When it comes to giving your home a timeless, stylish upgrade, few things compare to the beauty and durability of hardwood flooring. Whether you’re remodeling an older home or designing a new space from scratch, hardwood floors bring warmth, charm, and long-term value. But with so many options available today, choosing the right type of hardwood flooring can feel overwhelming.
Do you go with solid or engineered wood? Oak or maple? Dark finish or light?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of hardwood flooring available and help you decide what’s best for your home and lifestyle. We’ll also show you why working with a trusted company like McCaman hardwood flooring can make all the difference.
Why Choose Hardwood Flooring?
Before diving into the types, let’s talk about why hardwood flooring is a smart investment for homeowners.
The Benefits:
- Durability: Hardwood floors can last for decades with proper care.
- Timeless Appeal: Unlike trends that come and go, hardwood flooring stays in style.
- Easy Maintenance: A simple sweep and occasional mop keep your floors looking great.
- Adds Value: Homes with hardwood flooring often sell faster and for more money.
- Hypoallergenic: Hardwood doesn’t trap dust, pet dander, or pollen like carpet does.
Now, let’s explore the types of hardwood flooring you can choose from.
1. Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like—planks made from a single, solid piece of wood. It’s one of the most traditional and sought-after flooring choices.
Features:
- Typically ¾-inch thick
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways
Pros:
- Long lifespan (50+ years)
- Natural look and feel
- Great resale value
Cons:
- Not ideal for basements or bathrooms due to moisture sensitivity
- May expand or contract with humidity changes
Best For:
Homeowners who want a premium, classic look that lasts a lifetime.
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is made of a real wood veneer on top of multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This makes it more stable and moisture-resistant than solid wood.
Features:
- Typically 3/8″ to ½” thick
- Top layer is real wood
- Can be installed below ground level
Pros:
- Resists moisture and humidity
- Can often be installed over concrete
- Looks identical to solid wood
Cons:
- Limited refinishing (usually only once or twice)
- Not quite as durable as solid hardwood
Best For:
Basements, kitchens, and homes in humid climates. A great choice for anyone who wants the look of real wood with added durability.
3. Pre-Finished vs. Unfinished Hardwood
When choosing hardwood flooring, you’ll also need to decide between pre-finished and unfinished wood.
Pre-Finished:
- Comes stained and sealed from the factory
- Quicker installation with no drying time
- Less mess and odor
Unfinished:
- Installed raw and finished on-site
- Allows for custom stain colors
- Seamless appearance
McCaman hardwood flooring offers both options, helping you find the right balance between convenience and customization.
4. Popular Wood Species for Hardwood Flooring
Each wood species has its own personality—grain patterns, hardness, and color. Let’s take a look at the most popular ones:
a. Oak Flooring
Oak is the most commonly used hardwood in the U.S. Known for its durability and beautiful grain patterns, oak is a safe and stylish choice.
- Red Oak: Warm tones, strong grain
- White Oak: More subtle grain, water-resistant
b. Maple Flooring
Maple is harder than oak and has a smooth, clean look. Its light, creamy color works well in modern homes.
c. Hickory Flooring
Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods and has a bold, rustic appearance. Great for high-traffic areas.
d. Walnut Flooring
Dark and luxurious, walnut offers a rich, sophisticated vibe. It’s softer than other woods, so better for low-traffic rooms.
e. Cherry Flooring
Cherry darkens over time and offers warm reddish hues. It’s softer than oak but adds undeniable elegance.
With McCaman hardwood flooring, you’ll get expert help in choosing the perfect species to complement your home’s interior.
5. Hardwood Floor Finishes
Choosing a finish is just as important as choosing the wood. It affects the appearance, durability, and maintenance level of your flooring.
a. Matte Finish
Low sheen, hides scratches well, great for a natural look.
b. Satin Finish
Balanced between matte and gloss—modern and practical.
c. Glossy Finish
High shine, reflects light beautifully, but shows dust and scratches more easily.
6. Choosing the Right Hardwood for Your Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to flooring. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal style.
Consider These Questions:
- Where are you installing it?
- For below-grade areas like basements, go with engineered wood.
- For main-level areas, solid or engineered both work.
- Do you have kids or pets?
- Opt for a harder wood like hickory or oak, and a matte finish to hide scuffs.
- What’s your budget?
- Engineered hardwood can be more affordable.
- Softer woods like cherry tend to cost more and may require more maintenance.
- What style are you going for?
- Modern? Try light maple or white oak.
- Traditional? Cherry or walnut will add richness.
- Rustic? Hickory or distressed oak gives a cozy, lived-in vibe.
Working with a professional installer like McCaman hardwood flooring ensures that you not only choose the right type of wood but also have it installed correctly and efficiently.
7. Hardwood Flooring Trends to Consider
If you want your floors to feel current and stylish, here are a few trends to keep in mind:
- Wider planks: Create a more open, expansive look.
- Lighter colors: Scandinavian-inspired whites and grays are in.
- Matte finishes: Less shine, more natural texture.
- Mixed widths: Adds visual interest and a custom feel.
- Eco-conscious woods: Bamboo and reclaimed wood are gaining popularity.
McCaman hardwood flooring stays up to date with the latest styles and can help you achieve a designer look without the stress.
8. Professional Installation Matters
Even the best hardwood flooring can look bad if it’s not installed properly. Gaps, uneven surfaces, and poor finishing can ruin the final result. That’s why partnering with experts is so important.
Why Choose McCaman Hardwood Flooring?
- Over 20 years of flooring experience
- Wide selection of solid and engineered hardwood
- Customized design consultation
- Precise, professional installation
- Top-quality customer service
From the first consultation to the final polish, McCaman hardwood flooring helps turn your flooring dreams into a beautiful reality.
FAQs About Hardwood Flooring
Q1: Can I install hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom?
Yes, but choose engineered hardwood for these areas. It’s more resistant to moisture than solid hardwood. And always clean up spills quickly to protect the wood.
Q2: How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
Solid hardwood floors can typically be refinished every 7–10 years, depending on wear and tear. Engineered hardwood can be refinished once or twice, depending on the veneer thickness.
Q3: Is hardwood flooring suitable for homes with pets?
Absolutely! Go for a harder wood like hickory or white oak, and consider a satin or matte finish to help hide scratches. Regular trimming of your pet’s nails also helps.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hardwood flooring may seem like a big decision, but it’s one that pays off in beauty, durability, and value. Whether you prefer the rich look of walnut, the rustic charm of hickory, or the modern vibe of wide white oak planks, there’s a perfect floor out there for you.
Working with experts like McCaman hardwood flooring ensures that your project is smooth from start to finish. Their knowledge, product variety, and expert installation services make them a trusted name in the industry.
