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Types of Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought after home features. To find the best hardwood flooring in Plainfield, it helps to know what types of material you’re looking at. At first glance, most types or species of wood might look the same. Whether you’re considering prefinished or custom stained wood flooring, this article will reveal that looks can be deceiving when it comes to hardwood flooring.

Let’s look at 6 types of hardwoods we often use in hardwood flooring.

Cherry

Cherry is a softer close-grained hardwood with good resistance to warping and shrinking. Cherry wood reddens when it is exposed to sunlight, adding warmth and character to any home. It ages well and is extensively used in cabinet making, boat trim, novelties, and furniture handles.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a finely grained classic hardwood with a beautiful reddish-brown color. Mahogany is used extensively for high-quality, expensive furniture such as wooden cabinets and veneered tables and dressers. It is also used in the construction of boats due to its high resistance to swelling and warping caused by water.

Maple

Maple is a finely textured hardwood with immense strength and hardness. It is a very light-colored wood and it is sometimes bleached to make the color even whiter. Due to its color and strength, hard maple is considered one of the best hardwood flooring choices for homes with dogs and other pets. Maple is best used in flooring, fine furniture, and hard-wearing surfaces such as bowling alley lanes.

Oak

Oak is a light-colored, durable hardwood. Oak flooring is widely available and is one of the most popular hardwood styles. It stains and finishes well and resists moisture absorption. Oak is great for furniture because of its strength and natural appearance. It’s also used for boat framing, wooden desks, and flooring.

Beech

Beech flooring can brighten up any room. Left untreated, beech is a plain-looking wood that usually comes in a cream color. Because of most consumers’ perception that beech is a bland-looking wood, it’s a great value. Beech possesses hardness and durability characteristics similar to those of maple, usually at a more affordable price.

Hickory

Hickory is a great wood type for hardwood flooring because of its strength, toughness, and hardness. It stands up well to wear and tear, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. Hickory wood has a distinct grain pattern and a sharp variation in color. Hickory is also used for tools, drumsticks, walking sticks, and skis.

Which type of wood is right for your hardwood flooring in Plainfield? Ask the professionals at Best Buy Interior Finishes. With over 25 years of experience installing hardwood flooring in Plainfield, we’ll be able to tell you what will work best for your needs.

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