What Is Hardwood Flooring? Everything You Need to Know.

Few things add warmth and character to a space like real wood flooring. From charming old houses to sleek modern condos, hardwood floors have remained a timeless favorite. Their rich grain, natural beauty, and durability make them more than just a flooring option — real wood flooring transforms any space into something special.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hardwood flooring. Whether you’re planning to renovate, build from scratch, or simply dreaming of new floors, we’ll help you get the clarity you need to approach your Chicago hardwood floor installation with confidence.

What Is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is made from timber harvested from deciduous trees and crafted into planks that connect through tongue and groove installation. Unlike laminate or vinyl flooring, it’s composed entirely of natural wood.

Real wood flooring distinguishes itself from generic "wood floors" by utilizing hardwood species exclusively, excluding softwood varieties like pine or cedar. These hardwood flooring materials demonstrate superior resistance to wear and can endure heavy foot traffic while preserving their inherent natural beauty across multiple decades.

Here’s a quick overview of the main pros and cons of hardwood flooring to give you a clear snapshot:

Key Characteristics That Define Hardwood Flooring

Real wood flooring exhibits specific dimensional standards, structural characteristics, and performance attributes that separate premium products from inferior alternatives.

Length and Width

Individual planks typically measure 12 to 84 inches in length, with 36-inch dimensions representing the residential standard. Width specifications vary considerably based on aesthetic preferences and spatial considerations. Traditional hardwood maintains 2.25 to 3.25-inch widths, while wide planks span 4 to 12 inches. Broader planks generate contemporary visual impact and create the illusion of expanded room dimensions.

Hardness and Thickness

Hardness is one of the most important factors. The Janka Hardness Rating measures how much force is needed to dent a piece of wood. For example, white oak ranks high on this scale, making it great for high-traffic areas.

Standard solid hardwood planks measure 3/4 inch thick, providing substantial material for refinishing multiple times throughout their lifespan. The thickness of the wearable surface determines how many times floors can be refinished.

Hardwood Cuts

Sawmill techniques significantly influence both aesthetic appeal and structural performance characteristics. Here are the primary cutting methods:

• Plain sawn: Most economical approach producing distinctive cathedral grain formations.
• Quarter sawn: Generates linear grain patterns with enhanced dimensional stability.
• Rift sawn: Creates uniform linear grain with minimal pattern variation.
• Live sawn: Incorporates multiple cutting techniques for diverse grain characteristics.

Each sawing method affects flooring stability, visual appearance, and market pricing, making specific cuts more appropriate for particular applications.

Hardwood Grading

Industry grading standards ensure consistent quality expectations and transparent purchasing decisions. The National Wood Flooring Association establishes comprehensive grading criteria:

• Select grade: Minimal variation or defects, very smooth and uniform overall.
• Natural grade: Some knots and color variation for a natural, lived-in look.
• Rustic grade: Most characters, including large knots and visible markings.

The grade you choose reflects both aesthetic preference and price sensitivity. Each one offers a distinct look, so it’s worth considering how much natural variation you want in your space.

Types of Hardwood Floors: Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Choosing between solid hardwood floors and engineered hardwood flooring represents one of the most important decisions in the hardwood vs. engineered wood flooring debate. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and installation environment.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood floors are milled from a single piece of wood, typically ¾ inch thick. Installation requires nailing to a wooden subfloor, making them less ideal for basements or concrete floors. But the pay-off is unmatched durability — solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times and lasts for generations. Solid hardwood planks are the gold standard for traditional hardwood flooring.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered flooring consists of a plywood base with a real wood veneer on top. This layered construction makes engineered hardwood more stable in humid environments, and it can be installed over existing flooring, including concrete floors. While the top layer may be a thin veneer, engineered hardwood planks still offer real wood beauty with added flexibility and a lower price point.

Popular Hardwood Species: Choosing the Right One

Selecting the right wood species significantly impacts both the appearance and performance of your new floor. Each species brings unique characteristics in terms of hardness, grain patterns, and natural coloring that influence their suitability for different applications.

Oak

White oak continues to be the most popular hardwood flooring species for its excellent durability and timeless grain. It's naturally scratch resistant and holds up well in high traffic areas. Oak also takes stain beautifully, offering a broad range of hardwood flooring colors to complement any design.

Best for: Homes needing durability with classic, adaptable style.

Maple

Maple is known for its hardness and subtle, uniform grain that fits well with clean, modern aesthetics. Its light natural color brightens rooms and enhances open spaces. Thanks to its density, maple flooring provides excellent resistance to scratches and wear.

Best for: Contemporary spaces and active households seeking durability.

