Hardwood flooring is a favorite choice of homeowners across the country for a number of reasons. Among them are its durability, style and ability to increase your property’s value.

Hardwood is a beautiful option for any room of your home and can make the space feel warm and inviting. It’s also a great investment.

It adds warmth to your home, is a natural look and fits almost any interior design theme.

You can choose from a variety of hardwood species including oak, hickory, maple and cherry. Some more exotic options include bamboo, ash, walnut and mahogany.

The best wood floors for your home depend on your needs, budget and style. Here are some tips to help you choose the right hardwood for your space:

First and foremost, think about the functionality of the room you plan to renovate. Is it a kitchen, living room, bathroom or another area where moisture and humidity are likely to be present?

Next, consider how much traffic the room will get. If it’s a high-traffic area, hardwood floors can be a good choice because they are more durable than carpeting.

If the room has a lot of light, you might want to choose a lighter-colored wood floor. You can select a stain that complements the room’s natural lighting or you could opt for an unfinished wood floor, which can be stained at any time.

Lastly, consider how you want to texture your hardwood floors. Smooth wood is usually the most popular but you can also choose a hand-scraped, wire-brushed or distressed finish.

The texture of your hardwood will impact the look of your entire space, so it’s important to choose a finish that works with your home’s overall style and decor.

A hardwood floor team will be able to recommend the right color and texture for your floors based on your preferences, lifestyle and design goals. They will also be able to explain how each type of hardwood can be customized with stains and finishes.

How to care for your new hardwood floors

One of the most important things to remember is to clean your hardwood floors regularly. Dirt, dust and debris can grind into your floors and eat away at their finish. You can sweep your floors to remove this grime or you can use a special wood-friendly cleaning product.

You can also apply a coat of protective floor finish to protect your wood from scratches and dings. This can be done by applying a clear coat of wax to your flooring or you can apply a colored, glossy finish to the surface of your hardwood floors to enhance their beauty.

Keep in mind that a stained or finished wood floor is prone to chipping, so be sure to take extra precautions when moving furniture and other heavy items. This is especially true if you plan to install wood flooring on top of existing tile.

The most durable and beautiful floors are made from wood that is harvested sustainably. While you can get a hardwood floor that comes from an exotic source, you should always choose a hardwood that is made from readily available species like oak, hickory or maple.