The Complete Guide to Choosing Hardwood Flooring Species for Your Home

Choosing the right hardwood flooring for your home can be a simple and enjoyable process. By considering how various wood species, textures, and finishes align with your daily routines and personal tastes, you can find the perfect fit that transforms your house into a true home. In this detailed guide, we'll first examine different lifestyles to highlight the flooring characteristics that work best for each, followed by an in-depth look at various hardwood species, their ideal applications, unique traits, and finishing options.

Aligning Your Lifestyle with Design Choices

Your lifestyle and design preferences are the foundation of your flooring decisions. The ideal hardwood flooring should reflect how you use your space every day and complement your aesthetic choices, ultimately creating a unique lifestyle that makes your house feel like home. Below, we’ve outlined several design styles to help you discover what resonates with your personal style and lifestyle.

The Elegant Entertainer

Your Life: Frequent guests, formal entertaining, hosting dinner parties, showcasing beautiful spaces
Your Style: Sophisticated, timeless design, and appreciating fine materials
Best Flooring Approach: Rich, premium woods that make impressive statements
Ideal Textures: Smooth finishes for formal elegance, subtle hand-scraped for added character
Ideal Species: Walnut for luxury impact, cherry for warm sophistication, quarter-sawn oak for timeless class

The Modern Minimalist

Your Life: Low-maintenance living, appreciation for simplicity and function
Your Style: Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, contemporary aesthetics, bright and open feeling
Best Flooring Approach: Light, consistent woods with clean surfaces that enhance your minimalist vision
Ideal Textures: Smooth finishes exclusively to maintain that sleek, uninterrupted look
Ideal Species: Maple for brightness, birch for Scandinavian simplicity, ash for contemporary strength, white oak for versatile elegance

The Active Family

Your Life: Kids, pets, sports equipment, homework sessions, and daily chaos you wouldn't trade
Your Style: Comfortable, practical, stylish spaces that can handle real life
Best Flooring Approach: Durable species with forgiving textures that hide scratches and dings
Ideal Textures: Wire-brushed or hand-scraped finishes that camouflage daily wear beautifully
Ideal Species: Hickory for maximum durability, oak for versatility and toughness, ash for strength with style

The Cozy Traditionalist

Your Life: Family gatherings, holiday traditions, creating spaces with history and heart
Your Style: Warm, inviting environments with classic appeal, antiques, heirloom pieces
Best Flooring Approach: Classic woods with rich character that develop beautiful patina over time
Ideal Textures: Smooth for formal areas, hand-scraped for lived-in character
Ideal Species: Cherry for aging beauty, red oak for warmth, walnut for heirloom elegance

The Creative Eclectic

Your Life: DIY projects, mixing styles, creating one-of-a-kind spaces that tell your story
Your Style: Unique, personalized environments reflecting artistic personality and collected treasures
Best Flooring Approach: Character-rich woods that complement your creative, individualistic approach
Ideal Textures: Hand-scraped, wire-brushed, or sawn textures that add to your unique aesthetic
Ideal Species: Hickory for bold character, ash for industrial edge, oak for versatile foundation

The Urban Professional

Your Life: Busy schedule, entertaining colleagues, sleek efficiency with style
Your Style: Sophisticated city living with industrial touches and contemporary edge
Best Flooring Approach: Strong, stylish woods that handle urban living while looking professionally polished
Ideal Textures: Wire-brushed for subtle texture, smooth for sleek contemporary appeal
Ideal Species: Ash for industrial strength, white oak for urban sophistication, maple for clean professionalism, birch for minimalist elegance

The Country Soul

Your Life: Outdoor activities, muddy boots, dogs, embracing the imperfect beauty of real living
Your Style: Rustic charm, natural materials, authentic character, connection to nature
Best Flooring Approach: Rugged, textured woods that celebrate natural imperfections and improve with age
Ideal Textures: Hand-scraped, sawn textures, wire-brushed for authentic weathered appeal
Ideal Species: Hickory for rugged durability, red oak for rustic warmth, ash for farmhouse strength

Hardwood Species Guide

Let’s dive into the world of hardwoods! Here, we’ll explore the major hardwood species, highlighting their unique characteristics, ideal lifestyles they complement, and the best finishing options to enhance their beauty and durability. Whether you’re looking for a classic oak or a trendy maple, this guide will help you make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your home and lifestyle.

Oak: The All-American Classic

Ideal Lifestyles

Elegant entertainers, cozy traditionalists, active families, and creative eclectics who appreciate timeless beauty and versatility.

Wood Characteristics

Red Oak:

Hardness: 1,290 Janka (hard)
Grain Pattern: Prominent, open grain with distinctive cathedral patterns and visible pores
Color: Warm reddish-pink undertones with golden highlights
Best For: Traditional and rustic aesthetics, staining in warm tones

White Oak:

Hardness: 1,360 Janka (very hard)
Grain Pattern: Prominent grain with tighter pores and more consistent patterns
Color: Neutral golden-brown to grayish tones without pink undertones
Best For: Contemporary and transitional styles, excellent for gray and cool-toned stains
Special Properties: Natural water resistance due to closed cellular structure

Wood Cut Options:

Plain Sawn: Most economical, showcases natural cathedral patterns
Live Sawn: Mixed grain patterns with character variation
Rift & Quartered: Premium cut with straight grain, maximum stability (higher cost)

Key Benefits

Red Oak Benefits:

Very popular domestic hardwood with a proven track record
Excellent stain acceptance, especially warm tones (honey, amber, walnut)
Superior durability for active families with kids and pets
Readily available at competitive pricing nationwide
Classic American appeal that complements traditional furnishings

White Oak Benefits:

Premium choice with natural moisture resistance for kitchens and high-humidity areas
Ideal for contemporary and gray-toned color palettes
Accepts both warm and cool stains beautifully
Higher density provides enhanced durability over red oak
Trending choice for modern farmhouse and transitional styles

Best Texture Results for Oak

Wire-Brushed: Outstanding results - open grain creates beautiful texture contrast, perfect for hiding daily wear
Hand-Scraped: Excellent character enhancement for traditional and rustic aesthetics
Sawn Textures: Creates an authentic weathered appearance for country and eclectic styles
Smooth: Clean presentation that showcases natural grain patterns

Maple: The Contemporary Choice

Ideal Lifestyles

Modern minimalists, urban professionals, and active families who value clean aesthetics with maximum durability.

