The Ultimate Guide to Hardwood Flooring Planks

Life happens on your floors. From kids and pets racing through the living room to spills in the dining area, your flooring needs to be as resilient as it is beautiful. Finding a material that can handle the demands of your specific lifestyle is the key to a successful renovation. While all hardwood is durable, some options are better suited for busy households than others. This guide focuses on the practical side of choosing hardwood flooring planks. We’ll cover which species stand up best to scratches, which finishes are easiest to maintain, and how to select a floor that perfectly balances your aesthetic goals with your real-world needs.

Key Takeaways

• Balance Practical Needs with Your Design Vision: Start by choosing between solid and engineered planks based on your room's moisture levels and subfloor. Then, select a wood species, plank width, and finish that can handle your family's lifestyle while complementing your home's aesthetic.
• Plan Your Budget and Source Smartly: A realistic budget includes not just the planks but also professional installation, subfloor prep, and material disposal. Partner with a supplier who offers transparent pricing, bulk discounts, and strong warranties to protect your investment.
• Protect Your Investment with Proper Care: Professional installation is almost always worth the cost to prevent future issues. After installation, your main job is to maintain stable indoor humidity and follow a simple cleaning routine to ensure your floors last a lifetime.

Explore the Types of Hardwood Planks

Choosing the right hardwood plank is the first step toward creating a floor you’ll love for years. The options can feel endless, but they generally fall into a few key categories based on construction, wood species, and finish. Understanding these differences will help you find the perfect match for your home’s style, your family’s lifestyle, and your budget. Let’s walk through the main types of hardwood planks so you can make a confident and informed decision for your project.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Your first major choice is between solid and engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood flooring is exactly what it sounds like—each plank is milled from a single, solid piece of wood. Its classic beauty is unmatched, and its biggest advantage is longevity. Because it’s solid wood through and through, you can sand and refinish it multiple times over its lifespan, which can easily last a century.

Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is constructed from multiple layers of wood pressed together, with a top layer of genuine hardwood veneer. This layered construction gives it greater stability, making it less prone to expanding and contracting with changes in humidity. This makes engineered planks a great choice for any room in the house, including basements and kitchens where moisture can be a concern.

Discover Popular Wood Species

The type of wood you choose, or the species, determines your floor’s durability, grain pattern, and color. Some of the most popular options you’ll find are red oak, white oak, hickory, and maple. If you’re looking for maximum durability, hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods available, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Maple is also incredibly strong and has a clean, subtle grain that works well in modern spaces.

Oak is a timeless classic known for its prominent grain patterns and ability to take stains well. White oak tends to have a grayish-brown undertone, while red oak has warmer, pinkish hues. Understanding the Janka hardness scale can help you compare the relative durability of different species before making a final decision.

Choose Your Finish and Treatment

The finish is the protective top coat that seals your hardwood from spills, scratches, and daily wear. You can buy planks that are pre-finished at the factory or unfinished planks that are sanded and finished on-site. Pre-finished flooring is incredibly convenient, as it arrives ready to install with a durable, factory-applied coating. Unfinished flooring gives you more control over the final color and sheen.

Keep in mind that even the toughest finish will show wear over time. The good news is that you can always refinish your floors to restore their original beauty. A professional refinishing can fix scratches and wear, giving your floor a complete refresh and extending its life for many more years.

Find Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices

For many homeowners and builders, sustainability is a top priority. Hardwood can be an excellent eco-friendly flooring choice when it’s sourced responsibly. Wood is a natural, renewable resource that contributes to better indoor air quality compared to some synthetic materials. When you’re shopping, look for products with certifications from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This label ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity and support local communities.

Because hardwood floors can last for generations, especially solid planks that can be refinished, they also reduce waste over the long term. Choosing a durable, high-quality hardwood floor is a sustainable investment in your home.

What Defines a Quality Hardwood Plank?

