You are ready to upgrade your flooring and invest in beautiful hardwood. Looking at all the different options, it may be difficult to decide what type to pick. Oak and cherry are common choices that look amazing and will increase the value of your home.
So, how do you decide between oak and cherry for your hardwood floor?
What room the floor will be placed in is a key factor, as well as the preferred look of the wood. Each type has its particular qualities that will make it desirable according to your purpose and taste.
Comparing the attributes of price, durability, strength, and grain can help you make an informed decision. Oak and cherry both make wonderful floors that add an aesthetic appeal to any room.
What are the Benefits of Oak?
A hardwood floor made from oak is very strong and can withstand daily traffic and heavy furniture. It is a great fit for kitchens or family rooms that experience lots of activity. Oak floors do not dent or scratch very easily and can be repaired to look like new. The strength of this floor makes it a popular choice for homes with children or pets.
Oak comes in a variety of shades ranging from light to medium red. There is a large, sometimes swirling grain that runs through oak that adds a great texture to any room design. Because of its availability, it is one of the more economical hardwood flooring options. Oak does not endure water damage very well but stains can be sanded and repaired.
What are the Advantages of Cherry?
Cherry hardwood floors are rich in color and have a high degree of durability. Cherry is not as strong as oak so is more fitting for a library or living room that is not used as heavily as other rooms. It can be the perfect touch to a study or a formal dining room where dents and scratches are less likely to occur.
The depth of color and the fine grain of cherry makes it very desirable and worth the extra cost over other types of hardwood. Limiting sun exposure to your cherry hardwood floor will help it retain its gorgeous hues. Curtains, drapes, or shades are a great idea to install in areas that see direct sunlight.
Related Questions
How Do You Care for a Hardwood Floor?
No matter what type of hardwood you choose, dusting it every day will help it look great. Mopping at least once a month with a microfiber cloth mop keeps your floor clean and free from debris. It is important to keep up with seasonal effects immediately, such as snow and salt being trampled during winter months, to protect against damage. Polishing your hardwood floors every three months will further protect them and keep them looking amazing throughout their lifetime.
Water is not a friend to your hardwood floor, so wiping up spills as soon as they happen is key to maintaining its beauty. Do not use harsh cleaners like vinegar or bleach. A small amount of water and a mild wood cleaner will do great.
What are Other Types of Hardwood Floors?
Although oak and cherry are very common choices for hardwood floors, walnut, maple, hickory, ash, pine, teak, and mahogany are other beautiful types that can look great in your home. Each has its unique level of durability and characteristics of color and grain. Price is affected mostly by availability and strength. Asking your flooring specialist for samples to bring home will enable you to visualize each type in your rooms before installation.
Summary
Nothing comes close to a real hardwood floor’s classic look and feel. What type you decide on depends on your style preference, the amount of traffic it will be exposed to, and your budget. You can drink your morning coffee in your kitchen which has an oak floor and then work on your laptop in the study where your cherry floor is featured. Both can have a functional, beautiful place in your home.
Can’t decide on wood floors for your home? Cameron the Sandman hardwood flooring services can help! Our wood floors specialists will help you explore our options and take you through the process. Wood floor installation should be exciting, not stressful. That’s why our hardwood flooring company focuses on quality work and customer care and satisfaction.
Already have wood floors in your home? We also offer restoration and refinishing services that can bring them back to life!