Wood Characteristics

Hardness: 1,450 Janka (extremely hard)
Grain Pattern: Subtle, consistent grain with smooth texture
Color: Creamy white to light brown, very consistent coloring
Durability: Exceptional resistance to dents and scratches - perfect for busy lifestyles

Key Benefits

Brightest domestic hardwood option - opens up any space
Exceptional durability for families with active kids and pets
Clean appearance that complements minimalist lifestyles
Consistent grain and coloring for contemporary aesthetics
Low-maintenance for busy professionals

Best Texture Results for Maple

Smooth: Optimal choice - showcases maple's clean, consistent grain and uniform coloring
Very Subtle Hand-Scraping: Minimal enhancement acceptable for transitional styles
Avoid: Wire-brushing and heavy textures (tight grain pattern doesn't respond well to aggressive texturing)

Birch: The Scandinavian Simplicity

Ideal Lifestyles

Modern minimalists, urban professionals, and anyone drawn to Scandinavian design who values natural beauty with contemporary appeal.

Wood Characteristics

Hardness: 1,260 Janka (very hard)
Grain Pattern: Fine, subtle grain with gentle flowing patterns
Color: Pale yellow to light reddish-brown with consistent, clean coloring
Durability: Excellent resistance to wear and denting - excellent for modern living

Key Benefits

Perfect for Scandinavian and Nordic design aesthetics
Light, consistent coloring that brightens spaces naturally
Fine-grain pattern creates subtle texture without overwhelming a clean design
Excellent value proposition for contemporary and minimalist lifestyles
Takes stain well for those wanting to customize color while maintaining a clean appearance
More affordable than maple while offering a similar contemporary appeal

Best Texture Results for Birch

Smooth: Ideal presentation - highlights birch's fine grain pattern and clean coloring
Light Wire-Brushing: Subtle enhancement possible while maintaining contemporary appeal
Avoid: Heavy hand-scraping or aggressive texturing (fine-grain structure best appreciated with minimal distressing)

Walnut: The Luxury Statement

Ideal Lifestyles

Elegant entertainers and those who appreciate luxury living, sophisticated spaces, and making impressive design statements.

Wood Characteristics

Hardness: 1,010 Janka (moderate hardness)
Grain Pattern: Flowing, elegant patterns with beautiful natural variation
Color: Rich chocolate-brown heartwood with golden-brown sapwood contrast
Durability: Good for most residential applications, deepens beautifully with age

Key Benefits

Premium species that adds significant home value and luxury appeal
Unmatched natural beauty and sophistication for entertaining spaces
Rich color deepens and improves over time - perfect for heirloom quality
Creates stunning focal point floors for impressive gatherings
Distinctive flowing grain patterns that guests always notice

Best Texture Results for Walnut

Smooth: Optimal presentation - preserves walnut's premium grain patterns and rich color variations
Light Hand-Scraping Gentle enhancement adds character while protecting the wood's natural beauty
Avoid: Heavy wire-brushing or aggressive texturing (can damage the softer wood and diminish the luxury appearance)

Cherry: The Warm Traditional Choice

Ideal Lifestyles

Cozy traditionalists and those who love creating warm, welcoming spaces with timeless character and natural beauty.

Wood Characteristics

American Cherry:

Hardness: 995 Janka (moderate hardness)
Grain Pattern: Straight, consistent grain with gentle waves and minimal character marks
Color: Light pinkish-brown aging to rich reddish-brown over 2-5 years
Aging Process: Dramatic color transformation through natural UV exposure
Best For: Traditional, formal settings where aging beauty is desired

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba):

Hardness: 2,350 Janka (extremely hard)
Grain Pattern: Interlocked grain with occasional wavy patterns
Color: Rich reddish-brown to deep burgundy with golden highlights
Stability: Excellent dimensional stability in varying climates
Best For: High-traffic areas, contemporary spaces wanting warm, exotic appeal

Key Benefits

American Cherry Benefits:

Stunning natural aging process creates heirloom-quality floors
Warm, inviting tones are perfect for family gathering spaces
Classic American hardwood with timeless traditional appeal
Color transformation adds character and story to your home over time
Perfect complement to antique and traditional furnishings

Brazilian Cherry Benefits:

Exceptional durability surpasses most domestic species
Rich, exotic appearance with premium luxury appeal
Excellent for high-traffic commercial and residential applications
Distinctive grain patterns create visual interest and sophistication
Color remains stable after installation (no significant aging like American cherry)

Best Texture Results for Cherry

American Cherry:

Smooth: Only recommended approach - preserves natural aging process and showcases grain clarity
Avoid: All texturing methods (fine-grain structure and moderate hardness don't respond well to distressing)

Brazilian Cherry:

Smooth: Ideal choice - highlights exotic grain patterns and rich natural coloring
Light Hand-Scraping: Acceptable for adding subtle character while preserving durability
Avoid: Heavy texturing (extremely hard wood can be difficult to distress evenly)

Ash: The Modern Workhorse

Ideal Lifestyles

Urban professionals, modern minimalists, and active families who need strength with contemporary style for busy, active living.

Wood Characteristics

Hardness: 1,320 Janka (very hard)
Grain Pattern: Straight, bold grain patterns with dramatic contrast
Color: Light creamy white to pale brown, often with subtle grayish undertones
Durability: Exceptional strength and shock resistance - perfect for active lifestyles

Key Benefits

Outstanding durability for high-traffic family living and professional spaces
Light colors naturally brighten spaces - perfect for urban living and modern aesthetics
Bold grain patterns create visual interest without overwhelming a clean design
More affordable than premium species while delivering exceptional performance
Excellent impact and shock resistance for active families with sports equipment

Best Texture Results for Ash

Wire-Brushed: Excellent enhancement - bold grain pattern creates dramatic texture effects and visual depth
Band-Sawn: Creates an authentic rustic appearance with a natural weathered look
Smooth: Clean presentation emphasizes natural grain contrast
Hand-Scraped: Good results for mixed traditional-industrial aesthetics

Hickory: The Character Champion

Ideal Lifestyles

Active families, country souls, and anyone who embraces authentic character and needs flooring that gets better with real living.

Wood Characteristics

Hardness: 1,820 Janka (hardest domestic species)
Grain Pattern: Bold, pronounced grain with dramatic natural variation
Color: Extreme variation from creamy white sapwood to rich brown heartwood
Durability: Unmatched resistance to wear, dents, and scratches - perfect for the most active lifestyles

Key Benefits

Highest durability rating among domestic species - handles kids, pets, and heavy use
Distinctive natural color variation creates visual interest and hides imperfections
Bold character marks and grain patterns that celebrate authentic living
Exceptional value for durability provided - investment in long-term family living
Perfect for high-traffic areas where other woods might show wear

Best Texture Results for Hickory

Hand-Scraped: Optimal match - enhances natural character marks and grain variation
Wire-Brushed: Emphasizes bold grain patterns while maintaining durability benefits
Distressed Finishes: Creates an authentic aged appearance that complements natural color variation
Avoid: Smooth finishes (can downplay hickory's natural beauty and its ability to conceal wear and tear)

Making Your Final Decision

Consider These Key Factors:

Your Life and Your Style

Match the species and finish to how you actually live in your space and your design preferences
Consider your family's daily routines, activities, and aesthetic vision
Think about your entertaining patterns and personal style preferences

