Nothing touches the heart like natural wood, and there is a plethora of wood species (and finishes) from which to choose. Because kitchens are high-traffic areas, generally you want to avoid soft species, such as pine or bamboo in favor of oak, maple, cherry or other hardwoods.
Pre-finished, engineered floors offer a number of advantages, beginning with a wide variety and a consistent, high-quality finish. Both strips and planks are available. Wider planks can add a distinctive look. Narrower is more traditional. The thickness determines how many times your floor can be sanded and refinished. .For kitchens, that means 3/8” minimum.
If you want to customize unfinished hardwood, standard strips and planks are ¾” thick. We can order a range of species direct from the mill, and finish to your specifications.
Hardwood flooring is increasingly turning up in posh New York bathrooms. While water and wood don’t make good bedfellows, the proper finish can repel moisture (for a time). Consider wear warranties and floor care before making a decision.
Traditional Hardwoods
Maple: If you want to move beyond traditional oak, the sweeping, warm grain of Canadian maple might tickle your fancy.
Walnut: Another popular North American species is walnut, which offers a sweeping and lightly contrasting grain, and often a distinctive mottled appearance.
Hickory: Hickory offers a bold grain pattern with burls and sound knots, and colors that can vary in the same board from nearly milk white to dark brown.
Specialty / Exotic Hardwoodss
Cherry: It’s a little harder to get than oak or maple, but its warm red grain can be the perfect complement to cherry cabinets.
Cork: Because cork trees grow so fast, cork flooring is a ‘greener,” more renewable choice. Cork is soft underfoot, but not particularly durable.
Ash: Make a statement with ash. It offers a striking white face and fine grain pattern.
Pecan: Pecan offers an exotic touch with unusual circular grain details.
Bamboo: The natural caning of split bamboo makes it instantly recognizable. Bamboo grows like grass (because it is a grass), making it highly renewable, and exotic at the same time.
Merbau: Merbau is a dark species that is rich like mahogany and smooth as silk.
