What are some common types of wood used for flooring?

Most people are familiar with the types of wood used for flooring. However, the market offers a wide variety of wood flooring types and materials, including many common varieties and many rare and expensive woods that we may not recognize, which can sometimes be confusing. Today, we'll introduce some common wood flooring materials to help you make an informed decision when choosing wood flooring.

Cheapest - Cedar wood

Fir is the cheapest type of wood available.

Its characteristics include fast growth, good quality, uniform structure, and light and tough texture. However, cedar is a softwood with loose wood fibers and a relatively soft surface, making it prone to scratches from external forces. But it also feels softer and more comfortable underfoot. Cedar has many knots, which can make the home environment more natural.

Most family-friendly - Pine

Pine wood is used in many children's furniture pieces and is also an important raw material for engineered wood products.

Pine wood is relatively strong, with a clear grain and good quality. Compared to fir, Scots pine has a more beautiful grain and fewer knots. However, it is not resistant to decay and has poor paint and gluing properties.

The simplest – Ash

Ash wood has beautiful and clear grain patterns. Applying clear varnish or white paint can best showcase its beautiful patterns, making it suitable for modern minimalist styles.

The best quality is oak.

Oak is also a popular decorative wood.

Oak is characterized by its weight, hardness, straight grain, coarse texture, elegant color, beautiful grain, high mechanical strength, and wear resistance. Oak flooring has a very high-end appearance.

Most commoner – beech wood

Although beech wood is not particularly valuable, it holds a place in the history of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, especially among the general public.

Beech flooring is made of hard, dense wood and is relatively heavy. The downside is that the color and density of beech wood vary depending on the age of the tree. Additionally, beech wood is prone to cracking and warping when dry. Therefore, homes with beech flooring should maintain appropriate indoor humidity levels.

The most rustic – elm wood

Elm wood is wide, with a warm and excellent texture. It has a low deformation rate, is tough, and has clear and distinct grain. These characteristics are evident in the phrase "elm knot." For these reasons, elm flooring is very popular, with its rugged texture and simple style.

The most European style - walnut wood

Walnut wood is one of the most beloved and precious types of wood.

In Europe, walnut, mahogany, and oak are known as the three most precious woods, and high-end European-style flooring often uses these types of wood. Walnut has medium hardness, a fine and uniform fiber structure, and strong toughness, making it excellent in terms of vibration resistance and wear resistance.