Hardwood floors are one of the most desirable design features in a home. Not only do they look great, but they can also increase your home's value. When preparing for this home update, you'll need to determine the type of lumber you want before the installation can occur. There are three main things you need to consider when choosing your hardwood flooring material.

Lumber Considerations for Your Hardwood Flooring

Hardness

Hardness refers to the durability of the lumber. The harder the wood, the more wear and tear it can withstand before showing signs of damage. If you're planning on putting your new wood flooring in a high-traffic area, like a hallway or living room, make hardness a priority.

White oak and maple are two of the hardest species on the market. Red oak is also strong but not quite as hard as its lighter counterpart. Softer styles like American cherry are also popular because of its aesthetic, but it doesn't have the lifespan of more durable options.

Finish

With real wood floors, the finished isn't as inhibited by the natural color of the lumber as most people imagine. There are various stains and finishes, but regardless of the option you choose, the outcome will vary based on the wood's natural tones.

Red oak is named for its slightly lighter tannish color complemented by pinkish undertones. White oak, on the other hand, is very pale with golden undertones, which allows it to soak up stain easily and provide an even finish. Both options provide fairly prominent grain patterns, but they're not as consistent as other options.

Cost

As long as you stick with domestic options and not an imported species, like mahogany, you won't face substantial wood flooring costs. Both maple and oak varieties are fairly inexpensive lumbers, but you can expect a slightly higher price with oak. American cherry is similarly priced to oak, but since it doesn't offer the same level of hardness, you may face higher long-term costs.

Don’t get overwhelmed by your hardwood flooring options. When it comes to high-quality building materials in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area, the Huber Lumber Co selection is unbeatable. For over 110 years, the lumber enthusiasts have provided their residential and commercial clients with reliable products, top-notch customer services, and great prices. Browse their full list of hardwood flooring manufacturers online, or get expert advice on your choice by calling (513) 731-4035.