What are the Highest Quality Hardwood Floors?

Types

• Hardwood floor varieties refer to the species of the wood used. The floor type refers to the hardwood floorboards. The two main types of hardwood floors are solid and engineered. Solid wood floors are made from a piece of timber that may be finished and come in strip, plank and parquet varieties. Engineered hardwood floorboards are made up of real wood and laminate veneer layers, but still has the appearance of solid wood. Solid and engineered hardwood floors are comparable in quality, but differ in price, maintenance and value retention.

Varieties

• Hardwood flooring species include cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany. The most durable hardwood variety are those with a high ranking on the Janka Rating system, which calculates the force, in pounds, needed to drive a 0.44 inch steel ball halfway into a wood species. The hardwood with the lowest rating is Douglas fir at 660 pounds. American cherry requires only 950 pounds and Red oak requires 1,290 pounds. The strongest hardwood species are Santos mahogany at 2,200 pounds and Brazilian cherry at 2,350 pounds. Hardwoods with a high Janka Rating are also more difficult to drive nails into and saw. Red oak is generally the standard used in hardwood flooring, according to Mirage Floors.

Finishes

• A hardwood floor finish is the layer of protection applies to the surface of the floor that also adds luster and color. A surface finish refers to the application of a stain to the hardwood floor, followed by a protective coat of varnish or polyurethane. A penetrating finish is one that soaks into the wood and topped with a layer of wax for added protection. A penetrating finish may provide the best quality if you apply and maintain it properly.

Considerations

• Regardless of the type, variety or finish of a hardwood floor, areas with high levels of humidity and the installation of the flooring below grade, like in a basement, can cause a hardwood floor to deteriorate, crown or cup quickly. While hardwood floors naturally expand and contract, moisture can cause the flooring to rot and warp. Therefore, it is best to install quality hardwood floors if you can keep your home humidity free.