Flooring is the process of installing a layer or cover on the floor to improve its safety and appearance. Some of the common materials used for the purpose of flooring include carpet, ceramic tiles, rubber, hardwood, natural stone, vinyl, and laminate, among others.
Hardwood flooring is the most common of all, because of its high strength and natural beauty.
When it comes to using wood for flooring, there are multiple options available such as solid wood, engineered hardwood, and a variety of hardwood species.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult for you to choose the right lumber for your project.
Here’s everything you need to know about hardwood flooring to choose the right type.
What is Hardwood Flooring?
It refers to a type of flooring constructed from a hardwood species such as teak, oak, Ipe, etc. It is generally the most popular and timeless flooring option for its unmatched beauty and incredible strength & durability.
The floors can be used both in residential and commercial spaces. However, not all hardwoods are robust or durable enough for use, which is why one must carefully research and select the best hardwood for flooring.
Common Types of Hardwood Flooring
To ease the job, we are today sharing a detailed guide of the best hardwood floor types to help you make the right choice. The two major choices are as follows:
1. Solid Wood Flooring
Solid lumber, as the name suggests, involves the use of solid/real wood for flooring.
It is one of the best options if you are looking for flooring in your home. This is because it’s highly durable and looks elegant, which means it will last longer than you expect.
The trick is to find the right solid timber planks that are beautiful and strong at the same time. Some of the best options would be Mahogany, Rosewood, and Azobe.
This type of wood flooring is usually protected by a clean and rich finish to make it appealing and the main attraction point of the place.
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered wood is made by combining small pieces or layers of hardwood to form a strong board.
A high-quality plywood made with hardwood layers (veneers) can be nearly as good as solid lumber.
In many cases, engineered wood can be stronger and more durable than real lumber.
It is also generally a less expensive option. Many modern-day homes and offices use this type of flooring. These are suitable for both residential and commercial places.
Engineered wood flooring is known to be more stable and robust as compared to solid wood floors.
It can also be treated to make it waterproof and resistant to decay. These are especially perfect to be used in high-traffic areas of the home/office such as kitchens, hallways, etc.
Best Hardwood Flooring Options – Hardwood Species for Floors
When it comes to hardwood flooring, choosing the right timber species is as important as choosing the hardwood type.
At Cameroon Timber Export, we supply a large variety of high-quality hardwood species suitable for flooring, including some of the most used and popular timber species from Africa.
Here are some of the best hardwood species that you can choose to buy from our wide collection.
Afromosia
It is a yellow-brown heartwood which is known to be very durable and has significant resistance to decay, termites and insects.
These traits make it suitable for flooring among other things. Because it looks similar to teak, it is often used in place of teak depending on availability and price.
Oak
Oak is one of the most popular and widely used hardwoods for flooring. It has many species, but the two oak species most commonly used for flooring are red oak and white oak.
Red oak has a reddish-brown colour with visible grain patterns. It is moderately durable and has good scratch resistance.
White oak has a golden-brown colour. It is harder and more durable than red oak and can withstand heavy use.
Hickory
As one of the hardest, strongest and most durable hardwood species, Hickory is the perfect choice for flooring.
It has a varied colour range, including light yellowish and deep brown with prominent grain patterns that give it a rustic but classic look to any floor or space.
Ash
Ash hardwood is beautiful, strong and flexible. It has a pale, creamy colour with a straight grain.
Ash wood can withstand daily wear without experiencing any significant damage for years. It is used for its classic and timeless flooring appearance.
Mahogany
African Mahogany is a moderately hard and strong hardwood particularly prized for its dark reddish-brown colour and smooth, straight grain which makes the floor feel smooth under the feet. It has a luxurious appearance most suitable for luxury interiors.
Azobe
Azobe hardwood is dark red in colour and has high durability as well as remarkable weathering characteristics.
Because it can withstand rough use and heavy traffic, it is perfect for both outdoor and commercial flooring.
Maple
Maple hardwood has a light, creamy colour with a straight grain. It is a strong, durable wood that can withstand rough use and will last long with basic maintenance.
It is naturally resistant to decay and maintains its colour for a long time. It is a great hardwood flooring choice for high-traffic areas.
Doussie
Doussie is another popular African hardwood used for flooring. It is red-brown in colour and has moderate rot resistance with high durability. As an exotic wood, it can be rare and not easily available, though you can buy it now from the CameroonTimberExport website.
Cherry
Cherry flooring is particularly appreciated for its rich, reddish-brown colour that darkens with age and exposure to light. It is a strong and moderately durable lumber with good shock resistance.
Iroko
Iroko is a yellowish-brown hardwood that is very durable and has high resistance to rot and insects, which makes it suitable for use in hardwood flooring. It is also naturally resistant to wear and can last long with minimal care.
Walnut
Walnut wood features an exciting dark rich brown colour with a distinct and bold grain, which would give a premium feel to any space where it is used. It is also a strong and durable wood ideal for flooring. However, it can be more expensive than other hardwoods.
Where to Buy High-Quality Hardwood For Flooring?
When you’re in the market for high-quality hardwood for flooring, you’ll want to explore a range of options to ensure you select the perfect material for your project. Cameroon Timber Export Sarl is your go-to source for premium hardwood species that are not only beautiful but also ideal for flooring applications.
We offer a diverse selection of hardwoods, and in addition to the popular choices like oak and maple, we have other equally flooring-friendly species like Mahogany, Maobi, Okan, Padauk, and the intriguing exotic acacia in our inventory. Each of these wood types possesses unique characteristics that can cater to different aesthetic preferences and performance requirements. Solid hardwood is known for its beauty and elegance, and it can bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to any home. So, whether you choose oak flooring or one of our other wooden varieties, you can be sure to enhance the elegance of your space.