Daily Life Demands

High-traffic families with kids and pets: Oak, maple, hickory, ash with textured finishes
Elegant entertaining spaces: Walnut, cherry, quarter-sawn oak with smooth finishes
Active lifestyles with outdoor gear: Durable species with forgiving textures
Professional spaces: Clean species like maple, birch, or ash with smooth or subtle textures
Scandinavian/minimalist design: Birch, maple, or ash with smooth finishes

Maintenance Preferences

Low maintenance for busy lifestyles: Textured finishes (wire-brushed, hand-scraped)
Easy cleaning for minimalist living: Smooth finishes
Hide wear well for active families: Any textured finish

Budget Considerations

Budget-friendly for growing families: Red oak, ash, birch
Mid-range for established lifestyles: White oak, maple, cherry
Premium for luxury living: Walnut, exotic species, quarter-sawn cuts

Professional Installation and Care

Regardless of your lifestyle and species choice, professional installation and proper maintenance ensure your investment provides decades of beauty and value while supporting your family's daily life. Consider factors like acclimation, subfloor preparation, seasonal movement, and appropriate cleaning methods for your specific combination and lifestyle needs.

Ready to explore premium hardwood flooring options that match your lifestyle? Contact Totta Hardwoods today to discuss your project and discover the perfect hardwood flooring species and finish combination for your unique lifestyle and personal style. Our experts help you navigate species selection, texture options, installation planning, and long-term care to ensure your hardwood flooring investment exceeds expectations while making your house truly feel like home.

Totta Hardwoods offers comprehensive hardwood flooring solutions, including lifestyle-focused species selection, texture finishing, professional installation, and maintenance services. Contact us today for your free consultation and hardwood sample kit tailored to your lifestyle needs.

Transform Your Home With a Stunning Staircase Remodel

Stairs are often the first impression you see when you walk into a home, and many houses are constructed for the staircase to be the focal point. If your staircase looks a bit tired, it might be time for a staircase remodel. A beautifully transformed staircase can dramatically enhance your home's appeal and overall value. But embarking on a stair remodel is no small feat—it requires careful planning, attention to detail, and most importantly, qualified expertise.

The Importance of Professional Expertise for Your Staircase Remodel

If you’re considering a hardwood floor stairs makeover, both safety and functionality are extremely important. Incorrect rise and run measurements can create a serious tripping hazard and compromise the aesthetic appeal of your staircase. That's why partnering with a professional contractor like Totta Hardwoods is key.

We've met countless homeowners in the Kansas City area who've attempted DIY stair remodeling or hired inexperienced contractors, only to end up with costly mistakes and safety concerns. Common issues include:

Non-compliant stair codes: Older homes often have staircases that don't meet current safety regulations.
Incorrect rise and run measurements: This fundamental error can lead to uneven steps and a significant safety risk.
Overwhelming design options: Homeowners often have plenty of staircase remodel ideas, but choosing the right hardwood for stairs and coordinating it with your interior design can be daunting.
Subpar craftsmanship: Poor installation techniques can result in safety hazards and aesthetic issues. Loose treads, balusters, and improperly secured materials can compromise the integrity and longevity of your staircase. And a lack of attention to detail, such as mitered joints or concealed fasteners, can detract from the quality and appearance of the finished product.

Why Choose Totta Hardwoods for Your Staircase Remodel?

At Totta Hardwoods, we understand the complexity of staircase remodeling. Our team of skilled craftsmen has the expertise to transform your staircase into a gorgeous focal point. We offer:

Unmatched craftsmanship: We take pride in delivering exceptional results that exceed your expectations.
In-depth knowledge of stair codes: Rest assured that your staircase will meet all safety regulations.
Comprehensive design assistance: We'll help you select the perfect hardwood flooring for stairs to complement your home's style.
Efficient project management: Our experienced team will handle every aspect of your remodel, from start to finish.

Here’s what one satisfied homeowner has to say about their beautiful new hardwood staircase:

Recent Totta Hardwoods Staircase Remodel

The Totta Hardwoods Difference

Unlike many DIY enthusiasts or inexperienced contractors, we have the necessary skills, capacity, and equipment to remodel your staircase efficiently and effectively. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

When you choose Totta Hardwoods, you can expect:

A seamless process: From design consultation to final installation, we'll guide you every step of the way.
Minimal disruption to your home: We strive to complete projects efficiently with minimal inconvenience to you.
Exceptional customer service: Your satisfaction is our absolute priority.

Ready to transform your staircase? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you create a breathtaking staircase that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Questions to Consider When Hiring A Flooring Contractor

When hiring a flooring contractor, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure your flooring project goes smoothly. Ask yourself these five questions to help you gauge their reliability and expertise.

1. Are They a Good Listener?

A flooring contractor might be quick to tell you what they think before taking the time to understand what you really want. Outside of your initial impression, the estimate should provide a good indication of how well the contractor listened to your needs. Here’s a couple of things to consider.

The estimate should provide a good indication of how well the contractor listened to your needs.

Is the contract detailed enough to clearly define the complete scope of work and provide full understanding of what you are purchasing? This will indicate whether or not the contractor has a comprehensive understanding of what you are trying to accomplish.
Look out for the change-order game causing continuous changes or uncontrolled growth in a project's scope, also known as scope creep. There are times when the scope will change due to issues discovered during the process or you (the customer) may request additions to the scope. However, asking upfront what potential problems could arise will help to eliminate scope creep and the need for change orders.

2. Do They Have Credentials and Reputation?

Look for a flooring contractor who submits to the higher standards and accountability of organizations like the NWFA (National Wood Flooring Associations) and NARI (National Association of The Remodeling Industry). You can be confident members of these organizations are experienced, use proven processes, and have a record of success. In addition to being a member of the NWFA and NARI, it’s important to look at a company's reputation. The following is a list of ways to learn more about a company.

Ask for references. Getting a referral or recommendation from a current or past customer is a good way to verify the quality of work.
Read reviews. It’s ok if a company has few bad reviews. Look to see if they are responding to those reviews and seeking to address the concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask the company if you are concerned about a review you read. There is always more to the story.
Ask them to share their company story. There is much to be learned from their story. How long have they been in business? How did they get into the industry? What training have they received? What is their passion behind how and why they do business?
See for yourself. Take a look at their past work. View an online portfolio through their website, FAQs, facebook, Pinterest, and instagram for example. Or, if possible, visit a past job.

3. Do They Compromise Quality?

Many times customers are unaware when quality is being compromised until you begin to experience issues with your floor. Understanding the flooring contractor’s methods and processes is crucial. Below are key factors to consider when assessing quality.

