Ultimate Guide to Hardwood: Types, Styles, and Benefits

Ultimate Guide to Hardwood: Types, Styles, and Benefits

Hardwood flooring—what’s not to love!? When you live and work in Memphis, you’ll notice how many homes have these hardwood floors. There are a couple good reasons for that. From its classic beauty and durability to its ability to increase property value, it’s quickly become a staple of modern and traditional Memphis homes.

With hardwood, you’ll feel like your options are nearly endless. Today, we are going to learn the types, styles and benefits of hardwood flooring. Without further ado, let’s jump in!

Breaking Down the Types of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is fairly versatile. However, generally, they can be broken down into two categories: solid and engineered. Each type of flooring has its own unique features and benefits. Your needs will influence which option is the right one for you. Here’s what you need to know:

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring consists of planks made from a single piece of natural wood. You could say that this is the most basic type of hardwood. It’s a timeless classic that can provide any space with a timeless, classic look. Additionally, these floors can be stained and refinished multiple times to last up to a century. While durable, it is vulnerable to moisture and humidity.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is often referred to as the man-made floor. Engineered hardwood flooring consists of multiple layers of plywood arranged in a criss-cross pattern and dense core. These layers are topped off with a real wood veneer top. Its solid construction makes it less vulnerable to shifting due to changes in humidity. These floors are also more affordable. 

Which hardwood flooring type is right for you? It comes down to your needs. If you’re looking for flooring that’s built to last to choose solid hardwood. Meanwhile, those wanting a more affordable option that adjusts the humidity will prefer engineered hardwood. We will discuss hardwood flooring styles next.

Determining Which Hardwood Flooring Style is Right for Your Memphis Home

Hardwood flooring comes in many styles and species. When it’s time to shop for hardwood flooring, you’ll have to consider your space and personal preferences. Whether you love a traditional oak or a sleek maple, the right style can make or break a room. Let’s dive into the most popular styles of hardwood flooring.

Traditional Styles

In Memphis, some of the popular styles are dark hardwood. Think cherry, walnut and mahogany that provide a rich, classic look. They tend to be a staple of formal living spaces and dining rooms. Opt for a timeless finish to keep your space up-to-date.

Modern Styles

Nowdays, everyone loves an open concept living space! That’s where lighter woods like oak and maple shine. Even if you have a closed-off layout, they can make your space feel bigger than it actually is. These floors offer a clean, airy feel that makes sense in homes with lots of natural light.

Wide vs. Natural Planks

Even once you choose your species of wood, you’re faced with another decision. The width of the hardwood planks can make a difference in your overall space. Wide planks can really open up a space while narrow planks provide a traditional, classic look. Choose the one that works best in your space. 

Style is subjective. However, only you can choose the option that suits your needs. Think about your space and preferences to make the right decision for your needs. We will discuss the benefits of choosing hardwood flooring next.

Benefits of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is pretty versatile. There are several reasons why Memphis home and business owners keep coming back to it. From its natural beauty to its long-term value and practical advantages, there’s so much to love. Let’s discuss what makes it so great.

Higher Property Value

Hardwood floors are considered a luxury feature. Getting ready to sell or flipping a property. Consider installing or updating your existing hardwood flooring. It can attract more potential buyers and increase the resale value of your property. 

Durability

Hardwood is one of the most durable flooring options on the market. In fact, if you take care of them, they are built to last a lifetime. Regular maintenance, staining and refinishing can help these floors last up to a century. Despite its high upfront costs, hardwood provides long-term value. 

Eco-Friendly

You might think calling hardwood flooring sustainable sounds contradictory. However, this is far from the truth. There is FSC-certified wood and reclaimed hardwood available to protect the environment. When you choose eco-friendly flooring materials, you are protecting the environment and giving your home a unique look.

Hypoallergenic

Hardwood flooring doesn’t trap dust pollen or pet dander like some of its counterparts. If you live with someone with allergies or asthma, take advantage of hardwood floors. These floors will keep everyone who lives with you or visits your home or business happy and healthy.

Timeless Appeal

There’s a reason that hardwood flooring is called a timeless classic. Trends come and go over the years, but hardwood remains a constant. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a modern loft or a traditional Southern home. Hardwood will always be in demand and complement almost any style of decor. 

When it comes to flooring, hardwood almost always comes out on top. Between its many benefits, types and styles, there’s so many reasons to choose it for your space. Hardwood not only benefits you, but everyone around you.

Start Shopping for Hardwood Flooring for Your Space!

Hardwood flooring is great whether you choose solid or engineered options. Additionally, there are multiple styles, plank sizes and benefits that give it a leg up on its counterparts. Looking for hardwood flooring in Memphis? King Flooring has everything you need. Our shop-at-home service allows you to see what flooring samples look like under your space and under different lighting conditions. 

When you shop with us, you can benefit from a team of experts guiding you through the buying and installation process. What are you waiting for? Contact us today to find the hardwood floors of your dreams!

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