10 Things to Know Before Choosing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring adds warmth, texture, and a natural feel to any room—but with so many choices available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re replacing carpet, remodeling a room, or building new, these 10 insights will help you make a more confident, informed decision.

1. Wood species impact the look and feel.

From bold and rustic to clean and refined, your wood species matters. Oak, hickory, maple, walnut, and cherry each offer unique grain patterns, tones, and hardness levels. If you want character and variation, go with hickory or walnut. For a smoother, consistent tone, maple or white oak may be better.

2. Engineered vs. solid hardwood: know the difference.

Solid hardwood is timeless and refinishable, but sensitive to moisture. Engineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable, making it better for humid environments or rooms below grade.

3. Subfloor type matters.

Your current subfloor—whether it’s concrete, plywood, or old flooring—may affect which installation methods are possible. Some floors require nail-down, while others work better floating or glued. Your installer can evaluate this ahead of time.

4. Plank width affects room appearance.

Wide planks create a more open, modern feel, while narrow planks offer a traditional, detailed look. Keep in mind, wider boards may show movement (expansion/contraction) more noticeably.

5. Finish affects durability and maintenance.

Matte and satin finishes help hide small scratches and dust. High-gloss finishes reflect light but tend to show wear more quickly. Pre-finished options are more durable from day one, while site-finished floors allow more customization.

6. Natural light changes how floors look.

Bring home samples and see them at different times of day. A color that looks great under showroom lights might appear darker or warmer in your own space.

7. Not all hardwoods are equally hard.

Hardness affects scratch and dent resistance, especially in high-traffic areas. Red oak is considered the benchmark for hardness; softer woods like pine may show wear faster.

8. Wood tone can shift over time.

Sunlight, humidity, and even cleaning products will influence your floor’s tone over the years. Some woods amber or darken, while others may fade. Ask what to expect for your selection.

9. Pets and kids? Plan accordingly.

A textured or distressed finish can help camouflage small scratches. Rugs in high-traffic zones help, too. If you’re worried about maintenance, ask about protective top coats.

10. Refinishing options vary.

Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times. Engineered flooring with a thicker veneer can usually be refinished once or twice—but some thin veneers can’t be sanded at all.

Visit Our Showroom or Schedule an Appointment

Choosing hardwood flooring is about more than just picking a color—it’s about finding the right material for your lifestyle and your home’s unique needs. Our trusted flooring experts can guide you through the process and help you make a decision you’ll feel good about long-term.

At Mid America Flooring Solutions in St. Peters, MO, we offer a wide selection of hardwood and engineered wood to fit your space. Contact us to book an appointment or visit our showroom to find the best flooring for your home. We’re here to help you every step of the way.