Depending on your needs and preferences, there are many types of hardwood flooring to choose from. Hardwood floors can be used as a decorative feature in a home or commercial building, but they can be a functional part of the building’s infrastructure and help its stability too. They provide aesthetic appeal while still being tough enough to stand up to wear and tear from supporting weight.
The most important aspect of hardwood flooring is choosing a species with the right characteristics for your needs. Every hardwood species provides a unique combination of properties that makes it ideal for some applications and less desirable for others. Here is an overview of the most popular hardwoods and how they are used.
Jatoba
Jatoba is a beautiful hardwood with a unique, dark colour and grain. It has an extremely dense texture and is naturally resistant to rot. It is the best hardwood for exterior use, as it can withstand extreme weather conditions while retaining its strength. Jatoba is also waterproof, making it an ideal flooring choice if you live in a wet climate because it will not absorb moisture or mildew.
Merbau
Merbau is a moderately hard and durable hardwood that is often used in high-traffic areas like restaurants, bars, and schools. It is considered a great alternative to oak, mahogany, and walnut. Merbau develops rich colour tones as it ages, making it an attractive flooring choice for areas that people spend a lot of time in. It has mid-grade density and is highly resistant to water damage.
Cherry
Cherry is a striking hardwood that has a naturally reddish-brown colour with light swirls. It is extremely dense, which makes it an ideal flooring choice for home theatre rooms. Cherry is also resistant to water damage and darkening. It resists dents, scratches, and nail damage. Cherry’s density makes it an ideal deck or patio flooring option as well since it can withstand the weight of people and furniture without warping or splitting.
Oak
Oak is the most popular hardwood flooring option on the market today. It is a beautiful, durable hardwood with a medium-dark reddish-brown colour that shines through even after it has been exposed to sunlight. Due to its durability and density, oak is an ideal choice for commercial use as well. However, it should not be used in areas where moisture can reach the floor because its susceptibility to rot makes it unsuitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Walnut
Walnut is a popular hardwood with a dark brownish-black colour and medium density. It can be used successfully in both high-traffic and low-traffic areas since its durability makes it resistant to scratching. While it is an attractive wood, it is not a good choice for outdoor use because of its susceptibility to water damage. Walnut is more expensive than most other hardwoods due to its attractiveness and rarity.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a beautiful hardwood that has a reddish-brown colour with light streaks. However, the colour can fade over time when exposed to sunlight, making it unsuitable for use in outdoor areas. Mahogany is also susceptible to water damage and can stain upon contact with certain substances.
Hickory
Hickory has a striking yellowish-brown colour and medium density. It is moderately water-resistant, making it ideal for indoor use. It is also a popular choice for outdoor use as well because of its durability and resistance to fading and water damage. Hickory has a medium price tag, but its durability and low price make it an attractive option for high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Mangrove
Mangrove is a striking hardwood with a dark brown colour and shading that deeply enhances the wood’s unique patterns. It has a medium density, but it is extremely durable. Even though it is a rare wood, mangrove can be used in both interior and exterior areas. It stains easily, so it should not be used in areas where people will be eating.
Teak
Teak is a very strong, durable hardwood with a greyish-brown colour and medium density. It is ideal for both commercial and residential use since it is resistant to water damage and most wood-destroying pests. It also has high anti-scratch and anti-dent properties, which makes it an attractive option for kitchens or areas with heavy foot traffic. Teak is a little more expensive than other species of hardwood, but its high performance makes it worth the price.
Hardwood flooring is a popular and attractive choice for interior or exterior, high or low-traffic areas of the home. Choosing the right type of hardwood is important if you want the flooring to last over time. It just depends on what you’re looking for.