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Hardwood floor species

There are different species of wood used for hardwood floor manufacturing. They have their own properties and in order to understand what to expect from the floor after the installation it is important to know which qualities have specific wood while shopping for a new hardwood floor. It is also essential for installers in order to use proper installation technique. There are different qualities of the wood needs to be considered to find out which species of hardwood floor will be the best option for the new home improvement project.

Hardness

It is an ability of the wood to withstand mechanical impacts. In a very heavy traffic area harder hardwood floor species have to be considered. Other example is that if the floor will not be hard enough, it can easily be damaged by dogs or other pets if any will be in the house.

Dimensional stability

It is a resistance of the wood to environmental changes such as moisture or temperature. All wood change in sizes (shrink or swell) under certain conditions and the minimal changes indicate higher dimensional stability. If the hardwood floor will be installed in the areas where moisture, humidity or temperature will change often species with a higher dimensional stability should be given priority.

Natural color and grain

Different species have their own natural colors and grain what make them unique.

Photosensitivity

It is a reaction of floor to the light. Wood is a natural product and has an ability to change its color with a time either by lightening or darkening under different amount of light exposure. Cherry hardwood floor is a very good example. In some cases with a time it change in color so much that it looks like color of the flood was changed by applying reddish stain.

American Cherry
Ash
Bamboo
Beech
Birch Yellow
Black Walnut
Brazilian Cherry
Brazilian Teak
Elm
European Chestnut
Hickory
Maple
Red Birch
Red Mahogany
Red Oak
White Oak