Hardwood Flooring Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying hardwood flooring: species, grades, finishes, installation methods, and how to choose between solid and engineered.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over a plywood core, making it more dimensionally stable and suitable for below-grade or radiant heat installations. For most above-grade residential applications, both are excellent choices.

Wood Species

Oak is the most popular species for its durability (Janka hardness ~1290) and wide availability. Hickory (~1820) and maple (~1450) are harder options for high-traffic areas. Walnut (~1010) and cherry (~950) offer rich, dark tones but are softer. Exotic species like Brazilian cherry (~2350) offer extreme hardness but may be harder to match for repairs.

Grades & Cuts

Select & Better grade has minimal character marks and a uniform appearance. #1 Common has more knots and color variation. #2 Common has significant character. Rift & quartersawn cuts offer superior dimensional stability and a straighter grain pattern, ideal for wide-plank applications.

Finishes

Factory-finished flooring (aluminum oxide) is the most durable and convenient option. Site-finished floors allow custom stain colors but require 3–5 days of cure time. Oil-based finishes offer a warm, amber tone; water-based finishes dry faster and stay clear. Hardwax oil finishes are popular for a natural, matte look and easy spot repair.

Installation Methods

Nail-down installation is the traditional method for solid hardwood over wood subfloors. Glue-down is used for engineered hardwood over concrete. Floating installation (click-lock) is the easiest DIY method but produces a slightly hollow sound underfoot. Always acclimate hardwood for 3–5 days before installation.

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