Hardwood flooring, made from various wood species like oak, maple, and exotic woods, is a timeless and desirable option. There are solid and engineered hardwood options, with engineered providing more stability. It can be finished or unfinished, giving custom stain options. Styles range from wide planks to parquet patterns.

When choosing flooring for your home, hardwood flooring remains a classic, elegant option that withstands the test of time. With proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades, becoming more beautiful as they age. 

Overview

Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of wood species and plank styles to complement any decor. Oak, maple, hickory, and exotic woods like Brazilian cherry all have their own unique grain patterns, textures, and colors that range from warm honey tones to rich chocolate hues. Wider planks help small spaces feel more expansive, while narrow strips create a more traditional look. 

Hardwood flooring brings a natural warmth, texture, and timeworn patina that increases home value and provides versatility across decor styles. It requires proper installation over substrates and some ongoing maintenance to keep it looking pristine over decades.

Advantages of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring introduces natural beauty, depth, and timeless character unmatched by synthetic flooring alternatives. Each wood species and grain pattern has a unique visual interest that shapes the aesthetics of a home. Hardwood’s longevity and resilience, especially in engineered construction, make it a sound investment that retains value.

The warmth and texture of wood create an inviting ambiance and flow seamlessly between rooms. Finishes and stains allow personalization and an on-trend refreshed look over time. Proper hardwood installation and care yield floors that last lifetimes and become more beloved through years of memories. Hardwood floors help spaces feel polished. And now we will review some of the best options when it comes to hardwood flooring.

Natura Ultima Oak Raw by flooring supplies

Natura’s Ultima line offers stunning wide-plank hardwood flooring with an extra rugged engineered construction using oak. These 20mm thick planks feature a 6mm oak wear layer over birch plywood, providing dimensional stability. With planks measuring 240mm across, this “raw” unfinished oak has an incredible presence.

The Ultima raw oak planks display all the natural characteristics of oak wood. The boards have a smooth texture with some knots, grains, and color variations. Leaving the oak unfinished allows for custom stain colors. With a 25-year warranty, it’s built to last decades.

This extremely wide-plank hardwood flooring creates an expansive, modern look. The raw oak material provides a cozy, rustic feel. The dimensional plywood prevents warping or gapping over time. Plus, it’s suitable for underfloor heating when installed properly.

Expert Review

As a designer, I’m impressed by the plank width and undisguised real oak look of Natura’s Ultima line, reminiscent of the quality one might find with Lowes hardwood flooring. The raw, unfinished boards display all the natural grain, knots, and color variations of genuine oak. I appreciate that you can customize the stain to your perfect hue.

For testing, I stained the planks with a rich espresso that contrasted beautifully with the client’s white cabinetry, similar to the aesthetics one might achieve with Lowes hardwood flooring. The ultra wide-plank format makes the kitchen feel so expensive. Underfoot, you can feel the solid engineered construction.

I’d recommend this product to clients who want wide-plank floors with authentic oak visuals and tactile texture. The engineered core ensures good structural stability for the price. 

Oxford Oak Herringbone Engineered Flooring by Floors 

This prefinished engineered oak flooring from Oxford, reminiscent of the quality seen in Lowes hardwood flooring, creates captivating herringbone patterns. The 14mm thick boards are made with white oak over a plywood core. The boards interlock and are finished in a warm brown oak stain.

Each carton covers about 9 square feet with 12 plank pieces of varied lengths. When considering “how much is hardwood flooring per square foot,” it’s essential to factor in design elements as well. When assembled in a herringbone or chevron design, the rich color and geometric shapes make a dramatic impact. The tongue and groove locking system clicks into place without glue.

Oxford’s finishing process ensures durability and scratch resistance. This versatile herringbone oak flooring works in traditional or contemporary home settings. Make a bold statement in an entryway or encourage conversation in the dining room.

Expert Review

Herringbone floors make such a statement while elevating hardwood’s natural beauty. I was impressed by the warm brown finish and meticulous patterning of Oxford’s engineered oak flooring. The interlocking planks create geometric interest without requiring difficult glued installation.

