Choosing Your Hardwood Flooring

The decision to install a hardwood floor in your home is an excellent way to attain an elegant, beautiful look that will last for a very long time.  However, the number of choices available on today's market can be confusing.  One of the areas in which you may have the most difficulty deciding on the best option is in the type of hardwood used for your flooring.  Understanding the benefits offered by various species of trees will help make your choice simpler.

American Beech – The American beech tree has long been a choice for homeowners.  It offers a pale exterior wood, with a slightly darker heartwood, as well as considerable uniformity throughout the grain, color and even the texture of the wood.  However, beech is not the best option for the homeowner who demands the utmost in durability.

Chestnut – Chestnut is a beautiful option for your flooring needs.  The grain can be straight or slightly spiral and the wood is capable of enduring for a very long time.  In fact, this is one of the most durable options for your flooring needs, with more durability than even red oak can offer.

Heart Pine – While heart pine is increasingly difficult to find, it is an enormously popular option. This flooring option offers light colored wood, with dark brown knots throughout it.  Heart pine is also very durable.  However, care must be used when selecting this wood; unscrupulous manufacturers often market softer pine with the heart pine name.

Red Oak – Red oak is one of the most durable flooring options available for your needs.  It offers a very strong grain, with straight and spiral elements, as well as incredible longevity. Red oak has a distinctly different grain pattern to that of white oak, which is another excellent option for flooring.

Choosing the best flooring option for your needs will involve looking at many other species of wood. A few other popular choices on the market are cedar, pine, pecan and maple.