 1,010 | Medium |
Prefinished Vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Another important consideration when choosing the best hardwood floors is whether to go with prefinished or unfinished hardwood flooring. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
Prefinished hardwood flooring is sanded, stained, and sealed by the manufacturer before it’s installed. This means that once the flooring is installed, there’s no need for any additional work to finish the floor.
- Convenience: Since the sanding and finishing process is done in the factory, prefinished hardwood flooring is ready to walk on as soon as it’s installed.
- Durability: The factory-applied finishes are usually tougher and last longer than site-applied finishes.
- Less Mess: There’s no need for sanding after installation, which means less mess and minimal to no dust.
- Limited Customization: Since the flooring is finished in the factory, you have less control over the color and finish of the wood.
- Cost: Prefinished hardwood flooring is usually more expensive up-front than unfinished flooring.
Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished hardwood flooring is installed in its raw state, and then it’s sanded, stained, and finished on-site. This allows for a high level of customization, as you can choose the exact color and finish you want.
- Customization: You have complete control over the color and finish of the floor.
- Seamless Appearance: Because the flooring is sanded and finished after installation, it can result in a more seamless appearance, with no bevels between the boards.
- Repairability: It’s easier to match and replace boards in the future if necessary.
- Installation Time: The process of sanding, staining, and finishing the floor on-site can be time-consuming.
- Mess: The on-site finishing process can create dust and fumes.
- Wait Time: You’ll need to wait for the finish to dry before you can walk on the floor.
Installation Cost & Process
The cost of wood flooring depends on the type of flooring you install, the size of your space, and the difficulty of the installation. The wood thickness, tree species, wood grade, and plank size also influence the final cost.
According to our expert Dan Simmons, solid hardwood flooring costs anywhere from $6 to $24 per square foot installed, of which installation labor alone can make up $3 to $14. Notably, high-end wood or larger spaces can potentially cost up to $25 per square foot.
The flooring installation process for hardwood typically involves preparing the subfloor, laying the hardwood planks, and then adding a sealant as a protective finish. It’s a job that experienced DIYers can do, but we find that many homeowners prefer to hire flooring professionals for the sake of accuracy and convenience.
Maintenance
Maintaining your hardwood floors is crucial to keep them looking their best. Regular sweeping or vacuuming can help remove dirt and debris that could scratch the wood. Avoid using harsh cleaners or those that promise to polish or shine the floor, as these can damage the finish over time.
For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop and a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using excessive water, and wipe up spills immediately to prevent water damage.
So, Is Hardwood Flooring Worth It?
Laying hardwood flooring is an investment, but it’s a home improvement that our flooring experts and many homeowners find worthwhile.
While the up-front cost of hardwood floors can be higher than other flooring options, they can add significant value to your home. Plus, unlike carpet or laminate, you can — in most cases — refinish hardwood rather than replace it entirely, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Ultimately, hardwood floors are a timeless, durable, and valuable addition to any home. With a variety of types to choose from and the ability to refinish them over time, they offer a long-lasting flooring solution that can adapt to your changing styles and needs.
FAQs About Hardwood Flooring
What is the most durable type of hardwood floor?
Solid hardwood flooring is typically the most durable type of hardwood floor, especially when made from hard species like hickory, maple, or oak. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its life span.
What is the difference between hardwood and engineered wood?
Hardwood flooring comprises solid wood planks. In contrast, engineered wood flooring is composed of multiple hardwood and glued-together softwood veneer layers to form a plank, with a top layer of solid hardwood and lower layers made of plywood or high-density fiberboard. See our homeowner’s guide to wood flooring types for more information.
How do I maintain my hardwood floors?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming can help keep your hardwood floors clean. For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop and a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid using harsh cleaners or those that promise to polish or shine the floor, as these can damage the finish over time.
Can I install hardwood floors myself?
While it’s possible to install hardwood floors yourself, it’s a job that requires a fair amount of skill and experience. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, it’s often best to hire a professional flooring contractor to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.
Are hardwood floors suitable for kitchens and basements?
While hardwood floors can work in the kitchen, they may require more maintenance, protection, and restoration due to the risk of spills and the general nature of kitchen activities. As for basements, we generally recommend using engineered hardwood rather than solid hardwood due to the potential for flooding and other moisture-related issues.