For a recent bedroom project, I used them to accent the area around the bed, keeping in mind how much is hardwood flooring per square foot. The chevron pattern frames the bed and catches your eye. Contrasted with the soft white duvet, blue walls, and antique rug, the dynamic floor is truly striking.

I’d recommend this product for adding a decorative focal point or defining a specific zone. When thinking about how much is hardwood flooring per square foot, it’s beneficial to also consider the aesthetic value it can bring. The scale and finish options are versatile for both rustic or contemporary decor needs. Just calculate the quantities needed to cover small distinct spaces or borders.

Santos Mahogany Engineered Flooring by Ark Floors 

This exotic hardwood option from Ark adds sophisticated flair to any space. When considering how much is hardwood flooring per square foot, Santos Mahogany planks stand out with their chocolate brown tones and a richly-grained texture. The engineered boards have four mahogany veneer layers over Baltic birch.

Ranging from 1/2″ to 5/8″ thick, the planks have a moderate hardness rating of 1150 Janka. While durable enough for residential use, Santos Mahogany is not suitable for high-traffic commercial applications. The boards have micro-beveled edges and come in random plank lengths up to 7 feet long.

The striking chocolate hues and varied grain patterns of Santos Mahogany provide visual drama. Pair with creamy upholstery accents to allow the exotic flooring to shine as the focal point.

Expert Review

I’m enamored by the captivating grain patterns and rich chocolate tones of Santos Mahogany. When pondering over how much is hardwood flooring per square foot, the allure of such quality wood becomes evident. It evokes the exotic glamour of luxury hotels and restaurants. The engineered construction provides stability despite mahogany’s sensitivity to climate change.

Recently I incorporated Santos Mahogany in a client’s home office redesign. Paired with blue velvet drapes, polished chrome details, and a Beni Ourain rug, the floor truly grounds the space with sophistication.

I’d recommend Santos Mahogany to clients seeking drama and elegance. The engineered boards withstand minor moisture better than solid alternatives 

Sango Chestnut Engineered Oak Flooring by East West Furniture  

East West Furniture’s Sango line provides quality engineered hardwood floors at an affordable price point. These oak planks feature a sleek 1/2″ profile and a modern matte finish. The multi-ply Baltic birch plywood core prevents expansion and buckling.

Available in versatile gray and chestnut brown hues, the stained oak flooring has scraped textures that elegantly mask signs of wear. When evaluating how much is hardwood flooring per square foot, one can appreciate the value of such quality. Each carton covers 26 square feet with a 3mm oak wear layer to withstand daily life. With random plank lengths, you can create personalized layouts.

Sango’s engineered oak construction brings warmth and character to bedrooms, living rooms, and dining spaces. The boards lock tightly thanks to the tongue and groove milling. Installation is easy with nail down or glue down options.

Expert Review

East West Furniture’s Sango line hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. As an engineer hardwood, it offers distinguishing grain textures that invite you in. I appreciate the generous plank lengths and chestnut tone which feels natural yet modern.

Recently, I used Sango for a small office renovation project. Despite the affordable price point, the finish quality and durable wear layer impressed me. The boards withstood desk furniture rolling around without issue.

Conclusion

When it comes to flooring that endures beautifully for generations, hardwood remains unmatched in its versatility and timeless elegance. As we’ve seen, hardwood floors come in many wood species, colors, patterns, and construction types to suit any style. Engineered hardwood provides added stability while retaining the warmth and patina of solid wood.

Whether you seek a refined modern look with wide oak planks, enjoy the sophistication of exotic Santos Mahogany, or crave dynamic patterned visuals in a herringbone floor, quality hardwood offers creative solutions. Advancements in luxury vinyl plank durability and aesthetics also provide waterproof wood-look options.

Ultimately, choosing hardwood means investing in long-lasting floors layered with character. Selecting the right species, color, pattern, and construction will provide a personalized floor that becomes more beloved over time. With the proper installation and care, hardwood floors reflect craftsmanship and refinement for generations to enjoy.