Your perfect definition of an alluring view in a building is mostly described by outstanding floors that compliment good aesthetics. Interestingly, there are different types of flooring to consider based on your style. Hardwood flooring is one unique option that blends with all building functionality.
One of the most popular features of hardwood floors is their all-round natural beauty, reflecting both durability and timeless appeal. Setting up a real hardwood floor is best described as a significant investment. However, selecting the right choice of wood planks can be overwhelming.
There are various species of available wood flooring planks. Each of these species has their own unique traits and qualities. Hence the need for you to have a full knowledge and understanding of your chosen options.
To ensure you make an informed decision, let’s consider the top 10 hardwood species. This discussion will help you identify unique characteristics that best meet your preferences.
The 10 Best Hardwood Species for Wide Plank Flooring
A general characteristic of a wood flooring plank is its durability nature that yields natural beauty. They are mainly used in the form of a wide plank.
The wide plank flooring is known for its addition of a luxurious and spacious feel to the interiors. This particular type is also rated as one of the popular choices in this industry. However, it is essential you know that not all hardwood species can be used for this format.
Durability, stability, and a beautiful grain pattern are necessary qualities you should look out for when selecting the appropriate species for wood plank. These features further complement the larger plank size.
Here are the top ten real hardwoods floors commonly recommended for wide plank flooring:
- White Oak
- Red Oak
- Maple
- Walnut
- Hickory
- Cherry
- Ash
- Birch
- Heart Pine
- Eastern White Pine
Key Hardwood Traits to Consider
In addition to the above-listed characteristics of a good hardwood species; there are other factors to consider in getting the best options. These factors determine their suitability level and how it will perform over time. Here are some key traits to consider:
Hardness
The hardness of wood goes a long way in telling their durability and longevity capability. The durability ability of a species helps to determine its hardness and how well it can resist scratches.
The hardness of a real hardwood floor is usually tested using the Janka test. The Janka test measures each plank’s resistance to wear and denting using the units known as pound-force (IBF). It is a simple test that gives an illustration of how good your wood sample is based on the higher rating.
A low hardness is usually rated below 800 IBF. They are most suitable for areas like bedrooms and closets. These mentioned areas usually require light foot traffic.
The medium hardness of your hardwood species falls between the range of 800-1600 IBF. Samples like this are best used in regions of moderate traffic. A typical example is your living room or dining room. Areas like this are described with moderate foot traffic with no heavy use.
High hardness falls above 1600 IBF upward. This one is perfect for commercial and high-traffic areas. They are best used by a busy household to prevent or minimize the effects of dents and scratches.
If you have a large dog and kids, harder species like hickory and maple are ideal.
Stability
Stability is a resistance property in hardwood species. A stable wood species provides a good resistance to nature when it comes to creating a balance with humidity and temperature changes.
You can best observe these properties in wide plank flooring. A well-stable wood species hardly gives room to gape or a wrap regardless of their usage timing. This means appearance and integrity are maintained over time.
White oak and walnut wood species are good samples for reflecting stability. You can also consider your room’s temperature and moisture level to help you make the right choice in your kitchen or basement.
Grain Pattern
The grain pattern consists of different designs and style variations. These designs vary from subtle and smooth (like cherry) to dramatic and rustic (like hickory). Your choice of grain is mostly influenced by your personal preference and design style.
You can enjoy striking grain designs, patterns, and other color variations when you make the right choice. The features of a plank are not only dependent on the grain pattern. But other character stems such as variation in colors.
Color Variation
Coloring is another necessary factor in flooring. The brightness and feel of a room usually depend on the floor and the region’s choice of color. You can settle for any option of your choice based on what you like.
A multiple and varied choice of color is another system you get to enjoy with hardwood species. With different natural color ranges, you can go from the light hues of ash and white oak to the rich, dark tones of walnut.
The 10 Best Domestic Hardwood Species
Considering the above-listed features; let’s dive into the top ten domestic hardwood species as mentioned earlier.
1. Ash Plank Flooring
Ash plank flooring is a reflection of light, natural color and a distinctive grain pattern. Although their species is slightly softer than oak, they still have good strength and shock resistance.
Characterize by different variations of color; they also vary in degree depending on the region the tree grew. Their color ranges from creamy light brown, gray and pale yellow. The Ash flooring has a Janka rating of 1320.
Ashwood species work well for both modern and rustic interiors, giving off a soft and inviting look to any space.
Their ability to resist shock makes them an excellent choice for wide planks.
2. Birch Plank Flooring
Described by creamy tones and fine, smooth grain, with subtle patterns; the Birch species is known to be moderately hard. These qualities give off a unique character to wide plank usability.
The coloring features of Birch plank flooring contribute to their versatile nature. Their Janka rating is dependent on the subspecies involved. However, they are still very durable falling under the rating of 1260 (yellow birch) to 1470 (sweet birch).
