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In a word, yes. Let’s talk about why you need to think about hardness versus softness when choosing your wood flooring materials.

The Janka Hardness Scale

When talking about wood types for floors, you’ll often hear references to the Janka rating of different species of wood. Specifically, the Janka Hardness Scale is based on a test that measures how much force in pounds per square inch (PSI) is needed to embed a .444-inch steel ball into the wood up to half its diameter. Almost every type of wood used for floors or furniture has been measured using the Janka Scale, with ratings that range from the low 300s to over 4000. The higher the Janka rating, the harder the wood.

Just for context, among the most common types of wood used in wood flooring…hickory wood is on the higher end of the spectrum, with a Janka rating of around 1820. White pine is one of the softest, with a rating of about 420. (Most evergreen varieties are softwoods.) White oak, the most common type of floor we install, is around 1335, and this is considered an all-around good range for hardwoods in general. Maple woods tend to be a bit harder, and cherry tends to be softer. And of course, if you want an exceptionally hard floor, you can go with one of the more exotic (read: expensive) species like rosewood or ebony, which are in the 2000-3500 hardness range. You don’t have to know the exact Janka rating to determine whether a wood type is right for you, but it gives us a nice frame of reference.

Pros and Cons of Using Hardwoods

As with anything else, there are benefits and drawbacks to choosing hardwood floors versus softwoods. On the plus side, hardwood floors are more durable and can withstand heavier traffic and use without showing scratches or damage. They’re also generally easier to clean and are more resistant to stains and mold, and they can also be refinished several times throughout their lifespan. The biggest negative is that hardwoods tend to be more expensive to order and install. Generally, the harder the wood, the higher the cost.

Pros and Cons of Using Softwoods

There are usually two reasons people choose softer woods for their floors: the appearance and the price. Softwoods tend to be lighter in color and texture, which may be important to the overall design of the space. They are also more affordable, mainly because softwoods grow faster and are therefore more available. Because softwoods are more easily replenished because they grow faster, many people also choose them because they are a more eco-friendly, sustainable wood choice. However, the biggest drawback (as you might guess) is that softwoods don’t hold up as well against wear-and-tear. They are more prone to scratches and dents.

Choosing The Wood Floor That’s Right for Your Home

Ultimately, deciding on a wood type for your wood floors will depend on the amount of traffic you have in your home, your budget, and your personal aesthetic. If there are kids or pets in your home, hardwoods may be a much better choice than softwoods, because they’ll stand up to more abuse with less damage. However, if appearance is more important than flexibility and durability—and if your floors don’t have to support a lot of traffic—softer wood floors may be the way to go. The most important thing is knowing what your needs and priorities are; there’s never a one-size-fits-all answer to choosing your hardwood floor material.

Whether you choose a harder or softer species of wood for your new floors, the experts at Renaissance have the experience and skill to make sure it’s installed correctly. For a free estimate for your next hardwood flooring project in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Claremore and other parts of Green Country, give us a call at 918-298-4477.

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Adds Visual Interest

One of the coolest features about installing a custom floor is that the flooring is unique to the space. It’s literally designed for it. Custom hardwood floors can make entryways and staircases more dramatic, make living spaces appear warmer and more inviting, add a sense of texture to transition spaces, etc. When you design and plan the floor with the space in mind, it can make the difference between a room that’s merely comfortable and one that inspires delight.

Enhances Other Aspects of Home Design

Depending on the design, custom floors can make small rooms feel larger, or larger rooms feel more intimate. They can also complement other aspects of the room design. For example, if you’re going with a white-on-white kitchen, a custom floor can provide contrast and a sense of movement. Customizing your wood floor gives interior designers and architects more creative options to make your home truly unique.

Add Value to Your Home

Wood floors almost always improve appraisal value and buyer appeal. However, investing in a custom design can have an even greater impact on home value and appreciation. If you ever decide to sell, your sale price will typically be higher with a custom floor than with a standard wood floor.

At Renaissance, we’re known throughout the Tulsa metro as much for our custom wood floor designs as for our overall quality and craftsmanship. If you are interested in installing a high-quality hardwood floor that is specifically designed for your space, our team of expert craftsmen would be happy to consult with you to determine the best type of design for your needs. Give us a call at 918-298-4477 for a free estimate, or visit our Glenpool showroom to view some excellent examples of our workmanship.

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How Salt and Sand Can Damage Your Floors

Why is it so important to guard hardwood floors against salt and sand? These elements can damage your floors in a couple of different ways:

• The coarse grains can scratch the floor. When we leave salt or sand on the floor, the grains can scratch the wood and/or the finish when people step on them.
• The chemicals are corrosive. The salts we use on roads have a natural high pH similar to the chemicals we might use to strip a floor of its finish. Ice melt products may also have other chemicals that can cause damage.

Take Steps to Protect the Wood

Most of the time, we can stop salt or sand damage before it ever starts just by taking a few proactive steps. To keep your hardwood floors safe, try the following:

• Leave boots and shoes in a tiled foyer or mudroom. The best way to keep salt from damaging the floor is never to let it get there in the first place. Have family and visitors remove footwear at the entrances to your home, especially in snowy or icy weather.
• Place floor mats at entrances. If removing shoes isn’t your thing, floor mats are the next best thing. They can trap and keep most salt and sand grains before they enter the room. Similarly, try using runners and rugs to cover high traffic areas for more protection.
• Clean floors regularly. If you see sand or salt particles on the floor, get them up quickly with a vacuum or hand vacuum. (You can also use a broom, but be cautious because broom brushes can also grind the salt into the wood.) If snow melt gets on the floors, dab it up with an absorbent cloth or towel.

Cleaning Salt or Ice Melt Stains/Film

If you miss an opportunity to remove salt or ice melt, you may notice a film on the floor when the moisture dries. This generally means the chemical has interacted with the finish and left an alkaline residue. To prevent further damage, try using a slightly moist cloth to clean the residue. If the film returns when the floor dries, try neutralizing the alkaline residue with vinegar mixed with water (one cup of vinegar per gallon). Apply the solution gently using a circular motion, then buff it dry immediately to keep the moisture from seeping into the wood. Always test on an inconspicuous corner first to make sure the vinegar won’t discolor the wood.

If you notice salt damage to your wood floors and have concerns about how to prevent further damage, Renaissance Hardwood Floors can offer solutions. Give us a call at 918-298-4477 or leave us a message here.

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