Hardwood floors in Lafayette, LA are a timeless classic. Elegant, aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and versatile are just a few reasons wood floors will never go out of a style. Historically, wood floors were at first practical. First used in Colonial era homes because of an abundance of trees in North America, the planks were wide and of varied length and were installed without staining or sealing but simply worn smooth over time. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that mass production of wood floors began and what we call European parquet floors were installed in the wealthier homes of Americans. In the early 1900s, tongue and groove wood flooring were introduced, and took on more of the appearance we associate with hardwood flooring today.
There are many species of wood flooring, all with their own benefits and aesthetics. The most common species of wood flooring is oak. Inexpensive and with heavy graining, oak floors hide dents and scratches than many other species of wood flooring. Oak also accepts staining easily, so it is easy to change the color of your flooring.
Maple hardwood flooring is harder than oak flooring and lighter in color. Maple trees grow mostly in Canada in the northern United States. It is more suitable for homes or businesses following a more modern aesthetic as it has a more consistent look when it comes to graining. It does not accept staining as well as oak flooring, but does accept white washing or grey staining very well.
Hickory floors are very distinct and give homes a rustic aesthetic. Hickory wood is much harder than oak, so is more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Hickory flooring is known for its color variations and knotting, and creates a unique look in any home or business. There are many other species of wood that are used in hardwood flooring in Lafayette, LA such as pine, birch, and bamboo. The type of wood you choose for your flooring will depend on the look you want and the hardness you need for your space.