When you’re standing in a showroom or browsing online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of hardwood options. They might look similar at first glance, but the true quality of a hardwood plank lies in details you can’t always see. Understanding these markers helps you choose a floor that not only looks beautiful on day one but also stands up to years of daily life. A quality plank is an investment in your home’s value and your own peace of mind.

So, what should you look for? It comes down to four key areas: the wood’s grade and inherent durability, the way the plank is constructed, its ability to handle moisture, and its environmental credentials. Getting familiar with these factors will give you the confidence to select the perfect hardwood flooring for your project. It’s the difference between a floor that simply covers the ground and one that truly defines your space for decades.

Check the Wood Grade and Durability

The grade of a hardwood plank tells you about its appearance. Grades like "Clear" or "Select" have a uniform color and minimal knots, offering a clean, modern look. "Common" grades show more natural character, including knots and color variations, which can create a rustic feel. While grading is about aesthetics, durability is about strength. The Janka hardness scale measures a wood’s resistance to dents and wear. A species with a higher Janka rating, like oak or hickory, is better suited for high-traffic areas. A durable, high-quality floor is also easier to maintain and contributes to better indoor air quality.

Examine Plank Construction and Thickness

Hardwood planks come in two main constructions: solid and engineered. Solid planks are milled from a single piece of wood, while engineered planks are made of a real wood veneer bonded to layers of high-quality plywood. Engineered wood flooring often provides more stability, making it less likely to expand or contract with changes in humidity. The thickness of the plank—and specifically the top "wear layer" on engineered wood—is also crucial. A thicker wear layer allows the floor to be sanded and refinished multiple times, significantly extending its lifespan and giving you more value over time.

Look for Moisture Resistance

Moisture is the primary adversary of any wood floor. While no wood is completely waterproof, some species and constructions handle humidity better than others. Engineered planks, with their layered construction, are generally more stable in moisture-prone environments like kitchens, basements, or bathrooms. The type of finish applied to the plank also plays a huge role in protecting the wood from spills and humidity. A quality factory finish will seal the wood’s surface effectively, giving you more time to clean up messes before they can cause damage and helping the floor maintain its appearance for years.

Verify Environmental Certifications

Choosing a quality hardwood plank also means considering its origin. Responsibly sourced wood comes from forests that are managed to ensure their long-term health and biodiversity. Look for certifications from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which guarantees the wood was harvested in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Selecting certified hardwood not only supports sustainable practices but also ensures you’re bringing a safe, healthy, and eco-friendly material into your home. It’s a choice that feels as good as it looks.

How Plank Dimensions Affect Your Space

Choosing the right hardwood planks is about more than just the color. The dimensions of each board—its width, length, and thickness—are the secret ingredients that define your room’s entire personality. These measurements can make a small room feel spacious or a large one feel cozy and intimate. Getting the proportions right is key to creating a floor that doesn’t just look good, but feels perfectly suited to your home’s architecture and your design vision. Let’s break down how each dimension works to shape your space.

Select the Right Plank Width

Plank width has a huge effect on your room’s overall scale. You’ll generally find options categorized as narrow (5 inches or less), medium (5.1 to 6.9 inches), or wide (7 inches or more). Wide planks are very popular right now because their fewer seams create a clean, expansive look that can make a room feel larger and more open. They work beautifully in modern, rustic, or minimalist designs. Narrow planks offer a more traditional, classic feel that adds texture and visual rhythm to a space, making them a great fit for historic homes or smaller rooms. When you browse different hardwood flooring options, think about the balance. A very wide plank in a tiny room might feel out of proportion, while a narrow plank can get lost in a large, open-concept area.

Consider Plank Length

Just as important as width, plank length sets the visual flow of your floor. Longer planks result in fewer end joints, creating a smooth, continuous look that can make any space feel more streamlined and spacious. This is an excellent strategy for large, open-concept areas where you want to establish a sense of calm and cohesion. On the other hand, shorter or random-length planks introduce more visual texture and a busier pattern. This can lend a charming, rustic, or traditional character to a room, perfect for creating a cozy and lived-in atmosphere. Think about the journey your eyes will take across the floor. Do you want a long, uninterrupted path or a more dynamic, varied pattern? Your answer will guide you to the right plank length.