Quality Materials: The performance and longevity of your floor will be affected by the materials used. Clarify the materials, such as wood, stain, or finish in order to ensure you’re getting the quality you are expecting. A lower priced bid could indicate the use of lesser quality material, so take this into account when considering the lowest bid.
Work Force: Are they using in-house certified labor or sub contractors? Companies with an in-house trained workforce are typically able to have more control over the quality of work. These employees are usually provided with continuing education, workers compensation, and other employee benefits to retain the highest trained professionals. Look for a company with crew leaders who have the technical training and certifications through the NWFA.
Technical Knowledge and Documentation: Your flooring contractor must possess the expertise to not only thoroughly assess the job site but also understand how their findings will affect your floor. Below are two primary categories to assess.
- Environmental Conditions - Moisture content readings of your floor and relative humidity in the house should be measured and documented. These environmental factors will affect the flooring materials and long term performance of your floor.
- Subfloor - The subfloor should be inspected carefully for any leveling issues, movement, objectionable noises, delamination or damaged areas of the subflooring material.
Job Site Preparation is crucial: Based upon the finds of the jobsite evaluation, the proper preparation will help prevent future problems such as cupping, cracking, gapping, buckling and warping. Subfloor prep and/or moisture issues must be addressed before any flooring work begins. Proper preparation will decrease the possibility of the floor having any issues in the future.

4. Do They Offer A Guarantee?

The company should be able to provide written documentation outlining their warranty. This could be a separate document or stated on their service contract. A standard warranty would be (1) year following the completion of work and include materials and workmanship.

5. Do They Honor The Invitation Into Your Home?

At Totta Hardwoods, our “Common Courtesy” promise is to respect your home by maintaining a safe environment for your family. Here are ways hardwood floor contractors can respect you and your home.

Using a GREENGUARD air certified standard finishing system to ensure low chemical emissions. This makes the home or work space safe to remain occupied while the work is performed.
The use of high-powered dust containment vacuums that minimize dust during the sanding process.
Ask permission and engage you on what makes you comfortable with them in your home?
Make every effort to prevent any damage to existing home furnishings. This will minimize the need for minor touch-ups.

EVERY LAYER OF YOUR HOUSE SHOULD FEEL LIKE HOME.

At Totta Hardwoods, we believe you and I are made for connection. Your floors are more than just a surface you walk on. They do more than connect the rooms in your home. They help create a place where we connect to one another.

How to Clean Hardwood Floors With Our Monthly Maintenance Planner

Keeping your hardwood floors looking pristine requires a regular maintenance routine and knowledge of how to clean hardwood floors properly. With our free Monthly Maintenance Planner, homeowners can easily maintain their floors' beauty and durability. Follow this simple schedule to ensure your home remains healthy and clean.

Daily	Dust/Sweep
Weekly	Vacuum/Mop
Monthly	Clean with wood flooring cleaner
Quarterly	Schedule a deep cleaning every three months for optimal protection

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR HOW TO CLEAN HARDWOOD FLOORS

Clean spills immediately with a dry or lightly damp cloth
Don’t use wet mops or steam mops. They will damage the finish and the wood over long periods of time.
Use a cleaner made specifically for the finish on the floor.
Install floor protector pads on the bottom of all furniture to prevent scratches and gouges.
Place rugs at all entrances. They help trap grit and absorb moisture before either one has a chance to damage the finish.

EVERY 3-6 MONTHS

Deep Cleaning should be performed 2-4 times a year to remove dirt and grime build up creating a healthier environment, adding protection to your finish, and saving money.

EVERY 3-5 YEARS

Maintenance Coat should be reapplied to avoid costly repairs and a complete sand & refinish process.

EVERY 10–20 YEARS

Refinish your hardwood floors to repair major damage like deep scratches, gouges, discoloration and fading. Also a great opportunity to update the look of your floor.

BE PROUD OF YOUR HOME

Many homeowners are embarrassed by their floors, keeping them from hosting more gatherings. Don’t wait until your floors show signs of wear and tear. Schedule a free in-home hardwood flooring consultation with us today to discuss the perfect maintenance plan tailored to your needs. With our expert care, you can take the first step towards enjoying the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors that make you proud of your home.

5 Benefits of Hardwood Floor Refinishing (Including Making You Happier)

When it comes to improving the interior of your home, flooring is a major aspect. While you may give the walls a fresh coat of paint or update the furnishings, an old, worn-out floor will stand out for all the wrong reasons. If you have hardwood flooring which is not looking its best, you may be considering your options. Hardwood floor refinishing is one action you can take to improve and refresh your existing hardwood floors, either DIY or the more recommended way of hiring a professional. Here are 5 of the benefits that come from undertaking hardwood floor refinishing.

1. A Project That Brings Joy

Refinishing your hardwood floor is a project that brings you happiness. In a recent study, 100% of homeowners said they had a greater desire to be home after completing the project. Fixr.com found that it is the best project in terms of cost versus happiness, proving to be more affordable than other common home improvement projects while scoring the highest in terms of the joy it brings. If you're looking for a sense of satisfaction from a remodeling job, then hardwood floor refinishing is a great option.

2. More Affordable Than Replacing

Refinishing flooring can bring about its original look and shine. When deciding whether to refinish or replace hardwood flooring, there is only one option worth considering in terms of affordability. The cost of installing hardwood flooring can vary greatly, having to take into account a number of different factors. However, on average, the cost to replace 200 sq. ft. of hardwood flooring is between $2,800 and $6,400. In comparison, the average cost range to refinish is $800 to $1,600.

3. Gives Your Floor an Updated and Fresh Look

As we’ve covered, in terms of affordability, refinishing is a much better option. But surely nothing beats a fresh, new floor? In fact, a refinish can give a whole new lease on life to flooring. The process requires sanding down the surface to remove any scratches or blemishes and applying a new color treatment. Once done, a new top coat finish is added, completing the revitalized look of the floor and giving you the feeling of having a newly installed hardwood floor.

4. Can Improve Your Home’s Value

There is no guarantee about how much you will spend on a hardwood floor refinish and how much of that cost you will recuperate when it comes to selling your home. However, the National Association of Realtors claims that you can expect to recover 147% of what you spend. This is a huge benefit as it actually adds value to your home while attracting buyers when they enter your home, making it quicker and easier to sell.

5. Makes Your Home Safer

It’s not uncommon to walk around your home barefoot, especially in the warmer summer months. But if your hardwood floor is not in good shape, this could be a health hazard. Wood that is in poor condition can splinter which could cause an injury. By undertaking a refinish job, you can eradicate this issue, making your home a safer place for you, your loved ones, and your pets.

Is Oil Based or Water Based Finish Better on Wood Floors?

When it comes to choosing what type of finish to use for your floor it’s important to know the facts, but the facts can be confusing when you can ask 10 wood floor guys and they all tell you the finish they use is the best and you shouldn’t use anything else. So is an oil-based or water-based finish better on wood floors? Here is some unbiased, objective information about oil vs water-based finishes for wood floors. Believe it or not, this is a vast topic. The purpose of this article is to give a cursory overview. I realize this requires making some generalizations. If you have more specific questions feel free to reach out.

