Hardwood floors can be used in a large variety of locations in both residential and commercial situations. It’s a highly popular material due to its durability, good looks and sustainability. Hardwood is known to promote indoor air quality by being easy to clean because it has no electromagnetic properties that attract dust. Although there are a plethora of hardwood flooring options available, this list will go over some of the more unique versions that have become popular of late.
Wide Planks
Wide planks are the latest trend in hardwood flooring. Wide planks show fewer seams than narrower ones and typically come in longer board lengths. Wide planks have a tendency to make small rooms appear smaller, but this can be counteracted by laying them parallel to the longest wall in the room. Wide planks work best when trying to achieve a minimalist feel in a room since narrow planks show more seams and create a busier look.
Reclaimed Wood
Using reclaimed wood is an environmentally sensible method of utilizing hardwood as it doesn’t result in cutting down more trees or disposing of wood that’s already been used. Reclaimed wood also has a distinct look that works well in rustic settings. Reclaimed wood can come from a wide variety of sources including old farms, industrial areas and even underwater. There’s also an assertion that reclaimed wood is stronger than its modern day counterpart due to the lower levels of air pollution prior to the 20th century.
Puzzle Pieces
As the name suggests, this hardwood is cut into interlocking units that resemble the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The result is a unique conversation starter that works just as well in a kids’ room as it does where adults spend their time. First introduced as part of the Jamie Beckwith Enigma Collection, the flooring is constructed of white oak and stained a variety of colours.
Tigerwood
Named as such because of its unique markings, tigerwood or Goncalo Alves is grown in tropical regions such as Brazil. It has a broadly contrasting colour scheme of reddish brown with darker brown stripes that resemble tiger markings. It’s a very durable wood that resists scratches, denting, insects and rot.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus looks similar to the rarer tropical mahogany, but it’s a fast grower therefore resulting in rapid renewability. Eucalyptus trees can be harvested at 14 years of age, significantly younger than most other hardwoods. Eucalyptus is known to be harder than red oak allowing it to resist dents and scratches. And because of the ease of its availability it’s quite a budget friendly hardwood as well.
Brazilian Cherry
Brazilian cherry is one of the more popular exotic hardwoods with a unique grain and photosensitive colourings that will darken over time. It’s a durable wood that’s resistant to staining and therefore suitable for high traffic areas in both residential and commercial buildings. Although not actually a cherry tree, it’s marketed as such because of its deep red colourings.