Follow Thickness Guidelines

Plank thickness is all about performance and longevity. You’ll typically see options like 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 5/16 inch. For solid hardwood, a 3/4-inch thickness is the gold standard. It’s incredibly durable and provides enough wood above the tongue and groove to be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring it can last for generations. Thinner planks are common for engineered hardwood, which is a great choice for areas where solid wood isn’t suitable, like basements or installations over concrete. When making your choice, don’t forget to consider your home’s existing structure. You’ll need to match the new floor’s height to adjoining rooms to create a smooth, safe transition without awkward thresholds or steps.

How Dimensions Shape Your Room's Look

Bringing it all together, the interplay between width, length, and thickness is what gives your floor its unique character. Solid hardwood always adds warmth and a classic feel, but the dimensions you select will fine-tune the final aesthetic. Imagine a large, open-plan living area with wide, long planks—the effect is modern, airy, and luxurious. Now picture a historic bedroom with narrow, shorter planks; the look becomes more intricate, traditional, and cozy. The goal is to create harmony between your flooring and your space. Consider the scale of your room, the height of your ceilings, and your overall design goals. A thoughtful combination of dimensions ensures your new floor doesn’t just occupy the space, but truly completes it.

How Much Do Hardwood Planks Cost?

Understanding the cost of hardwood flooring helps you plan your project with confidence. While it’s a significant investment, hardwood adds timeless beauty and substantial value to your home. The total price tag depends on the materials you choose, the size of your space, and installation costs. Let’s break down what you can expect to spend so you can create a realistic budget.

Factors That Influence Material Cost

The wood itself is the biggest variable in your budget. On average, you can expect to pay between $4 and $15 per square foot for materials. The species of wood is the primary driver of this cost. For example, classic choices like Red Oak and Maple are often more affordable and perfect for high-traffic areas. If you’re looking for something with more character and durability, Hickory is a fantastic mid-range option. Exotic woods like Brazilian Walnut are at the higher end of the price scale due to their exceptional hardness and unique look. Your choice will ultimately balance your aesthetic preferences with your budget for hardwood flooring.

Budget for Installation

Once you’ve selected your planks, you’ll need to account for installation. Professional installation typically runs from $3 to $6 per square foot. For a 500-square-foot living room, that means adding between $1,500 and $3,000 to your material costs. While it might be tempting to DIY, a professional installer ensures the job is done right, preventing costly issues like buckling or gapping down the road. Getting a few quotes from local contractors can help you find a fair price. Remember, proper installation is key to making your new floors last a lifetime.

Calculate the Long-Term Value

Hardwood floors are more than just a beautiful design choice; they’re a smart financial investment. In fact, homeowners who install new wood floors often see a return of around 118% when they sell their homes. This means you can often recoup the entire cost of the project and then some. If you’re refinishing existing floors, the return can be even higher. Unlike other flooring types that may need replacing every decade, well-maintained hardwood can last for generations, making it one of the most cost-effective and value-adding upgrades you can make to your property.

Watch Out for Hidden Costs

To avoid any budget surprises, it’s important to think about potential hidden costs. Will you need to move heavy furniture out of the room? That might require hiring movers or renting a storage unit. What about your old flooring? Removing and disposing of carpet or tile can add a couple of hundred dollars to your bill. Finally, your subfloor needs to be clean, level, and dry before installation, and any necessary repairs will be an additional expense. Factoring these possibilities into your initial budget will ensure your project runs smoothly. Trade professionals can often manage these costs by applying for a trade account to access bulk pricing.