Color of Wood Floor Finishes

Color is one of the most apparent differences between the two finish options, as demonstrated in the featured image above. Water-based is your finish if you want a light floor that won’t “yellow” over time. To deepen or enrich the natural beauty of medium to dark floors, you may choose an oil-based product. If you want to make your floor look raw or unfinished, the only option is water-based.

Cost of Wood Floor Finishes

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “so and so says he’s been using oil for 35 years and you’ll never find a better finish!” I smile to myself and think, “that’s because so and so will never spend the money to buy a gallon of water-based finish.” Depending on the type, water is 2-3 x’s more expensive than oil-based. If your contractor sells labor and materials separately, you have an opportunity to save money going with oil. Usually, however, guys just want to convince you that theirs is the best and hope you never realize that it’s also the cheapest.

Scratch Resistances of Wood Floor Finishes

Oil’s scratch-resistance is low compared to water, period. Most people find this counterintuitive because they are conditioned to think about oil and water-based paint and most think oil is better. It stinks really bad so it must be more durable right? No, not right. If you don’t believe me, finish a board with oil-based poly and one with water-based then perform your own scratch test.

Chemical Resistance of Wood Floor Finishes

It becomes important here to differentiate between the different types of water-based finishes. They can be categorized as good, better, and best. I place single-component water-based finishes in the good category. This just means you apply the finish to the floor without adding anything. Two-component water-based finishes are in the better and best categories. These finishes consist of a Part-A and Part-B that mix together before you apply them to the floor. Oil is much more chemically resistant than single-component water. Oil is probably more chemically resistant than 90% of the water-based finishes in the 2-component category, but 2-component water is almost comparable in this area. What does this mean for you? If pet urine is part of your life, or you spill a lot of acidic stuff in your kitchen and it sometimes sits a while before you clean it up, then an oil or 2-component water-base finish is what you’ll need.

Polymer Build of Wood Floor Finishes

Oil builds more so it looks like there is more finish on your floor, but is generally softer and less scratch-resistant than water-based. Water has a thinner mil-thickness to its finish layers so it can leave the floor looking “thirsty” rather than a smooth glass-like surface. Both looks can be desirable depending on what you are trying to achieve.

Dry-time of Wood Floor Finishes

There’s no comparison here. Water generally takes 2-3 hours to dry and 4-7 days to fully cure. Oil generally takes 12 hours to dry and 14-30 days to fully cure. If the contractor rushes dry times with oil, then it’s possible the floor will never cure because there are solvents trapped under layers of finish that cannot be released.

The smell of Wood Floor Finishes

There is also no comparison here. I love walking into a freshly coated oil-based floor and feeling my eyes start to bleed from the lingering fumes, just kidding. Oil-based smells bad, and the fumes linger for a long time. Typically this means you will need to evacuate the space for at least a few days. The fumes from water-based are mild to undetectable. Many water-based finishes are UL GREENGUARD air certified. This is a fancy way of saying it’s not considered harmful for you to inhabit the space while the finish is applied.

Sheen Options of Wood Floor Finishes

Both finish types are available in a spectrum of sheens including flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Generally speaking though, oil-based is shinier. A satin oil will have a higher sheen level than satin water does. If you want a really glossy floor, oil might be the way to go.

Hopefully, this helps you make a decision on what finish is best for you and your home. It’s important to note that these aren’t the only types of finishes available either. I like to keep all the different finishes as tools in my arsenal to help people achieve their desired outcome and turn their vision into a reality. It’s always a good idea to spend some time and effort on the front end of a project to make sure you’ll love your floors for years to come.

Explore our services for your hardwood floor and stair need. CLICK HERE

To get started on your next wood floor project, schedule an In-Home Consultation today. START HERE

Good and Bad Places to Install Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring can be a beautiful addition to almost any room in your home. While sprucing up a home with hardwood floors, homeowners often ask which rooms are the best for this type of flooring? Crafted hardwood floors are a great way to freshen up the appearance of any room. That being said, there are a few rooms where you shouldn’t generally install them. When it comes time to install or refinish, remember these tips to get the longest-lasting and best-looking floors!

The “Best” Rooms to Install Hardwood

Installing quality hardwood flooring in the following places, and taking proper care of them, can ensure that your floors will last a lifetime. While every room can benefit from quality craftsmanship, the list below walks through some of the best places to install hardwood floors:

1. Living Room

One of the best rooms for hardwood flooring is your living room. Not only does it set the stage for all that transpires day-to-day in a living room, but it brightens and livens up this commonly used space. As one of the most lived-in areas of your home, hardwood floors provide the beauty and function you need to truly enjoy the space. It allows for quick clean-up of pet and dust dander, as well as spilt food or drinks.

A great hardwood floor also provides a great base and anchor to your living rooms’ decor. Your design choices are limitless. Switching up your decor, rotating seasonal accents, or adding a new rug allows you to enjoy the process of developing and updating your style preferences over time without requiring a huge commitment.

2. Dining Room

Whether your dining room presents as a dignified space for a home cooked meal, or a jovial environment for laughter, or even both, hardwood flooring is ideal for this room of warmth and fellowship. Similar to the living room, the smooth and sturdy combination of hardwoods is most beneficial for quick spill clean up that won’t disrupt a meal.

Extra Tip: To protect your floors from chair legs scraping them, put buffers between the legs of the table, chairs, and the floor.

3. Bedroom

The bedroom can be a great place for you to install hardwood flooring! Hardwood floors in your bedroom can brighten up the room and make it feel bigger and more spacious. Elevate your bedroom space with quality and craftsmanship you know will last the test of time.

4. Home Office

Your home office is a great place to install hardwood flooring. In a home office, you really want each aspect of the room to aid your work. The smooth texture of hard flooring provides the right space for maneuvering rolling furniture and an ideal surface to maintain cleanliness. The warmth and sturdiness of hardwood flooring strikes the best balance between having a professional home office and also communicating a personable environment.

Each space in your home can benefit from the high-end quality and personable ambiance that hardwood flooring brings. The rooms that benefit the most are listed above, but those are not the only places in your home where you might be considering installing hardwood floors. When considering other locations to install it, the number one thing you want to consider is moisture.

Rooms Where You Want to Consult a Professional Before Installing Hardwood Floors

Moisture and hardwood do not mix, but that doesn’t mean hardwood flooring isn’t an option. Some of these spaces can absolutely have hardwood floors installed. At the end of the day, it is about evaluating what fits your family's lifestyle and what fits these spaces best. Working with an expert can help you determine if hardwood is the best option for these spaces or if another flooring option might be a better fit. When looking to install hardwood in areas that usually see a higher degree of moisture, consulting with a hardwood flooring craftsman will give you the best indication of where you should and should not install them. Generally speaking, here are some of the areas that cause the greatest concern:

1. Kitchen

Kitchens have often seen the use of other flooring materials. This is mostly due to architecture and the style of decor for the era in which a home was built or refurbished. It is also due to the potential for water damage caused by leaky appliances. For these reasons, kitchens often feature other flooring options like tile or linoleum.

