Best Recommended Wood Flooring

This tends to be the largest open space in the house.

Best recommended wood flooring.

Oak continues to be the most popular hardwood flooring choice so please take a look at our oak flooring post and also our post on the differences between red and white oak flooring. White ash features more subtle graining while black ash has a dark grain that contrasts with its light. The best wood flooring for the living room is oak or maple without too much color variation. So a choice with lots of character can distract from the rest of the décor.

It is more difficult to mill because premium center cut sections are needed. Higher end best quality engineered hardwood has a good 2 6 mm thick top veneer layer that can be sanded and refinished over time similar to solid wood and can last between 40 80 years. Different species of hardwood have different properties not least of all different base colors and grains. Though it mimics the look of solid wood engineered wood flooring has just a thin veneer of finished wood such as oak or maple attached to a plywoodlike substrate.

Wider widths typically 5 or more will look more modern and consistent. Wide plank flooring despite the brand will always be more expensive than an ordinary 3 1 4 inch solid wood floor. Engineered hardwood with a thinner veneer cannot be refinished and generally will not last longer than 30 years. They also have some minor production in poland romania and china.