Select the Right Hardwood for Your Home

Choosing the right hardwood flooring feels like a huge decision because it is. It sets the foundation for your entire home's aesthetic and needs to stand up to your daily life for decades. But don't let that intimidate you. The key is to think methodically about your space, your lifestyle, and your personal style. It’s not just about picking a color you like; it’s about finding the perfect match for how you live, ensuring your investment pays off in both beauty and function.

Before you fall in love with a specific wood species, take a step back and consider the practical side of things. Where is the flooring going? What kind of climate do you live in? Who will be walking, running, or crawling on it every day? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options from a sea of beautiful choices to a curated list of contenders that are both stunning and sensible. This practical approach ensures your new floors will not only look incredible on day one but will continue to perform beautifully for years to come. By breaking the process down into these manageable steps, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you've covered all your bases.

Assess Your Room's Function

The first step is to think about how you use the room. A floor in a busy entryway has very different demands than one in a quiet bedroom. For high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways, you’ll want a durable hardwood that can handle daily wear and tear. Solid hardwood is a fantastic choice for these spaces, adding a classic warmth and timeless appeal. However, it’s not the right fit for every room. Because solid wood is sensitive to moisture, you should avoid installing it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements where humidity and potential spills are a concern.

Factor in Climate and Moisture

Wood is a natural material that responds to its environment, expanding in humidity and contracting in dry air. This is a critical factor to consider, especially if you live in a region with dramatic seasonal changes. Solid hardwood is more susceptible to these shifts, which can cause gapping or cupping over time. For spaces with higher moisture levels, like basements or homes in humid climates, engineered hardwood flooring is often a more stable solution. Its layered construction makes it less likely to warp, giving you the look of real wood with added resilience where you need it most.

Check Your Subfloor

What lies beneath your flooring is just as important as the flooring itself. The type and condition of your subfloor will determine which kind of hardwood you can install. A proper subfloor preparation is essential for a long-lasting, beautiful result. Solid hardwood typically needs to be nailed down to a plywood or OSB subfloor. If you have a concrete subfloor, you’ll likely need to look at engineered hardwood, which can often be "floated" or glued down. Before you buy, make sure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Fixing any underlying issues first will save you from major headaches down the road.

Match Your Style and Design

Now for the fun part: aesthetics. Your flooring should complement your home's overall design. Think about the mood you want to create. Do you prefer a light, airy feel or a dark, dramatic one? Consider the wood species, grain pattern, stain color, and plank width. Wide planks can make a room feel more open and modern, while narrower planks offer a more traditional look. The best way to see what works is to get samples. Bring them home and look at them in your room’s natural light at different times of day to ensure the color and texture are exactly what you envision.

Consider Your Family and Pets

Your lifestyle plays a huge role in choosing the right floor. If you have a busy household with kids and pets, durability is your top priority. You’ll want to look for a harder wood species that can resist scratches and dents from dropped toys or pet claws. The Janka hardness scale is a great resource for comparing the durability of different woods—species like oak, hickory, and maple are excellent choices for active homes. The finish also matters. A matte or satin finish is more forgiving and does a better job of hiding minor scuffs and scratches than a high-gloss finish, keeping your floors looking fresh.

Your Guide to Installation and Maintenance

Once you’ve picked out the perfect hardwood flooring, the next step is getting it installed and learning how to care for it. Proper installation and maintenance are key to ensuring your floors look beautiful for decades. Protecting your investment starts with understanding the right way to prepare your space, deciding on an installation method, and establishing a simple care routine. With just a little attention, your hardwood floors will remain a stunning feature in your home.

Prepare for Installation

Before a single plank is laid, your new hardwood needs to acclimate to its environment. This means letting the wood sit in the room where it will be installed for several days to adjust to the temperature and humidity. This simple step prevents the planks from gapping or buckling after installation. While the wood rests, you can prepare your budget. The cost to install hardwood flooring typically ranges from $6 to $25 per square foot, though this can increase for complex layouts or premium materials.

