It’s difficult to go wrong with hardwood. This flooring material is traditional, timeless, and certainly one of the most popular flooring choices for local homeowners. That being said, it can be difficult to determine which species of hardwood will be best for your Shawnee home.
In order to help you make your decision, the experts at Floor Coverings International® of Merriam have complied a list of the three most popular hardwood species, their qualities, and their perks. Read below to find out which type of hardwood is right for your home!
Oak
The oak hardwood family encompasses both red and white oak. Red oak is one of the most commonly used domestic hardwoods and is considered the standard for durability. Red oak scores 1,290 on the Janka hardness scale, which is a rating system used to measure the density of woods. White oak scores 1,360 on this same scale, meaning that it is slightly denser and thus slightly more durable than red oak.
Red oak provides a warm, rosy hue, while white oak comes in light gold or gray colors. Both take stain well, so they can be easily altered to achieve a number of different colors. One advantage of oak is that it is a relatively stable hardwood, meaning that it is less prone to expanding and contracting in humid environments. Oak flooring is best for homeowners who want a traditional, sturdy floor.
Maple
Maple is another domestically grown hardwood that has won a spot in the hearts and homes of many locals. Maple tends to have a creamier and lighter appearance than other hardwoods, and it comes with a very fine graining. Maple ranks slightly higher than oak on the Janka scale, scoring 1,450. This means it will be slightly more resistant against scratches and dents.
One thing to keep in mind with maple is that it might yellow slightly with age. You can consider staining it a darker color to counteract this effect, but maple does not take dark stain as easily as oak, and the results could be blotchy if done improperly. Maple is a great choice is you’re looking to brighten and warm a room with a natural looking hardwood.
Hickory
Hickory is one of the most durable domestic hardwoods, as it ranks 1,820 on the Janka hardness scale. This wood not only stands out for its superior density, but also for its appearance. Unlike maple, hickory has a very defined graining that tends to contrast greatly with the rest of the wood. This gives hickory an almost calico look.
As a lighter hardwood, hickory is naturally good at hiding scratches. However, its unique pattern gives it an advantage over maple and oak when it comes to disguising damage. Choose hickory for a unique look or for rooms with heavy foot traffic.
Update Your Hardwood Floors Today
These three domestic hardwoods are popular in Shawnee homes for a good reason. Call Floor Coverings International® of Merriam today to schedule your free in-home design consultation and learn more about our hardwood selection. We proudly serve Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Prairie Village and surrounding areas.
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Photo Credit: Frank Anusewicz,Artazum, Eponaleah