Hickory

With bold grain patterns and strong natural contrast, hickory adds unique character to any room. Its extreme hardness resists dents and scratches, making it ideal for busy homes. The light-to-dark color variation in individual planks adds to its rustic charm.

Best for: Rustic interiors, pet owners, and high-traffic areas.

Brazilian Cherry

This exotic species offers rich, deep coloring that darkens beautifully over time when exposed to natural light. Brazilian cherry provides exceptional hardness and durability, while the species' natural oils provide enhanced moisture resistance compared to domestic alternatives.

Best for: Formal settings and humid climates requiring resilient, high-end floors.

Acacia

Acacia delivers outstanding durability with distinctive grain patterns and natural color variation. This species offers excellent value while providing scratch-resistant properties ideal for active households. The unique appearance creates dramatic visual impact at more affordable price.

Best for: Design-forward spaces that need performance and affordability.

Ash

Ash showcases bold, oak-like grain with a naturally lighter tone that brightens up any interior. Its enhanced hardness makes it highly durable for everyday residential use, and it handles foot traffic well without compromising style. This species also takes stain evenly.

Best for: Homeowners seeking a bright, distinctive look with strong performance at a reasonable price.

Practical Realities: Cost, Installation, and Maintenance

Understanding the full scope of hardwood flooring investment goes beyond initial material costs. Smart planning considers installation requirements, ongoing maintenance, and long-term value to make informed decisions that align with your budget and lifestyle needs.

Costs and Investment Considerations

Hardwood flooring materials typically range from $3-12 per square foot for solid hardwood planks, while engineered hardwood options cost $2-8 per square foot. Professional hardwood floor installation adds $3-8 per square foot depending on complexity and existing flooring removal requirements.

Still, hardwood is a smart investment! According to the National Association of REALTORS®, hardwood flooring has one of the highest returns, often delivering up to 118% ROI when it comes to home resale value.

Installation: DIY Challenge or Professional Necessity?

Installing hardwood requires specialized tools, precise measurements, and extensive experience with subfloor preparation techniques. The process involves moisture testing, acclimation periods, and complex cutting around obstacles like stairs and doorways.

Most homeowners benefit from professional installation, especially for challenging projects involving stairs or existing flooring removal. Expert installers understand local building codes and manufacturer requirements that protect warranty coverage while ensuring optimal performance.

Maintenance and Longevity

The hardwood lifespan extends 50-100 years when properly maintained. Implementing proper care techniques prevents expensive repairs and maximizes service life considerably. Protective strategies safeguard your investment and preserve aesthetic appeal:

• Regular cleaning: Vacuum regularly using appropriate attachments to eliminate accumulated debris.
• Swift response: Address spills immediately to prevent moisture damage and permanent staining
• Protection systems: Install furniture pads and area rugs in high traffic areas.
• Environmental control: Maintain consistent humidity levels preventing expansion and contraction cycles.
• Professional refinishing: Schedule refinishing every 7-10 years to restore surface integrity.

Hardwood vs Other Flooring Options

Still unsure if hardwood is right for you? Let’s compare it to other popular flooring types!

Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring provides wood-like appearance at significantly lower costs but lacks the natural beauty and refinishing capabilities of real hardwood. Consider these key differences:

• Longevity: Hardwood lasts decades with refinishing while laminate requires complete replacement.
• Investment value: Hardwood increases home value while laminate provides minimal return.
• Repair options: Hardwood can be refinished and repaired while damaged laminate must be replaced.

Hardwood vs Vinyl Flooring

Modern vinyl flooring offers waterproof properties and lower maintenance requirements but cannot match hardwood's natural appeal and longevity:

• Moisture resistance: Vinyl handles water exposure better than traditional hardwood.
• Comfort: Real wood provides natural warmth while vinyl feels synthetic underfoot.
• Resale value: Hardwood significantly increases property values while vinyl provides minimal impact

Hardwood vs Tile Flooring

Tile offers excellent moisture resistance and durability but lacks hardwood's warmth and natural beauty:

• Comfort: Wood provides natural warmth while tile feels cold, especially in winter.
• Installation flexibility: Both can be installed over existing flooring in many situations.
• Aesthetics: Hardwood creates warm, inviting atmospheres while tile provides clean, modern looks.

Ready to Make Your Hardwood Flooring Decision?

Hardwood flooring is more than a surface; it’s a statement. It speaks of natural beauty, long-term value, and comfort underfoot. Whether you love the charm of wide planks or the resilience of engineered wood, there’s a hardwood flooring material that fits your lifestyle.

At Simple Flooring, we've helped thousands of Chicago-area homeowners transform their spaces with beautiful hardwood floors over our 50+ years of experience. Contact us today to explore your hardwood flooring options and discover how real wood floors can enhance your home's beauty and value.