Hardwood 101

Learn about Hardwood Flooring from Znet

Everything you need to know about wood flooring

With so many hardwood options from which to choose, it helps to know the differences between different categories of hardwood flooring before you buy. We’ve put together this guide to help you sort through it all.

Hardwood species: Light, Dark, Domestic and Exotic woods

One component of hardwood style is wood species, which have variations in appearance, from the color of the wood to the natural patterns in the wood. A few common species used for flooring include:

These species can be further sorted into domestic and exotic hardwoods. Domestic woods are those species grown here in the USA, such as oak, maple, American cherry, American walnut, pine and hickory. If you’d like to support American businesses, purchasing domestic hardwood floors are a great way to do so!

You also have access to a variety of beautiful exotic species, including mahogany, bamboo, Brazilian cherry and Brazilian walnut. Neither list is all-inclusive, either – you’ll find many other hardwood options available as you shop with Znet!

Hardwood grading: hardwood vs. softwood

Hardwood can also be categorized by its natural hardness. Below we’ve listed some of the key differences between what are called hardwoods and softwoods.

Hardwoods

• More durable & better able to stand up to heavy foot traffic
• Last longer
• Usually darker woods that sometimes come prefinished
• Typically come at a higher price point
• Examples: maple, oak, walnut

Softwoods

• Softer & more flexible
• More prone to dings and scratches over time
• Usually lighter toned wood
• Typically come at a lower cost
• Examples: pine, spruce

Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood

Perhaps the biggest decision you’ll have to make is between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood – so what’s the difference?

Solid hardwood planks are each made from a single, solid piece of wood.

Engineered hardwood planks are manufactured from multiple layers, usually a thin layer of solid wood on top of a wood high-quality composite material like plywood.

Each has its advantages. Solid hardwood comes in thicker planks, making it sturdier and able to be sanded down and refinished time and again throughout its decades-long lifespan.

Engineered wood, despite being less durable, is far more versatile – able to be installed on any level of the home, including basements.

Styles of hardwood flooring

One final consideration is the style of wood you’ll choose. Nowadays, wood can come textured and factory worn out-of-box, much like a pair of faded or ripped designer jeans. This opens up a world of design possibility.

For example, you’ll find floors made to look like antique or reclaimed wood, a much sought-after style in homes with a rustic, country or farmhouse style or theme. These are called distressed wood styles, and they make these popular looks much more accessible and affordable in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Hand-scraped and wire-brushed woods are both examples of styles that you’ll find here on Znet – if you have a specific design in mind, talk to us and we’ll help you narrow down the perfect choice for you!

Do hardwood floors need underlayment?

An invisible, but vital part of every floor is its underlayment. It plays a critical role in the health and performance capabilities of your hardwood. Some may tell you underlayment isn’t necessary – and while that’s technically true, at Znet we always recommend choosing a quality underlayment for the following reasons:

• It evens out subfloor imperfections that could cause damage from below
• It adds cushion to your step and reduces the noise of walking
• It keeps your floors and home insulated from changes in temperature
• It provides moisture resistance, key for wood floors

Still have questions about hardwood floors, styles, or underlayment? Feel free to reach out – we’re happy to answer any and all of your questions on the subject.

Hardwood Care & Maintenance Guide

How do you keep your hardwood flooring looking clean and new? Check out our guide below for some great cleaning and care tips for hardwood.

Protecting your floors

There are several easy ways to prevent damage to your hardwood floors. Act pre-emptively by doing the following:

• Use small area rugs and doormats on both sides of all entryways to catch soil and other abrasive materials before they’re able to touch your floors
• Have your family and guests remove their outdoor shoes before walking across hardwood floors
• Attach felt floor protectors to the base and legs of all heavy furniture to prevent denting and scratches
• Trim pets’ nails, and avoid walking in high-heeled shoes
• Invest in a humidifier/dehumidifier to prevent shrinking, swelling and buckling during the wettest and driest months of the year

Everyday maintenance

At least once a week, or more frequently based on the activity in your home, sweep, vacuum or dry mop all floors. Note that the more often you do this, the less risk to your floors.

Your manufacturer will likely also provide an official care and maintenance guide for your floors, which you should familiarize yourself with. This guide will list approved cleaning tools and products, so be sure to follow all guidelines to maintain your warranty.

Spill and Stain Removal

Hardwood floors are not waterproof, so liquid spills should be dealt with immediately. If your floors are finished, it’s likely that most common spills like beverages or pet accidents will wipe away easily. Tend to those spills promptly.

For more abrasive spills, such as nail polish, consult your manufacturer’s guide for proper cleaning methods.