Decide Between Pro and DIY Installation

While the DIY route can be tempting, hardwood flooring is one area where professional help is almost always worth it. Unlike floating floors, solid hardwood is typically nailed to the subfloor, a process that requires specialized tools and expertise. A professional installer ensures the subfloor is properly prepped, the planks are laid straight, and the finish is flawless. Since professional installation is often required, it’s best to factor this into your budget from the start to protect your investment and guarantee a beautiful, long-lasting result.

Follow Essential Care Guidelines

One of the best things about hardwood is that it’s surprisingly easy to maintain. A simple routine will keep your floors looking their best. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. For cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner designed specifically for wood floors and a microfiber mop—avoid using water and vinegar or steam cleaners. Place felt pads under furniture legs and use area rugs in high-traffic zones. With minimal effort, you’ll find that hardwood floors are durable and contribute to better indoor air quality.

Learn to Control Humidity

Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Keeping your home’s humidity levels stable (ideally between 35% and 55%) is the single most important thing you can do to protect your floors. Use a humidifier in the winter and a dehumidifier in the summer to maintain this balance. This is also why solid hardwood isn't recommended for bathrooms or basements, where moisture is a constant issue. By managing the humidity, you can prevent your planks from warping, cupping, or gapping over time.

Where to Find Quality Hardwood Planks

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of hardwood you want, the next big step is finding a trustworthy supplier. This isn't just about finding the best price; it's about finding a partner who offers a great selection, stands behind their products, and provides the support you need to make your project a success. A reliable supplier can make all the difference, ensuring you get high-quality materials and expert guidance from start to finish. Juggling multiple vendors for a renovation can be a huge headache, leading to mismatched materials, conflicting timelines, and added stress. This is where having a one-stop shop simplifies everything.

Imagine sourcing your hardwood flooring, custom steel doors, and even plumbing fixtures from a single, trusted source. This approach not only saves you time but also helps you coordinate your design seamlessly, ensuring every element works together beautifully. It removes the guesswork and allows you to focus on the creative aspects of your project. At USA Builders Depot, we focus on providing a comprehensive inventory of premium building materials, all backed by a team that’s ready to help you every step of the way. Let’s walk through what you should look for in a supplier and how we can help you bring your vision to life with confidence.

Explore the USA Builders Depot Collection

Finding the perfect plank starts with having great options. Our collection is curated to offer both beauty and performance. For example, our Natural Hickory Hardwood Flooring is a popular choice because it’s engineered for superior stability and resistance to moisture, ensuring it looks beautiful for years. We also offer stunning options like Bromo Hickory, which brings a unique character to any room. By focusing on quality materials, we make sure your investment is a lasting one. You can browse our full range of hardwood flooring to find the perfect match for your home’s aesthetic and functional needs.

Save with Bulk Purchases

Whether you’re a contractor managing a large commercial project or a homeowner renovating your entire house, material costs can add up quickly. Buying your hardwood planks in bulk is one of the smartest ways to manage your budget without compromising on quality. We offer bulk pricing to help you get more for your money, making high-end flooring more accessible for projects of any scale. For trade professionals, this is an essential part of staying competitive and profitable. If you’re a contractor, designer, or builder, you can fill out our trade application to access exclusive discounts and benefits tailored to your business needs.

Get Support from Our Professional Services

Choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Having access to a knowledgeable team can help you make confident decisions. We’re here to assist you with everything from selecting the right wood species for your climate to coordinating materials for your entire project. Our goal is to be more than just a supplier; we want to be a reliable partner in your building journey. We believe that great service is just as important as great products. You can see what our customers have to say by reading our reviews and learning about their experiences working with our team.

Understand Your Warranty Coverage

A strong warranty is a clear indicator of a product’s quality and the manufacturer’s confidence in its durability. Before you buy, always take the time to understand what the warranty covers and for how long. This simple step can save you from future headaches. For instance, products like our Bromo Hickory hardwood flooring come with a 25-year residential warranty and a 5-year commercial warranty. This coverage protects your investment against manufacturing defects and gives you peace of mind knowing your beautiful new floors are built to last. Always read the fine print so you know exactly what to expect and how to maintain your flooring to keep the warranty valid.