However, as more spacious layouts have prevailed in construction and home renovation trends are being followed, the flooring in kitchens have become connected to the rest of the other rooms; making way for more hardwood floors in kitchens. Just like other rooms, taking preventative measures to protect your hardwood floors and maintaining proper care can help ensure their lifelong value in a room like the kitchen.

2. Bathroom

Constant or prolonged contact with water, or heavy amounts of moisture, can greatly damage a hardwood floor. This is often why homeowners opt for alternate types of flooring in their bathrooms. However, if a homeowner is careful, this kind of water damage can be easily prevented and avoided. Since half bathrooms have less exposure to both moisture and the potential for water spillage, many homes feature hardwoods in them. As long as the homeowner knows the risks of water damage and can maintain upkeep on their floor, hardwood can successfully live within your bathroom with long lasting results.

3. Laundry Room.

Just like in bathrooms, the potential risk of spilled water is the main reason why some homeowners employ other floor options in their laundry rooms. There is much less of a water risk in laundry rooms than in bathrooms with an open tub or shower. Leaks from the washing machine are the biggest concern when it comes to damaging your hardwood floors in the laundry room. If you choose to install hardwood in this area of your home, using a rubber mat can help prevent initial leaks from damaging your floors.

4. Foyer.

Anything from rain and mud, to dirt and snow salt can be tracked through your home on your shoes. Your foyer is going to be where a lot of that comes off. Any number of those things can cause damage to hardwood floors. That’s why in most older or historic homes, especially those here in Kansas City, you won’t see hardwood flooring in the entryway.

If you have or are looking to install hardwood flooring in your entryway, including an area for wet shoes and a walk-off mat can help prevent damage to your floor.

5. Basements.

Basements are another space that have a higher risk of exposure to moisture. Since they are below the ground or “below-grade”, they often experience higher moisture levels, or in some cases, can even be a common place for flooding. For these reasons, homeowners often choose options like concrete or tile. However, if you really want to liven up your basement, installing engineered hardwood flooring can brighten up a below-grade space. Because it features a plywood base that can hold up better against moisture than solid wood flooring, and as long as appropriate conditions like humidity are maintained, it’s a great option for basement floors.

Going Against the Grain

If you decide you do want hardwood flooring in those rooms, that’s okay! We firmly believe that, when done correctly, it can be a great addition to these rooms as well. At Totta Hardwoods, our professionals can help identify the best hardwood flooring, installation method, finishing process, and care and maintenance plan to provide you with beautiful floors that last a lifetime.

If you end up having hardwood flooring in any of the riskier areas of your home and an accident does happen, there are services that can help restore your damaged floors including:

Refinishing: When you see more wearing down in those areas or stain damage, refinishing your hardwood is a good option. This is where you sand down to the raw wood, and then restain and finish the area again. It makes the floors look brand new with no needed replacement. However, if you have extensive damages to your hardwood, you might require a repair or replacement.

Replacing or Repairing: Repairing water damage is done by tearing out the sections of the floor with staining and damage. After all of the damaged floors have been removed, you add more hardwood floorboards and apply your stain and finish.

Work With Industry Experts to Bring Your Flooring Dreams to Life

Totta Hardwoods is here for any and all questions you might have. Figuring out all of your options can be difficult and we understand that. Making sure that you are getting the floors that will work best for you is important. You can schedule a consultation or contact us with any questions you might have. Our professionals have a lot of experience when it comes to long-lasting hardwood floors.

The Cost of Installing Hardwood Floors

There are so many things to consider when looking to buy hardwood flooring. Probably the most important aspect is investing your dollars into craftsman-made hardwood. When you have a vision for your home, you want it expertly created by true professionals in their craft. Not everyone can produce your vision, but the best can. That is why when you look for hardwood companies, you look for the highest quality; ensuring beautiful flooring that lasts a lifetime.

When creating a space you will love, you want to consider every aspect that goes into your floors. Every style, color, wood species, cut, and pattern comes together to determine your costs.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Hardwood Floor Installation

Installation can have a large range of prices. Many factors impact the price including the type of wood and its origin, the person installing your floors, and the time of year they are being installed.

Price

The cost of hardwood flooring can vary tremendously, especially as lumber prices continue to fluctuate. Depending on the time of year and availability, the pricing of wood can change. Therefore, when discussing initial pricing to achieve your desired look, you will want to talk to a professional who can give you an exact breakdown of pricing on any wood you desire to build your new floors with. Whether you are looking for a domestic wood like white oak or an exotic wood like brazilian cherry, a wood flooring contractor can give you the most accurate estimate based on the most recent numbers.

Finish

The true cost of hardwood flooring depends on the type of installation you choose. If you break it down simply, there are 3 different types of finish that determine the labor needed for installation.

Unfinished hardwood - During the onsite installation, unfinished hardwood flooring, also known as on-site hardwood, is installed by doing any necessary sanding, texturing, staining, and finishing directly within the home after the initial “raw” wood is installed. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, this option could end up being less cost effective than other finishing options, like prefinished.

Prefinished hardwood - is wood boards that are fully sanded, stained, and finished before you even get your hands on them for installation. All of the boards come finished and are installed on site. While these boards can be a little more costly, installation is much quicker as it is one-and-done. However, for those looking for a hand-scraped look, this can save you a lot in costs, if chosen over onsite installation.

Engineered hardwood - is a unique option for hardwood flooring that is often prefinished, so your floor is ready to go, right after install. Engineered hardwood is composed of several layers of plywood, topped with natural wood on the top and bottom.

Cuts of Wood

There are many types of cuts that lead to different grain patterns in the wood. Each wood grain can range in price due to the waste produced by cutting the log a particular way.

Plain Sawn
Live Sawn
Rift Sawn
Quarter Sawn

Rift and Quartered wood is typically a more expensive wood cut because it yields less from the log, however these are also the most dimensionally stable woods since they expand and contract in thickness (up) and not width (sides). This could save you on repairs later down the road, if you are interested in lower maintenance hardwood floors.

Each style also produces their own unique patterns, so if you are looking to achieve a particular look, talk to your hardwood flooring expert about those needs. They will be able to help you craft floors you will love.

Patterned Installation

Patterns don’t just come from the grains of the wood. You can also use the individual planks to create unique patterns in your floor. If you want to elevate your look or are interested in creating something unique for your home, you might want to talk to your hardwood craftsman about a patterned floor.

Any experienced craftsman will be able to effectively and efficiently put down any number of complex patterns. It takes many years of practice and experience to make patterned hardwood a true work of art.

