Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for its timeless beauty, durability, and ability to increase the value of a home. There are several wood species commonly used for hardwood flooring, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular woods for hardwood flooring along with some basic care tips to maintain their beauty.

Oak

Oak is one of the most common and versatile hardwood flooring options. It comes in two main varieties, red oak and white oak. Red oak has a reddish hue, while white oak is more golden in color. Oak is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Maple

Maple hardwood flooring is prized for its pale, consistent color and fine grain pattern. It's a popular choice for contemporary and modern interiors due to its clean and sleek appearance.

Hickory

Hickory is a dense and hard wood with a rustic appearance. Its color variation and strong grain patterns make it an attractive choice for homes with a more rustic or traditional aesthetic.

Cherry

Cherry hardwood flooring has a rich, reddish-brown color that deepens with age and exposure to light. It adds warmth and elegance to spaces and is often chosen for formal or traditional interiors.

Walnut

Walnut wood is known for its deep, dark brown color and striking grain patterns. It lends a luxurious and sophisticated feel to any room, making it a popular choice for high-end homes.

Birch

Birch hardwood flooring offers a light, creamy color with subtle grain patterns. It's an excellent choice for brightening up spaces and creating a sense of openness.

Basic Hardwood Flooring Care

To maintain the beauty and longevity of your hardwood flooring, follow these basic care tips!

Regular Cleaning

Sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors regularly to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to prevent scratching.

Avoid Excess Moisture

Hardwood floors are susceptible to moisture damage, so clean up spills promptly and avoid excessive water when mopping. Use a damp (not wet) mop with a hardwood floor cleaner.

Protect Against Scratches

Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching when moving furniture. Use area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and at entryways to capture dirt and moisture. It can also be beneficial to both your floors and pets if you keep your pets' nails trimmed to prevent scratches on the hardwood surface.

Reapply Finish

Over time, the protective finish on hardwood floors may wear down. Periodically reapply a hardwood floor finish to restore luster and protect against wear and tear.

Professional Maintenance

Regardless of what type of hardwood flooring you have, there will inevitably come a day when routine maintenance is not enough. And that’s where we come in. Elite Carpet Cleaning and Repair also handles all of your hardwood flooring care and maintenance. When you need help making your floors shine again, give us a call.