Oak, maple, and hickory are three types of hardwood floors that are moderately priced.
So, given that they are all reasonably priced, what other aspects should be considered? What about appearances?
This could be a bonus if you’re looking for a floor that will appeal to other buyers. It can also be an issue if your floor looks identical to every other home in your neighborhood.
What makes Oak, Maple and Hickory Floors unique?
These factors distinguish every wood: appearance, durability, stability, and pricing.
Appearance
Oak, hickory, and maple floors have distinct flair and charm.
The most popular choice in America is red oak parquet.
The grain is medium to heavy, with significant color variation.
Its rosy undertones set it apart from White Oak, Maple, and Hickory.
White Oak parquet floors have basic colors that range from pale yellow to golden brown or gray. Color stains are reduced since the coloring is applied evenly across the hard grain. The grain is also pretty straightforward.
Other woods have a creamier, lighter color than maple parquet. Some kinds, however, may have mineral streaks ranging from light brown to virtually black. Because the grain is so small and light, you may have to look attentively to see it. Grain lines might be very straight, wavy, or curly.
Hickory hardwood has the most varied and unusual grain, which attracts some consumers while discouraging others. A single floor covering can be a variety of colors, ranging from extremely light to a deep golden brown. Significant changes can be seen when panels are positioned next to each other.
The most popular hickory flooring alternatives are broader planks that show off the complex grain.
Durability
Each flooring type outlasts carpet, vinyl, and linoleum, but how do they compare?
Let’s begin with the Janka hardness test, which assesses the resistance of different wood species to dents and wear. The wood becomes more durable as it rises in elevation.
Hickory: 1820
Maple: 1450
White Oak: 1360
Red Oak: 1290
Hard maple and sugar maple are long-lasting because they have a high Janka hardness rating. Hickory, on the other hand, is more durable than maple and oak.
Oak is a hardwood, although it is more prone to scratches and dents than the other two. Although hardness is important, several other elements can affect the longevity and maintenance of hardwood floors.
Hickory is one of the hardest woods to work with, yet it isn’t as sturdy as white oak. It is the most resistant to dents and scratches, although it will expand and compress slightly more.
If you intend to use hickory-engineered flooring in places with significant humidity or temperature swings, choosing it is a good idea. The linked underbody makes it less elastic and drastically compresses.
The most lasting of these materials is white oak. It is hard and does not expand or contract in response to temperature variations. This makes it highly robust, which is why it has been used for hundreds of years in wine barrels and vessels.
Homeowners frequently chastise maple flooring for its tendency to scratch and damage. Many different species of maple can be used to make floors. The Janka Test 1450 rating is given to two species: hard maple and sugar maple. They are extremely tough and resistant to wear.
It’s important to remember that parquet comes in a variety of grades. This explains the parquet’s wide pricing range. Less costly flooring has fewer knots, mineral deposits, and other flaws.
The cost of laying hardwood flooring remains the same across all three spices, with a starting price of approximately and per square foot.
Stability
Stability is essential if you install hardwood flooring in a room prone to moisture.
The more stable the hardwood, the less it expands and contracts in moisture; therefore, oak is more stable than maple and hickory.
The pros and cons of oak, maple, and hickory hardwood floors
Each hardwood floor has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Which one should you pick?
Let’s round out this hardwood floor guide with more information on each type.
Oak flooring
The beauty of oak wood floors is well known. You can choose alternative solutions if you want your flooring to stand out from your neighbors and friends.
For homeowners, oak is the favored material. Another benefit is its stability, which makes it ideal for humid locations with large summer and winter temperature swings.
Red and white oak are common choices for oak floors. White oak is gray or brown, whereas red oak is pink.
Maple Flooring
The beauty of oak wood floors is well known. You can choose alternative solutions if you want your flooring to stand out from your neighbors and friends.
For homeowners, oak is the favored material. Another benefit is its stability, which makes it ideal for humid locations with large summer and winter temperature swings.
Red and white oak are common choices for oak floors. White oak is gray or brown, whereas red oak is pink.
Hickory wood floors
The variegated grain pattern of hickory floors is more prominent than that of oak or maple floors. Many people find this appealing.
Because it is distinctive, it may not appeal to many potential buyers if you decide to sell your property.
Hickory is the finest choice if you intend to install hardwood flooring in places with high traffic and wear and tear. The Janka test gives it a score of 1820.
Hickory is a distinct wood with a distinct appearance. It is also sometimes sold in broader planks to emphasize the grain.
Many people like its appealing, one-of-a-kind appearance. It can, however, turn off potential house buyers because not everyone enjoys it.
Hickory wood floors are more difficult to install. Why? Because of the different grains, your floor can look uncoordinated if you’re not careful.
So, if you decide to install hickory floors, look for someone who has done so before.
Finally, because of the varied grain patterns, hickory flooring is more difficult to keep together than patchwork. Hickory flooring is a lovely, one-of-a-kind substance. It should be installable by a competent installer.
In Summary
White oak and maple are typical home finishes, although hickory is not. This can be both beneficial and negative. It may be a good idea to select an oak or maple alternative that appeals to a larger spectrum of purchasers. The most prevalent are maple and oak, but each offers a few choices.
If you prefer engineered hardwoods to solid hardwoods, go for it. Processed hardwoods are more stable than solid hardwoods in all species.
The installation of your floor is another key thing to consider when selecting it. Do you want to hire someone, or do you want to install it yourself? If you pick solid hardwood floors, it is best to contact professionals.
You can do the installation yourself if you prefer engineered hardwoods, especially oak or maple.
Many factors influence the sort of floor you select. Do you want a home that stands out? The best wood to use is hickory.
Are you sprawled on the floor of your kitchen? Although oak is more stable, you can choose one of the three if you prefer engineered hardwoods over solid hardwoods.
You will improve your home regardless of which model you choose. Hardwood provides warmth, charm, and value to a home while improving its overall appeal over time.