Hardwood flooring is known for its durability, natural beauty and long-lasting appeal. Choosing the right hardwood species for your flooring can help enhance the aesthetics of your home, improve functionality and increase the overall value of your home. However, identifying the right hardwood species can be a daunting task. This article aims to provide practical tips on how to identify hardwood flooring species.
1. Look for visible characteristics: Start by assessing the visible characteristics of your flooring. The color, texture, and grain pattern are all important features that can help identify the species of your hardwood flooring. For example, white oak has a distinctive grain pattern that resembles tiger stripes, while maple has a more subtle, uniform grain.
2. Research your flooring product: If you know the brand and type of flooring you have, you can use this information to determine the species of hardwood. Many manufacturers provide information about the species of hardwood used in their flooring and some even include a sample of the wood inside the packaging.
3. Seek professional guidance: If you’re still unsure about the species of your hardwood flooring, consider consulting a professional who specializes in hardwood floors. They can identify the species of your flooring by examining the wood under a magnifying glass and comparing it with known samples.
4. Check the Janka hardness rating: The Janka hardness rating is a measure of a wood’s resistance to indentation. This rating can help you deduce the type of species used in your hardwood flooring. For example, oak has a higher Janka hardness rating than maple, which makes it more suitable for high-traffic areas.
5. Know the country of origin: The country of origin can also provide valuable clues to the species of hardwood used in your flooring. For example, Brazilian cherry hardwood is a popular exotic species that comes from South America. Knowing the country of origin can help narrow down your search for the species of your hardwood flooring.
In conclusion, identifying the species of your hardwood flooring requires some effort and knowledge. By looking at the visible characteristics, researching your flooring product, seeking professional guidance, checking the Janka hardness rating and knowing the country of origin, you can accurately identify the species of your hardwood flooring. Once you’ve identified the species, you can better care for your hardwood flooring and enhance its longevity and appeal.