Craftsmanship

Considering labor is important because it can elevate the cost. Having a professional, over someone with limited experience, is a must. Hardwood flooring requires having someone with a lot of experience because of how easily it can be damaged if installed improperly. Whether you are installing prefinished floors or looking to install a complex pattern, you need someone who is an expert in their field; someone who has spent the time it takes to be a true craftsman of their trade.

Why Are Hardwood Flooring Installation Prices so Different?

The ranges for installation cost can be very high and also very low. There are a lot of reasons why installation prices can vary so greatly. It often depends on the contractor providing the service.

Material Cost

Not all wood is created equal. Every type of wood is going to have a different price, as well as pros and cons to using that type of wood. Woods like pine, oak, and American Cherry are going to typically be the more cost efficient options while some of the more exotic wood species can come with a more expensive price tag per foot.

Another determinant factor is where the hardwood flooring comes from. If the wood is domestic, then it is likely going to be more affordable than wood that needs to be imported due to shipping costs from out of the country; especially when it must be shipped overseas.

The cut, stain, and finish all have additional cost determinants with them as well. If you want a different cut or grain view, or you want a more durable finish, you will likely pay more.

Craftsmanship and Labor

Labor costs are going to be one of the most important factors when considering prices. With hardwood flooring, it is important to find a high-quality contractor with years of experience. There are many things that could go wrong with hardwood flooring. Skimping out on a contractor, for a cheaper price, can lead to poor installation, quicker repairs and replacements, and more headaches.

‘Tis the Season

Cost is not just measured in money, but there is also the cost of your time. Summer is the most popular time to complete home-improvement projects for many reasons including:

Nicer weather and more relaxed work schedules often lead to a higher motivation to complete projects that have been put off.
Kids are out of school and people are working around their vacation schedule and home renovation projects.
It’s right before the holidays. Everyone wants their homes to be in tip-top shape when their family visits. Summertime is the best time to do this.
Nice weather makes it so much easier to work on those home renovation projects without unexpected delays due to weather.

All of these reasons make it difficult to find a contractor, especially those highly sought after craftsmen. For this reason, try to plan ahead and get your home renovation project scheduled ahead of time. Avoid waiting until the summer rolls around.

Alternatives to Hardwood Installation - Hardwood Refinishing

If you already have hardwood flooring, there’s no reason that you have to fully replace it. Refinishing your hardwood flooring can be an easier, cost-effective solution. When replacing your hardwoods, you have to pay for the removal and installation of new wood, in addition to the actual cost of the flooring. Refinishing costs can vary, largely depending on how much square footage you’re refinishing. Regardless, this is a MUCH more economical option than a total replacement.

Know Your Options, Work with a Professional

At Totta Hardwoods, our craftsmen are dedicated to making sure you understand everything. We want to make sure all of your questions are answered so there is no uncertainty about your hardwood flooring. We want you to feel comfortable knowing that you are working with experts on your project. That’s why we offer an in-depth consultation that walks you through all your options and your budget so you can get hardwood floors you will love.

Schedule a consultation or contact us to understand your options and what works best with your budget.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

With the variety of hardwood flooring available on the market, it is difficult to figure out what is best for you. Different styles of hardwood can take days to install. It can be overwhelming to choose from vinyl flooring, prefinished flooring, or solid flooring. Every style has different installation lengths and finishing processes. Learning more about the different types can help you choose the best hardwood flooring for your home.

Engineered Hardwood vs Solid Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed of different layers of wood material. There are multiple layers of plywood with a top layer of hardwood. Every layer of plywood is in a different direction to prevent warping and bowing in moist areas.

Solid Hardwood flooring is a solid plank of wood with no layers. This wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times to change with your home. It consists of grooves and edges on opposite sides to interlock into place. Then, they are nailed into place onto a subfloor.

The Differences Between Engineered Hardwood and Solid Hardwood

Wear Layer - This refers to the re-sandable wood surface above the tongue and groove on wood flooring. The wear layer on a 3/4″ solid hardwood wood floor is typically 6 millimeters (mm), which typically allows for 4-5 re-sandings. A quality engineered floor will have a 3mm or thicker wear layer.

Overall Thickness - Engineered hardwood flooring comes in a variety of thickness, and is typically overall thinner than solid hardwood flooring.

Solid hardwood flooring is most commonly 3/4” thick, but does come in ½”.
Engineered hardwood flooring is anywhere from 3/8 to 9/16” thick.

Length & Width - Engineered hardwood planks tend to be wider and shorter than solid hardwood planks.

Texture - Most prefinished engineered hardwood flooring comes with slightly beveled edges which creates small grooves between the boards, compared to solid flooring which have square edges. The beveled edges help to account for any natural board discrepancies that would be sanded smooth on a site finished floor.

Longevity - Solid hardwood has the ability to be refinished multiple times, while engineered hardwood may need to be replaced if you want a different finish.

Repairs - In order to repair engineered hardwood, you must replace the boards due to the composition of the boards. With solid hardwood, it is easier to repair because the boards can be refinished multiple times. They can be sanded down and refinished to match your other boards.

Installation Time - Engineered hardwood has the shortest install time of the different types of flooring. Onsite solid hardwood installation takes the longest amount of time, with prefinished hardwood being in the middle of the two lengths of time.

Extra tip - You still get a lot more out of solid prefinished hardwood than you would engineered hardwood.

Why Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood has many pros to consider. The construction of the hardwoods makes it incredibly durable and gives it high-performance qualities. Due to certain advantages over solid hardwood, it allows for installation in more homes.

Engineered flooring is cheaper. This is partially because of the ease of installation. The cost can range anywhere from $3 to $14 per foot compared to solid hardwood flooring being a price of $8 to $15. The price mainly is determined by the material of wood layered on the plywood.
Variety of ways to be installed. Engineered hardwood can be nailed or screwed down, glued in, or floated over an underlay. Nailing down your hardwood flooring is often seen as the ideal method, as it is quick and is held together tighter when working on a larger area.
Difficult to tell the difference between solid hardwood flooring. The top layer of wood in engineered hardwood looks similar to solid hardwood when installed. There are some differences, but it can be difficult to tell when viewing your floors from afar.
Engineered hardwood flooring can be more sustainable than solid hardwood flooring. It makes use of leftovers from other wood-making processes.

What is the Installation Process?

Any installation process is going to take time, so it is important to realize that it might take a few days. For 24 hours after the new flooring is installed, you will be unable to walk on the floors. You must also check the boards for any warping that might’ve occurred in transportation.

Lay down an underlay - An underlayer is a thin layer that can be made out of a variety of materials that help cushion and protect your floors from moisture.
Lay down your first row - Starting from the wall, put down your boards and apply wood glue to the ends of the boards with the groove facing out.
Put down the rest of your boards - Follow the same method above, putting wood glue on the ends and facing the groove out. (Keep in mind that certain types of engineered hardwood have a locking mechanism that doesn’t require wood glue.)
Remove tape - If you are using wood glue, it is often recommended to utilize tape to keep the boards in place as you put them down. After every board is laid down, you remove tape.
24 hours after - Limit foot traffic on the flooring for 24 hours after installation. This will ensure that the glue is set and dried properly.
At the end - After everything is done, and the 24 hour time period has passed, install transitions and moulding.