Shop Smarter for Hardwood Planks

Choosing the right hardwood flooring is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, you can feel confident you’re selecting beautiful, durable planks that will last for years. It’s all about knowing what to look for, planning your budget, and doing a bit of homework before you commit. Think of it as a final check to ensure your investment is a smart one. These simple steps will help you move forward with your project, knowing you’ve covered all your bases.

Use This Quality Checklist

Hardwood flooring is a fantastic choice for so many reasons. Beyond its timeless appearance, it’s durable, easy to maintain, and can even contribute to better indoor air quality. When you’re comparing options, keep a mental checklist of key quality indicators. First, examine the finish. Is it smooth and consistent? Next, check the milling of the tongue and groove to ensure the planks will fit together snugly. Finally, confirm the wood grade, as this will tell you about its appearance and character. A high-quality hardwood flooring collection will offer clear specifications, so you know you’re getting a product built for safety, comfort, and lasting beauty.

Plan Your Budget

Understanding the full cost of a new floor is key to a stress-free project. The price of hardwood flooring can vary widely, with installation costs typically running between $6 and $25 per square foot. The planks themselves often account for $4 to $15 of that cost, depending on the wood species, grade, and finish you choose. Remember to also factor in expenses for underlayment, trim, and potential subfloor repairs. To get a clear picture, measure your space accurately and then request a quote that breaks down both material and labor costs. This helps you avoid surprises and ensures your budget aligns with your vision.

Always Test Samples

You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, and you shouldn’t buy flooring without testing samples in your home. Colors can look completely different online or in a showroom than they do in your own space. Order a few of your top choices and place them in the room where they’ll be installed. Pay attention to how they look throughout the day as the natural light changes. This also gives you a chance to see how the planks complement your wall colors, furniture, and overall decor. It’s a simple but crucial step to ensure you’ll love your new floors for years to come.

Read the Fine Print on Warranties

A strong warranty is a sign that a manufacturer stands behind its product. Before you make a purchase, take a few minutes to understand what the warranty covers. Most will protect against manufacturing defects or issues with the finish wearing through prematurely under normal residential use. However, they typically don’t cover damage from improper installation, excessive moisture, or scratches from pets and furniture. Knowing these details upfront helps you set realistic expectations and follow the right care guidelines to protect your investment. Reputable suppliers are transparent about their warranties and have positive customer reviews to back up their promises.

How Does Hardwood Compare to Other Flooring?

When you’re choosing new floors, the options can feel endless. From plush carpet to sleek tile, every material has its place. But hardwood flooring consistently stands out for its timeless beauty and lasting appeal. Unlike trendy materials that can quickly look dated, hardwood offers a classic foundation that works with nearly any design style.

While options like laminate and vinyl have improved in mimicking the look of wood, they don't quite capture the authentic warmth and character of the real thing. Each hardwood plank is unique, with its own grain patterns and natural imperfections. This creates a depth and richness that manufactured materials struggle to replicate. To help you make an informed choice, this section breaks down how hardwood stacks up against other popular flooring types in the areas that matter most: performance, cost, maintenance, and long-term value.

Compare Performance and Durability

Hardwood floors are known for their strength and longevity. With proper care, a solid hardwood floor can last for generations—something few other flooring materials can claim. While carpet needs replacing every 5 to 15 years and laminate can chip or peel, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times to erase signs of wear and tear, making it look brand new again. This gives it an incredible lifespan.

Beyond its durability, hardwood flooring also contributes to better indoor air quality. Unlike carpets that can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, hardwood provides a solid, easy-to-clean surface. While it can be more susceptible to scratches and water damage than tile or luxury vinyl, its overall resilience and ability to be restored make it a top performer for long-term use.

