Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought-after flooring options for homeowners in the U.S., offering timeless beauty, durability, and an increase in property value. Whether you're remodeling your home or building from scratch, understanding the various types of hardwood flooring, wood species, finishes, grades, and top brands can help you make an informed decision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hardwood flooring.
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of natural wood, typically 3/4 inches thick. It is available in various widths and species and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Solid hardwood is nailed to the subfloor and is known for its longevity, classic appeal, and ability to be customized with stains and finishes.
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Engineered hardwood is hardwood that has been engineered away from it's organic, natural state. The process of engineering has a purpose and benefits.
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Engineered hardwood is available in different core constructions, which influence its stability and durability.
This type consists of multiple layers (usually 5-9) of plywood arranged in a cross-grain pattern for enhanced stability, It closely mimics solid hardwood in appearance and performance.
Installation method: Glue Down or Stapled
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(HDF) High-Density Fiberboard Core
HDF-core engineered hardwood uses a compressed wood fiber core, making it highly dense and resistant to moisture.
Installation Method: Fold-n-lock, floating
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The type of wood species significantly impacts the appearance, durability, and performance of your hardwood flooring. Below are some of the most popular domestic and exotic species used in the U.S.
Oak (Red and White Oak):
Oak is the most common hardwood flooring species in the U.S. and Atlanta. It's popularity is due to its strength, affordability, and attractive grain. Red Oak has a warm reddish hue, while White Oak is more neutral with a golden undertone.
Maple:
Maple is known for its smooth, even grain and light, creamy color. It is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and modern, clean aesthetics.
Hickory:
Hickory is one of the hardest domestic wood species, featuring striking grain patterns and a mix of light and dark tones. It’s highly resistant to dents and scratches, making it perfect for busy households
Walnut:
Walnut is prized for its deep brown tones and rich character. While not as hard as Oak or Hickory, it is still durable and adds an elegant, high-end look to interiors
Cherry:
Cherry wood is known for its rich, reddish-brown hue that deepens over time. It has a smooth grain and luxurious appeal, often used in traditional and formal interiors
Exotic hardwoods come from regions outside North America and are prized for their unique colors and extreme hardness.
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba):
Brazilian Cherry is extremely hard and dense, with a deep reddish-brown color that darkens over time. It is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it a durable and long-lasting choice
Tigerwood:
Tigerwood features a striking contrast of golden-orange hues with bold dark streaks, giving it a dramatic and eye-catching appearance. It’s highly durable and often used in high-end installations.
Mahogany:
Mahogany is known for its deep reddish-brown color and fine grain. It is highly durable and resistant to moisture, making it a popular choice for luxury homes and furniture
Teak:
Teak is naturally rich in oils, making it highly resistant to moisture, decay, and insects. It has a warm golden-brown tone and is often used in both indoor and outdoor applications
Acacia:
Acacia is known for its dramatic grain patterns and high hardness. It features rich, golden-brown hues and exceptional durability, making it a great choice for homes with heavy foot traffic
Factory-finished (pre-finished) hardwood flooring is treated with protective coatings before installation, making it ready to use immediately after installation.
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Site-finished (unfinished) hardwood flooring is installed raw and then sanded, stained, and sealed on-site.
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Hardwood flooring is graded based on its appearance, knot density, and natural imperfections, with Clear being the highest grade, and #2 common being the lowest grade.
Clear Grade
The highest quality grade with minimal imperfections, a consistent grain pattern, and uniform color. This grade offers a sleek, refined appearance, often used in high-end installations.
Select & Better Grade
Features slight variations in color and grain but maintains a mostly uniform look with few imperfections. It provides a balance between quality and natural character.
#1 Common
Displays more natural variation in color and grain, with occasional small knots and minor imperfections. This grade offers a slightly more rustic look while maintaining durability.
#2 Common (Rustic/ Character Grade)
Features prominent knots, color variations, mineral streaks, and natural imperfections, giving a more rugged and rustic appearance. It is ideal for homeowners who appreciate the unique character of wood.
When choosing hardwood flooring, selecting a reputable brand ensures quality and longevity. Here are some of the most well-known hardwood flooring brands in the U.S.
Bruce is one of the most recognized hardwood flooring brands in the U.S., offering a wide range of solid and engineered options at various price points. Known for its high-quality Appalachian wood, popular styles include Dundee Plank (solid oak) and Hydropel (water-resistant engineered hardwood)
Shaw is a leader in the flooring industry, producing durable and stylish engineered and solid hardwood options. Their Epic Plus engineered collection and Repel water-resistant hardwoods are top sellers, offering a blend of durability and beauty.
Mohawk offers a broad selection of engineered and solid hardwood floors with a focus on sustainability. Their UltraWood collection features waterproof engineered wood, while the TecWood series is known for its natural aesthetic and durability.
Mannington specializes in engineered hardwood with high durability and stylish designs. Their Maison collection is one of the most popular, offering wide-plank European-inspired visuals with superior craftsmanship.
Mullican is known for premium, American-made solid and engineered hardwoods. Their Wexford collection is a favorite for solid hardwood, while their engineered Mount Castle series features beautiful European oak options.
Somerset focuses on high-quality domestic hardwoods with an emphasis on sustainability. Their SolidPlus engineered collection provides extra durability, while their Classic Collection showcases timeless solid wood flooring options.
Mirage is a top-tier brand offering some of the best prefinished hardwood flooring in the industry. Their Sweet Memories collection is a standout, featuring hand-scraped and distressed styles, while their Natural Collection provides a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Hardwood flooring remains a top choice for homeowners due to its beauty, durability, and variety of options. Understanding the different types of hardwood flooring—solid and engineered—along with wood species, finishes, and grades will help you make an informed decision. Additionally, selecting a reputable brand ensures that your flooring investment stands the test of time. Whether you prefer the traditional charm of solid hardwood or the practical advantages of engineered wood, the right choice will enhance your home’s value and aesthetic appeal for years to come.
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