A Guide to Hardwood Species That Can Withstand Heavy Foot Traffic

Hardwood floors infuse a home with timeless elegance and undeniable warmth.

They’re also incredibly durable, lasting a lifetime with proper care.

However, choosing the right species for a busy Florida home can feel overwhelming. With a variety of options offering unique aesthetics and performance, it’s crucial to consider durability, scratch resistance, and moisture resistance specific to Florida’s warm and humid climate.

The best hardwood flooring is a perfect balance of your lifestyle, the room’s functionality, and the style you love. By considering the right factors, you’ll be able to find the right species for your bustling Florida home.

Understanding Hardwood Flooring for High Traffic

Is hardwood flooring durable enough to withstand my home?

Yes! Most hardwood options are durable enough for everyday life, but it is still important to choose the right species.

To help you choose the right species, consider the Janka hardness scale. This industry standard measures the force required to embed a steel ball halfway into the wood. The higher the Janka rating, the harder and more dent-resistant the wood is. This is especially important for high-traffic areas.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood for Busy Florida Homes

For high-traffic areas in Florida, engineered hardwood is often the preferred choice due to its superior stability in climates with humidity variations. Choosing between engineered and solid depends on your specific needs.

• Solid Hardwood:
  • Advantages: Classic beauty, timeless appeal, can be refinished multiple times.
  • Disadvantages: More susceptible to moisture fluctuations, might expand and contract in Florida’s climate.
• Engineered Hardwood:
  • Advantages: More stable, better suited for fluctuating humidity, wider plank options available.
  • Disadvantages: Generally, cannot be refinished as many times as solid hardwood.

Top Hardwood Species for Busy Florida Homes

Whether you’re a social butterfly who loves hosting lively get-togethers or have active kids who track in the outdoors, the daily hustle and bustle can put a strain on your floors. You need a resilient flooring that can handle whatever life throws at it.

Hickory Floors

This champion of hardness (with a Janka hardness rating of 1820) offers a beautiful light brown to reddish-brown color with a prominent grain pattern that will add depth and interest to your space. Hickory’s exceptional durability means you won’t have to worry about dents or other damage due to heavy foot traffic.

Maple Floors

Maple is another top contender for durability (with a hardness rating of 1450). Its light color and tight, smooth grain will add a clean and modern aesthetic to your home.

White Oak Floors

A timeless classic, white oak has a light to medium color with a subtle grain pattern. Highly durable (with a hardness rating of 1360), white oak is a versatile flooring that complements a range of design styles. White oak matches many of the design styles popular in Florida, including coastal chic.

Walnut Flooring

Though walnut is not quite as strong as some of the other species (with a hardness rating of 1010), it does offer excellent scratch resistance thanks to its natural oils. Adding a rich, chocolate-brown wood with minimal maintenance requirements, walnut is an elegant option that can still withstand foot traffic.

By understanding factors like Janka hardness and considering your lifestyle, you can navigate the world of hardwood flooring and find the perfect match for your busy Florida home. Classic Flooring Center’s flooring specialists are here to help! Visit our showroom or contact us today to discuss your options and create a beautiful, durable floor you’ll love for years to come.