Analyze the Costs

There’s no getting around it: hardwood flooring is an investment. The upfront cost is typically higher than for laminate, vinyl, or carpet. Material costs alone often range from $4 to $15 per square foot, with installation adding to the final price tag. The total project cost can fall anywhere between $6 and $25 per square foot, depending on the wood species, plank style, and your local labor rates.

However, it's important to look at this cost over the lifetime of the floor. While you might replace carpet two or three times, a single hardwood floor installation can last a lifetime. For contractors and builders, managing these costs is key, which is why programs offering trade discounts on bulk orders can make a significant difference in a project’s budget.

Review Maintenance Needs

Hardwood floors require a bit more mindful care than some other surfaces. To keep them looking their best, you’ll need to clean up spills right away to prevent water damage. It’s also a good idea to use furniture pads to avoid scratches and place rugs in high-traffic areas. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft-bristled attachment is essential to remove grit that can dull the finish over time.

While this might sound like more work than wiping down a vinyl or tile floor, the trade-off is the ability to repair and restore the surface. A deep scratch in laminate is permanent, but on a hardwood floor, it can often be buffed out or fixed during a refinishing project. This unique quality means that even after years of heavy use, your floor can be brought back to its original beauty.

Evaluate Long-Term Value

This is where hardwood flooring truly outshines the competition. Its high-end appeal adds significant resale value to a home. In fact, studies have shown that homeowners can see a return on investment of over 100% when they install new wood floors. Buyers often perceive hardwood as a premium feature, making a home more desirable and potentially helping it sell faster.

Unlike carpet, which can be a matter of personal taste and may need to be replaced by new owners, hardwood has universal appeal. It’s a timeless upgrade that signals quality and durability. While other flooring options might save you money upfront, few can match the lasting financial and aesthetic value that hardwood floors bring to a property over the long run.

Related Articles

• Engineered Wood Flooring vs Hardwood: Which Is Best?
• Hardwood vs Engineered Hardwood: The Real Difference
• From Classic Oak to Bold Hickory: Choosing the Perfect Hardwood Floor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is engineered hardwood real wood? Yes, it absolutely is. The top layer of an engineered plank is 100% genuine hardwood, which is what you see and walk on. The difference is what’s underneath. Instead of being a single solid piece, engineered wood has a core made of multiple layers of high-quality plywood bonded together. This layered construction makes the plank more stable and less likely to react to changes in humidity, but the beauty you see on the surface is all real wood.

Can I really install hardwood flooring in a kitchen or basement? This is a great question, and the answer depends on the type of hardwood you choose. You should avoid using solid hardwood in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, basements, or bathrooms because it can warp or swell. However, engineered hardwood is specifically designed for these situations. Its layered core provides the stability needed to handle the moderate humidity changes common in these rooms, giving you the authentic look of wood without the risk.

What's the best hardwood for a home with kids and pets? For a busy household, durability is everything. You’ll want to look for a harder wood species like hickory or oak, as they are more resistant to dents and scratches. You can check a wood’s relative strength on the Janka hardness scale. Just as important is the finish. A matte or satin finish is a lifesaver because it does a much better job of hiding minor scuffs and pet claw marks than a high-gloss finish, which tends to highlight every little imperfection.

How do I choose between wide and narrow planks for my room? The width of your planks has a huge impact on the feel of your space. As a general rule, wide planks create a more open, clean, and modern look because there are fewer seams. They work beautifully in large, open-concept areas. Narrow planks, on the other hand, create more visual texture and a sense of rhythm, which lends itself to a more traditional or classic style. Consider the scale of your room—you want the plank size to feel balanced and proportional to the space.

Why is it so important to let the wood acclimate before installation? Letting your new hardwood planks sit in the room for several days before installation is a crucial step you can’t skip. Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Acclimation gives the planks time to adjust to your home’s unique environment. If you install them right away, they might shrink and create gaps or expand and buckle later on. This simple waiting period ensures your floor settles in properly for a tight, stable fit that will last.