| There are many different wood species used for | | | | Bamboo --An environmentally-friendly alternative, |
| hardwood flooring -- some are better suited for the | | | | bamboo is actually a fast-growing grass. Not only is it |
| wear and tear than others. Every type of wood is | | | | an easily renewable resource, the distinctive grain |
| rated by its hardness on the Janka Hardness Scale. | | | | makes an exceptional statement. Bamboo is available |
| The higher the number, the harder the wood and the | | | | in natural or "carbonized", where it's heated until |
| better suited it is for use as flooring. Here are a few | | | | sugars in the bamboo darken and accentuate the |
| of the most commonly used woods: | | | | grain pattern. Carbonized bamboo is slightly softer |
| Pine --Relatively inexpensive and very easy to work | | | | than natural bamboo. |
| with, pine can scratch and dent easily but lends itself | | | | Douglas Fir -- Douglas Fir has a very straight and |
| well to a traditional rustic or log cabin look. Be careful | | | | even grain and is quite stable. It is widely available on |
| using this if you have pets as they can scratch it | | | | the west coast and adds a traditional look to a log |
| over time. | | | | cabin. It's not as hard as some of the other woods. |
| Oak -- A classic look with a wavy grain, oak can | | | | Hickory --Hickory makes a very hard and |
| make a nice contrast with pine logs. Available in white | | | | long-wearing hardwood floor but it can be difficult to |
| oak or red oak, it's a little more elegant than pine. | | | | install. The wood tends to split when nailing and it's |
| You can save money and add some character by | | | | hard to cut and machine. Once installed, the wavy, |
| buying "cabin grade" oak with more knots and | | | | uneven grain and varied color add interest to the |
| uneven grain. Cabin grade oak wood is perfectly | | | | floor. |
| good but some people object to the knots. | | | | |