Updated 01/26/23.

It’s tempting to think that all hardwood floors are more or less the same. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Different woods offer different properties. The same is true for cuts, stains, treatment, and more. Finding the best looking hardwood floors simply isn’t enough. Folks should also strive to uncover which floor is right for their individual circumstances.

It’s important to consider the wood type, its condition, the hardwood sand finish and more. By considering these various attributes, homeowners can not only select the best looking hardwood floors, but also floors that could last a long time.

Moisture, settling foundations, dropped stuff, rambunctious kids, many different factors can damage hardwood floors. Further, even if you get the best liquid to clean hardwood floors, cleaners may still do damage. Ditto if you’re using the best machine to clean engineered hardwood floors. Some floors simply require different treatment.

Further, if you’re looking for the best kitchen floor cleaner product, keep in mind that the answer may ultimately depend on the specifics of your wood. If you apply the wrong cleaner, even a detergent that’s otherwise a great choice, it could damage the floor. Once floors are damaged and especially wood floors, repairs and replacement can get expensive.

When choosing which hardwoods floors to put into your home, you have a lot of options. You want to make sure you make the right choice based on your lifestyle. For example, if you have a pet or children, you’ll want to invest in the hardest wood possible. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative due to budgeting might want to go for vinyl wood planks. Custom hardwood flooring can work for every home and lifestyle.

Our lifestyles determine a lot of what we do and the different products we buy. From choosing to go with fine china or paper plates, to what kind of car we should own, our lifestyle makes a big difference. Everyone knows having a bunch of kiddos in your home means you’ll probably need to choose the soccer mom van over the two-door luxury car!

Here are different kinds of hardwood floors for a home for different lifestyles. Which one do you think you should invest in?

1. If you have pets and children…

Then you’ll want to go with hardwood species, which can promise you more durability The bright side is that they come in many different patterns and colors, so you won’t feel “boxed in.” The best hardwood species to go with are oak, maple, and cherry. These make beautiful hardwood floors, and can simply give any home a clean, sophisticated feel. Looking into custom hardwood flooring can help you decide.

While they might cost more than the vinyl wood tiles or planks, it was reported that in 2013 over half (54%) of future home buyers we willing to put down more for a house with hardwood floors. To convince you even more, the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) found that 99% of U.S. realtors believe homes with hardwood flooring are much easier to sell.

If you’re looking at the home as a long-term investment (or trying to flip it!), this is definitely a point to think about.

2. If you don’t have kids and want to go all out…

Think about a hardwood species like teak, Jarrah, or mesquite. These are much more exotic, and you’ll pay for it, but if you have no financial worries or commitments and really want to pour your money into your home (hey, it’s a huge investment!), then you should consider one of these wood species. They can provide a “different” look that will set your home apart from that of neighbors, family, and friends, and with the right paint on your walls, it can make your home look so much more beautiful and chic. Hardwood floor care is easy, which makes it all the better!

While cherry and oak are two hardwood species that are more readily available, choosing to go with custom hardwood flooring companies can help you find a wood that is more exotic and will fit your home’s look.

3. This is your first home and you’re on a budget…

If you’re a youngin’ who has been saving up for their first home, and you’ve managed to do it (congratulations!) but don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on flooring options, then you can opt for reclaimed hardwood flooring. By visiting salvage yards, you can find wood flooring for much less than buying it new and is a good option for first-time buyers or for those trying to renovate an old home. Talk about cutting costs!

While you might think that putting carpet in your home might be cheaper, data from 2014 showed that 90% of homeowners prefer hardwood or tile in their kitchens. Let’s face it–it’s easier to clean (especially with babies and pets around!), and overall easier to maintain. You can find hardwood floor care instructions online or by asking experts.

Are you thinking about putting custom hardwood flooring in your home? Let us know which wood you think fits your lifestyle in the comment below!