Comparing The Costs And Styles Of Hardwood Floors: Domestics

In part one of this two-part series, we compared the costs and styles of exotic hardwood floors

. Now were going to move on to domestics. Domestic hardwood floors are any wood species grown and manufactured in the U.S. Theyre relatively cheaper than exotics and give a home a traditional feel, while exotics tend to make a home look more modern. Keep in mind that distressing and antiquing techniques with amp up the price on these.

1) Oak Hardwood Floors Oak is considered the most classically popular hardwood flooring option with both white and red species. Its one of the least expensive woods with engineered floors costing $3.04 to $4.30 per square foot depending on plank size. Its very rich, deep character markings work best in a traditional setting, rather than a modern home.

2) Maple Hardwood Floors In North America, it is known as the Sugar Maple, which is where maple syrup comes from! The wood is just as smooth as the syrup with a fine grain appearance. For folks who dont like the dramatic rings and markings of oak will prefer maple, which has tiny spores and minimal markings. Maple is available in virtually ever color and can accommodate traditional homes with distressing techniques and modern decorating with high gloss finishes. Engineered woods cost $4.72 to $4.95.

3) Hickory Hardwoods The strongest, hardest wood in North America, Hickory has about 15 species in the U.S. alone, with some trees producing pecan nuts. Not suitable for outdoors because of susceptibility to insects, but with proper treatment the wood is fine indoors. The brownish, reddish heartwood is sold as Red Hickory while the golden sapwood is sold as White Hickory. Hickory can be either straight grained or wavy in texture, which is why some varieties have lots of swirls and others look just like maple. Engineered hickory ranges from $4.00 to $5.00 per square foot.

4) Ash Hardwood Floors Not as popular of a flooring option compared to oak and maple, ash looks nearly identical to oak with deep character markings. There are approximately 45-65 species of ash worldwide, with the most well known being White Ash or American Ash. It is grown in Northern climates from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota. Its dense, strong, and straight-grained. You can find Ash for as low as $3.35 for engineered woods.

5) Birch Most North American wood floors are made from Yellow Birch, which grows in Canada all the way down the Eastern U.S. to Georgia. The smooth, yellow-bronze appearance of the wood is enhanced by natural black marks and scars that almost look like animal fur up close. Engineered varieties cost around $4.41 but hand scraping and distressing techniques, which are popular with this wood, will cost a bit more.

Interested in learning more about hardwood floors, particularly domestic varieties? Its best to go to an authorized hardwood floors retail specialist to discuss options for your home. A specialist can help you determine which would specie and color will fit your home best.

by: Laine McKenna

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