You can identify a softwood floor by scratching at the surface. Durability. Many floors have a polyurethane finish, but certain finishes are harder than polyurethane, and restorative finishes won't adhere well to them. However, you can apply the same high-quality coatings to engineered wood floors that you can to traditional hardwood, making them very resistant to wear and tear. It adds old-fashioned charm and warmth and is available in red and white. Knowing how to clean, repair and otherwise prep the new-found wood for your home depends on what type of wood you have. There are many types of hardwoods for building, but only a few wood species are typically used to cover wood floors. Floors from decades ago and even centuries ago can be resanded and brought back to life. Certain species of hardwood flooring lasts much longer without visible wear and tear than others. Certain models of hardwood flooring can be installed without glue, staples, or nails. Contemporary Open Kitchen. The planks are milled specifically to create a uniform and stable fit. Hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood. Some species are easy to identify, such as Oak, Pine, Cherry and Fir. You would have to know the scratches were there to begin with to ever see them now. These include Pine, Fir, Cypress, Cedar, Spruce, and Hemlock. When properly maintained, the durable planks of Hickory can last a lifetime. Hardwood floors are commonly 3/4-inch thick, tongue-and-groove boards. several times before hitting the laminated section. Red oak is lighter and more neutral. Solid Hardwood is truly a solid hardwood plank. Overall, hardwood floors tend to increase the value of your property. Laminate can be a beautiful product but it is not hardwood so it cannot be refinished. Oak is generally less expensive (since it is more abundant) and it is usually the hardwood that you find in most homes…so if you are looking to match what you already have… Walnut. The wood planks has a set width of 1.5 inches, 2 inches and 2.75 inches. If you aren't sure, then a wood identification app can help you identify hardwood by its color, appearance or other features. Light almost to a whitish hue, Ash can stand up to high traffic, but is smooth and comfortable for bare feet. Cherry. The pores of the softwoods are closed and create a smoother surface with swirls of grain. It typically has a high shine and lustrous finish. This type of hardwood flooring only comes in two set thicknesses, but a wider variety of widths. Sand a section of the floor with a palm sander and 20-grit sandpaper to remove glue or tile mastic if you are exposing a hardwood floor that has been covered with another type of floor covering. Before you restore your wood floor finish -- or even clean it -- you need to know what type of finish it is, or your efforts could be for naught. It is affordable, and adds warmth and style for almost any décor. Ash. I've linked their website below for you. Hardwood flooring ranges in price from $1 per square foot to $10 per square foot; the price for different species of hardwood flooring can vary significantly. Maple is affordable and can absorb stains well to create darker flooring that mimics Walnut or Cherry. Hardwood floors are easy to clean with a quick sweep and occasional damp mop, plus mild detergent. Parquet flooring. It is a widely popular product and was especially popular in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. This is one of the most popular species for use in flooring. Peek inside the opening to look at the type of wood that lies in the gap. Hardwood Species. It can stand up to the clawing of pets, rambunctious children and heavy traffic over decades without requiring much maintenance. in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These steps will help you to … There are many types of old hardwood floors that can hold up to high traffic, remodels and renovations. They are also fast to repopulate and considered to be a more environmentally friendly and sustainable building product over hardwoods. And if you drop heavy objects on engineered tile, it's not vulnerable to cracks like natural stone can be. For one, hardwood floors are durable and can stand up to generations of heavy traffic, maintaining their structural integrity and aesthetic. It runs from a reddish brown color to a creamy white with swirls of grain. There are three main types of solid wood available in unfinished and pre-finished versions. Acrylic-impregnated wood will have a consistent color throughout, so if it is possible to remove a floor vent and look at the wood itself to see if the color is consistent throughout. Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular option. 5. Traditionally, hardwood floors were made of lumber from regional species. Scrape the wood in an inconspicuous place to get a good look at the original color and grain before you attempt to ascertain the type with a wood identification app or online hardwood floor types and pictures. They typically come from a few species. If you aren't sure, then a wood identification app can help you identify hardwood by its color, appearance or other features. Hickory. The type of hardwood flooring you select can have a big impact on insulation, both for temperature and for sound. If you have an expanse of gleaming wood flooring, or have recently discovered a viable wood floor during a home remodel, then you may be on the hunt for what type of wood lies beneath your living space. Laminate is a hard surface flooring but is not actually hardwood. We will walk you through the different types of flooring including laminate, solid hardwood and engineered flooring. It can be susceptible to sun damage, and is a rather expensive flooring choice. This flooring type is built to handle all the things you need your tile floors to handle: high traffic, spills, messes and dirt. You might love the look of a certain type of wood flooring now, but think about how it'll hold up—and how much effort you're willing to put into keeping it pristine. However, you are going to get what you pay for. It is cut down into planks that vary in hue and pattern as the log is cut into long layers. Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing for a variety of clients, including The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal Home section and other national publications. Think About Upkeep. This can also help you save time instead of having a company come out to tell you that your flooring is not refinishable. The plank sizes and finishes are also identical. 2. Softwoods are typically less expensive than hardwoods, and therefore are a popular choice for homeowners. Even the grout is stain resistant. This makes identifying the hardwood easier, but even professional installers can be stumped when it comes to hardwood floor identification.