The 3 Most Popular Hardwood Flooring Options

Hardwood flooring has long been a beloved choice for homeowners across Oahu, known for its enduring beauty, natural warmth, and remarkable durability. As Hawaii’s trusted home remodeling expert, American Floor & Home has seen firsthand the timeless appeal of hardwood and the diverse preferences of our local customers. If you’re considering enhancing your home with the elegance of wood floors, understanding the most popular options is a great place to start.

 

The enduring appeal of hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors offer a unique blend of aesthetic versatility and practical benefits. They can instantly elevate the perceived value of your home, provide a healthier indoor environment by reducing allergens, and are incredibly resilient with proper care. The natural variations in grain and color found in real wood create a distinctive character that simply cannot be replicated by artificial materials. From classic to contemporary, hardwood seamlessly integrates into a wide range of interior designs, making it a foundation for any room’s style.

 

The rise of engineered hardwood

While solid hardwood has been a staple for centuries, engineered hardwood has emerged as a formidable contender, especially in a climate like Hawaii’s. Engineered hardwood is constructed with multiple layers of wood, typically a high-quality plywood or high-density fiberboard core, topped with a real hardwood veneer. This layered construction provides exceptional stability, making it less susceptible to the expansion and contraction caused by fluctuations in humidity – a significant advantage in our island environment.
 

The real wood top layer means engineered hardwood offers the same stunning aesthetics as solid hardwood, with a vast array of species, finishes, and plank widths available. Its versatility allows for installation in areas where solid hardwood might not be ideal, such as basements or over concrete slabs, making it a highly adaptable flooring option for many Hawaii homes.

 

The classic choice: Oak hardwood

When it comes to solid hardwood, oak consistently remains a top choice, and for good reason. Both Red Oak and White Oak are celebrated for their strength, prominent grain patterns, and ability to accept various stains beautifully.
 

Red Oak, with its reddish-brown hues and distinctive open grain, offers a warm and inviting look. It’s incredibly durable and a fantastic option for high-traffic areas, providing a classic foundation that stands the test of time.
 

White Oak, on the other hand, presents cooler, lighter tones, ranging from light brown to gray, with a more subtle grain. Its contemporary appeal has made it particularly popular in modern and minimalist designs. White Oak is also known for its excellent resistance to moisture, adding to its appeal for homes in our humid climate. Regardless of the specific shade or finish, oak hardwood delivers reliable performance and timeless elegance.

 

The distinctive beauty of maple hardwood

Maple hardwood offers a distinctly bright and clean aesthetic, setting it apart from other popular choices. Known for its fine, subtle grain and light, creamy color, maple creates an airy and expansive feel in any room. It’s an exceptionally hard and dense wood, making it incredibly resistant to dents and scratches. This makes maple an ideal option for active households and high-traffic areas where durability is paramount.
 

While maple typically takes stains differently than oak due to its tighter grain, its natural light color often makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a bright, natural wood look without heavy staining. For a contemporary or minimalist design, maple provides a sleek and refined backdrop that truly shines.
 

No matter which hardwood option you envision for your home, the expertise of professional flooring company is invaluable.

 

Transform your home with American Floor & Home

Since 1974, American Floor & Home has been Oahu’s trusted flooring experts, offering high-quality flooring with in-house installation services. With locations in Honolulu and Kapolei, we are proud to be Hawaii’s one-stop shop for home remodeling. From top-to-bottom kitchen and bath services to comprehensive flooring solutions, our established legacy ensures quality and in-house expertise you can trust. Visit us today in Honolulu or Kapolei to explore our extensive selection and begin your home transformation journey.