Many homeowners choose hardwood flooring or carpeting when building or renovating their home, and for good reason. Hardwood flooring lasts longer, is easier to clean, and actually adds to the property value of the house. But what type of wood best suits your lifestyle and design scheme? The following are four of the most popular type of hardwood floors available, their features, and which kind of room they look best in.
Ipe
If you had to describe Ipe flooring in one word, it would be “durable”. This species of hardwood has one of the highest Janka hardness ratings in the world, and it is so dense that is occupies the same class of fire-retardant materials as steel. It is also very dimensionally stable, meaning it won’t bend or warp as much as other species.
Ipe flooring is also very eye-catching. It features deep reds and browns, a dark and playful grain, and a very attractive natural shine. If you are looking for a flooring material to cover a room with a sophisticated, modern design scheme, Ipe is a perfect choice.
Ash
One of the best features of Ash flooring is its impact resistance. As you may know, Ash is often the top choice for baseball bat manufacturers, so you know it can hold its own against heels, paws, and heavy furnishings.
Ash flooring features a reddish-brown heartwood and creamy white tone, giving it a very dramatic and fun look. The fluid grain pattern adds to the appeal, making this flooring material perfect for a family room, game room, or any place in the home that needs a touch of flair.
Bubinga
Originating in central and western regions of Africa, this exotic hardwood is known for being one of the most dynamic, eye-catching species available. Its wavy figure and high luster has made it a top choice for many high-end uses, such as trim, doors, and even custom guitars.
Bubinga has a high Janka hardness rating of 2,630 pounds and because of its density is very resistant to termites and other boring insects. It is less dimensionally stable than other flooring options, but if you use it in a house with a high-quality HVAC system it shouldn’t cause you too much trouble.
Bubinga features dark reddish-brown tones, a thick, dark grain, and brilliant reddish-yellow overtones. The dramatic look of Bubinga flooring complements rooms where important work takes place – offices, studies, dens, libraries, dining rooms, etc. If you have a room that needs a shot of sophistication, look no further than Bubinga.
Oak
Oak has been a standard flooring material in homes across America for years. Most oak flooring is locally sourced, meaning you can more easily track where it is coming from and by what means it came to be in your home.
Depending on the type you choose, oak flooring can feature bright, crisp tones and heartwood that ranges from pale gray to reddish-brown. The grain pattern is tight and uniform, which adds beauty to the wood without being too much of a distraction.
The hardness and dimensional stability of oak also make it very useful for flooring purposes. With a Janka hardness rating of 1,360 pounds and a very low tangential/radial shrinkage differential, oak flooring will last many years.
Because it is less dramatic than other hardwood choices, oak flooring works well in rooms that have conservative design schemes. Great for bedrooms, living rooms and dens, oak is the perfect complement to any traditional decorating style.
There are dozens of hardwood flooring choices, but if you’re looking for a species that combines good looks, durability, and dimensional stability, the above four choices can’t be beat.
