Both softwoods and hardwoods are appropriate for the interior of your home. Softwoods such as fir, pine, and spruce are likely to be damaged by wear and abrasion, which are best for light traffic areas such as bedrooms. Hardwoods like oak, birch, maple and pecan are denser and able to withstand harsher treatment. (Wood works best in spaces that are free of contact with moisture, but wood can also be treated to repel the negative effects of moisture.)
Depending on how the wood was sawn will determine its appearance and resistance to wear. Quarter-sawn flooring (edge or vertical grain) displays an even grain and will stand up to hard wear quite well. Plain-sawn flooring (flat grain) displays noticeable grain patterns and may not wear evenly.
The cost of wood flooring ranges from inexpensive pine to pricey walnut. It can be purchased either finished or unfinished. Color, grain pattern, density and texture vary and are specific to each species. Prefinished hardwood offers convenience; hardwood that's sanded and finished (on site) offers a gleaming reflection you just can't get with the small gaps between prefinished planks.
Regular maintenance is quite simple: just vacuum or sweep regularly and occasionally give a 'light' wash.
Choosing the right wood for your home makes a huge difference in durability and style. Hardwoods like oak and maple handle heavy traffic beautifully, but even the best wood can suffer wear over time. Professional hardwood floor repair restores their strength and shine, keeping your floors both functional and elegant.
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