Table of Contents
5 of the Best Hardwood Species for Flooring
Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring options among Toronto homeowners. Whether you have traditional or contemporary decor, its aesthetic appeal complements every style. It also adds warmth to your home and increases its resale value.
If you are planning to install hardwood flooring in your home for the first time, you should know that there are many species from which to choose. And each has unique features.
Keep reading to pick the superior hardwood flooring species that makes the most sense for your space.
Most Common Superior Hardwood Flooring Species
According to experts of a popular hardwood flooring store in Toronto, these are some of the best-selling hardwood species for flooring
-
Hickory
Hickory is a beautiful and superior hardwood flooring material. Available in natural tans to reddish browns, it offers your space a warm and cozy feel while adding a rustic touch.
Hickory hardwood flooring offers excellent resistance to impact, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways.
With a high Jenka rating of 1820, this species of hardwood is extremely hard. That is why it is hard to cut and, hence, quite expensive.
You can consider installing the Hickory Collection T&G 6 1/2″ X 3/4″ – Greystone. These wide hickory hardwood planks provide your home with a unique and contemporary look.
-
Oak
Oak is the most preferred hardwood flooring material in Canada due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. Oak flooring is available in two major categories: red oak and white oak.
Many Toronto homeowners who wish to make their home more rustic choose red oak engineered hardwood flooring. The multiple granular patterns, including cathedral peaks and linear grain, are highlighted by the alternating open and closed graining of the wood.
White oak hardwood flooring creates a subtle look due to its natural undertones. Indeed, the grains are less bold than red oak. Also, its colour palette ranges from light beige to brown, making it ideal for modern homes.
-
Brazilian Cherry
Having a Janka hardness rating of 2350, Brazilian cherry is an incredibly strong and durable option for flooring. Its deep and rich palette with red undertones creates a warm and welcoming aesthetic. It is also heat-resistant, making it ideal for installing over a radiant flooring base.
Though this type of flooring can be quite expensive, Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring can last more than 30 years if properly maintained.
-
Walnut
The warm, rich tones of walnut hardwood combined with unique grain patterns make it an exceptionally beautiful option for flooring. It also changes colour with time and offers a luxurious look. Additional benefits include moisture resistance and being highly insect-repellent.
Walnut is not as hard as other common hardwood options like red oak. Its softness allows you to comfortably walk on it as it absorbs shock and sound. However, it is advisable not to install walnut in areas where kids play or where you drop heavy items as the flooring can dent easily.
-
Maple
Maple grows in the northern USA as well as Canada, making it one of the most common species for hardwood flooring. It is also quite hard, with a Janka rating of 1450. You will find it in many different tones, ranging from creamy white to light reddish brown.
So, if you want your room to look warm and inviting with a traditional touch, you can go for the darker shades. On the other hand, to make your space look open, choosing a lighter shade of maple flooring is ideal.
If you prefer engineered maple hardwood flooring, consider choosing the Divine Collection Engineered Hard Maple – LIBRA. Its natural features are highlighted by the appearance of grains and subtle variations in the wood.
Now that you are aware of some of the most superior hardwood flooring options, you will surely be able to choose one for your home. However, whether you select Biyork flooring or any other brand, remember to get it installed by a professional. Hardwood flooring is a big investment so needs to be installed correctly as well as taken proper care of for it to last a long time.