Their prices vary depending majorly on being either a solid or engineered hardwood flooring. The Birch plank flooring is a durable option you can enjoy in most of your rooms.
3. Cherry Plank Flooring
This particular flooring option is a source of elegance in your space. The cherry species contains unique properties that develop a warm patina promoting a sophisticated look.
Cherry plank flooring is relatively stable even though it appears to be softer than Oak. This feature makes it an increasingly popular choice for rooms with softer aesthetics.
They are also described by a gradual deepening reddish-brown color that changes with age. Their gentle satiny texture and swirling heartwood are a source of good warmth to your space.
4. Eastern White Pine Plank Flooring
This species of hardwood flooring gives off a light golden hue that offers a rustic look with prominent knots and grain. Their appearance is influenced by the growth nature of the eastern white pine wood.
You can consider this type as an excellent option for wood plank flooring in your traditional rustic-style home. They are structurally characterized by a tight smooth inconspicuous grain pattern with some large knots.
You need to know that pine is however softer and, hence may have more wear if used in high-traffic areas. Eastern white pine plank flooring varies between pale yellowish tan to light reddish brown.
5. Heart Pine Plank Flooring
Heart Pine plank floor is another variety of pine. Unlike eastern white, heart pine is significantly harder and has a rich, amber color.
Their dynamic nature of color balance tone and richness promotes their architectural look. This makes them an easy compatibility with other type of wood. Adding an antique, historical charm, ideal for wide wood plank flooring to any room.
Heart pine plank flooring is an excellent choice if you are looking to achieve a vintage or reclaimed look in your home.
6. Hickory Plank Flooring
You can describe this flooring option as one of the hardest domestic dramatic woods. When installed in your home you will enjoy its durability level at no extra cost. The growth rate of Hickory influences the wood color tone.
Hickory plank flooring color ranges from pale reddish brown heartwood to creamy blonde sapwood. The floor has a striking grain pattern that stands out in wide wood-cutting planks.
Their durable nature makes them perfect for high-traffic areas. They also reflect a unique visual depth to flooring through their light-to-medium color variations.
7. Maple Plank Flooring
If you are looking for an exceptional durable and high-resistance plank, Maple plank flooring is another great option. It is a good source of smooth and fine-grained real hardwood flooring.
When choosing in terms of popularity. Maple is the second best after Oak. They have a Janka rating of 1450 with a quite fine texture. Outside the homes, their smooth and fine texture can be employed in basketball court flooring.
They have creamy tones that combine effortlessly well with various decor styles. Their durability level and resistivity nature make them an ideal choice for families or homes with pets.
8. Red Oak Plank Flooring
Red oak plank flooring is characterized by moderate hardness and stability. Their warm tones and attractive distinctive grain makes them a popular choice for homeowners. The Janka rating of Red Oak plank is 1290 and is considered the industry standard.
These features listed above make them a versatile option that blends with different styles and spaces. This varies from the contemporary interiors to the traditional aesthetics. They also offer a classic and timeless appearance when used.
9. Walnut Plank Flooring
This flooring reflects a dark tone color that instills a luxurious feel in any room. Walnut plank flooring is known for its moderate stability although it happens to be softer than some other hardwoods.
They have a Janka rating of about 1010 which reflects moderately dense and medium hard flooring. This feature tampers with its resistivity nature to dents and scratches. Hence they are more prone to them.
However, you can still enjoy your walnut flooring by making use of a proper maintenance system. This system will include a certain measure to help keep them in good condition.
Some of walnut’s most observable attributes include the deep brown hues and refined grain patterns. These attributes further make it a perfect choice for a high-end appearance. Their ability to accept stains and finish beautifully also makes them stand out.
10. White Oak Plank Flooring
White oak is a versatile flooring option choice that reflects a light-to-medium color tone. They are considered one of the most popular choices used in wide wood plank flooring. In addition to this are the unique grain patterns they possess.
In contrast to the color of this species, the white oak plank gives off a light brown glow with golden and gray tones. They have dynamic grain patterns with different popular finishing options. Hence white Oak plank flooring is a good source of rich versatility.
While its stability quality makes it suitable for any wider wood planks; White oak also reflects a subtle natural beauty. This blends well with both modern and traditional homes.
Conclusion
When choosing a real hardwood flooring, Your choice of species can significantly impact the look and feel of your floors. Each type of species offers its own uniqueness based on its usage and Jank rating.
From the refined elegance nature of Walnut to the rustic charm of Heart Pine each of these wood flooring options offers varying unique characteristics that work well for different spaces and lifestyles.
The key understanding of popular hardwood species qualities will also help you in selecting your best option based on your style and preferences. To further crown your choices, you can employ the service of a professional for more guidance and direction on how best to enjoy your choice.