Kansas City’s Hardwood Professionals

Engineered hardwood flooring can give you access to a variety of styles. At Totta Hardwoods, we have installed many patterns and wood types. Our professionals have likely heard it all, and will be able to help you out with any ideas you have. While we specialize in prefinished hardwood flooring, schedule an in-depth consultation today, and we can find the best hardwood style for your home. If you just want to contact us, one of our professionals will be able to help you out!

What to Know When Choosing Hardwood Flooring - Part 2

Hardwood flooring has experienced a boom in popularity among homeowners in the United States. The range of options to choose from ensures that your choice of hardwood is unique and the perfect fit for your home, but those same choices can feel overwhelming.

Are you staring at your floors and thinking, “I really want hardwood flooring, but I don’t know where to start!”? Picking out hardwood flooring for your home can be overwhelming, and with what feels like so many different things to consider and an endless amount of options to choose from, you aren’t wrong! Hardwood flooring is a beautiful addition that you know adds value to your home, but choosing exactly the right flooring for your space, for your family, can be difficult.

The right flooring is out there. It is simply about finding the flooring that’s perfect for you. You have a lot of choices to make -

Solid vs Engineered
Species
Grade & Cut
Board width
Pattern
Texture
Stain (Color)
Finish (sheen)
Price

Each one of these choices needs to be carefully considered when making a large investment into your home. Knowing what you want and what you need for each one is important for your overall happiness once the project is complete. Work with a flooring expert to understand what you need and how you want it to look. At Totta Hardwoods, we have an in-depth consultation that not only presents you with your options but evaluates your home and your specific family needs to ensure you get the very best hardwood options for your home.

Different Types of Hardwood Flooring

Choosing a type of hardwood flooring can be as difficult as choosing a color. Price is often a consideration, but one must also consider the longevity and durability of hardwood. While hardwood is one of the most durable flooring options available, different types of hardwood flooring can have a range of durability.

Onsite Installation // Unfinished Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is typically the more durable option. It can get up to ¾” thick. This allows it to be sanded and refinished multiple times, and also makes it one of the easier installation types to repair. It also creates the most seamless look, allowing you to create a perfectly smooth or uniform texture.

While the price can be a bit higher for onsite installation, it has other limitations as well. Onsite solid hardwood installation looks beautiful, but it doesn’t work for every room in your house. A true craftsman understands the limitations that come with a home and can help educate you on what works best for each room.

Prefinished Flooring

Prefinished flooring is still solid hardwood flooring. Instead of wood installation, sanding, stain, and finish, each individual board is prefinished or individually sanded, stained, and finished before installation. This allows for a shorter installation period, but can be more difficult to refinish, repair, or replace individual boards to get the perfect uniform match.

Engineered

Engineered hardwood consists of multiple thin layers of either plywood or similar material with a thin veneer layer of hardwood on top. These flooring planks are fitted together with grooves so they can be installed over many types of flooring. It can be installed in basements because engineered hardwood flooring can withstand higher humidity compared to solid hardwood. This is generally a cheaper option, but it typically is the hardest to repair and replace.

Wood Species

We have talked a lot about how the wood species can affect the other considerations you make. Choosing a species of wood impacts the stain, finish, and overall price of your flooring simply due to the natural aspects of the floor. This has a lot to do with the durability of each individual wood type. Every type of wood has a different “hardness” that can impact how durable your floors will be. The harder a wood is, the more resistant to dents and scratches it will be. Examples of durable floors are hickory, oak, and maple. When you get to species like walnut, a softer floor will require more attention and care to prevent damage.

Hardwood Flooring Design Choices

Grain Style

Choosing a grain style can be one of the most important aspects of choosing hardwood flooring. Different types of wood contain different types of grains. The way each wood plank is cut determines what kind of pattern will emerge in the wood.

Rift sawn is going to be the most expensive cut out of your options due to the labor-intensive process and wasted wood. This will produce a straight line pattern in the grain.
Plain sawn is one of the most readily available hardwood to get. The log is sliced through the center, producing the least waste of the grain types. Because of fast milling types, this is the cheapest cut of wood.
Quartersawn is more stable than plain sawn. It has increased moisture resistance and is less likely to cup, twist, and warp. This cut produces a unique, linear grain pattern.

Patterns

Patterns can be a good idea for those looking to incorporate something special into your home. They can provide a talking point and a detail of focus in your home. Popular designs include herringbone, diamond parquet, and wood mosaics. These can be mixed with a number of different stains to fit your home’s aesthetic.

Stains (Color)

There are two things you will need to consider when choosing a stain:

Your Desired Look - the overall look or color of wood you are going for.

The color you choose depends on your decoration style. If you enjoy the more minimalist farmhouse-themed decor, lighter natural shades would work best to complement your style. For modern decor, darker stains would be better suited for your home to create a more extravagant look. To properly choose your hardwood flooring, you should look for a color that highlights and creates a base for your interior design style. If you can’t choose between 2-3 colors, you can get samples to see what will work best in your home.

Species of Wood - the species of wood you use can determine what stain is needed.

For example, exotic wood species like mahogany, walnut, and cherry don’t stain very well due to oils in the wood. However, these types of wood typically have a beautiful natural color that a lot of homeowners like by themselves. Oak floors are the optimal choice for stains, as they absorb the stain well, allowing you to achieve your desired color.

Price

As mentioned, a range of aspects can affect your floors pricing including -

Species - Due to importing costs and the rarity of the wood, exotic flooring is going to be more expensive than wood manufactured domestically.
Solid vs Engineered - Onsite installation gives you the most flexibility in style and future repairs, but generally costs more to install. Prefinished hardwood flooring can range in cost from $3 to $13 per square foot. Engineered hardwood flooring is slightly cheaper and can be a good choice for those on a budget.
Width & Length - Certain widths and lengths can increase the overall cost of your hardwood. If you have specific style preferences, when it comes to how thin or thick your hardwood planks are, you could be looking at an increase in price.
Grain Cut (Grade & Cut) - The way the wood is initially cut can impact the overall price. Wood showing more of the natural rings typically costs more to produce.

You might not have a preference or even realize that some of these factors could impact price. When you work with one of the craftsmen at Totta Hardwoods, they can help you determine what is most important to you, what is best for your home, and what is best for your pocketbook.

Work with the Hardwood Flooring Experts at Totta Hardwoods

We can help you navigate the difficult terrain of hardwood flooring. As overwhelming as picking the hardwood flooring for your home can be, our professionals will be there every step-of-the- way to make it easy. We have been serving the greater Kansas City area since 2006, and our passion for woodworking shows in our quality. You can contact us or schedule a consultation to get started on the process.