The Enduring Charm: Hardwood Floor Species and Finishes for Iowa Homes

There's a reason hardwood floors consistently top the list of desired home features in Iowa and beyond. Their natural beauty, timeless appeal, durability, and ability to add significant value to a property make them an unparalleled flooring choice. But "hardwood" isn't a single entity; it encompasses a diverse range of wood floor species, each with its unique characteristics, grain patterns, and suitability for different lifestyles and design aesthetics. Understanding these distinctions, along with various finishes, is key to selecting the perfect hardwood flooring species for your Iowa home.

 

At Royal Flooring, we've helped countless Iowa homeowners discover the enduring charm of hardwood floors. Our showroom in Urbandale, IA, and our Des Moines, IA warehouse offer an extensive selection of hardwood flooring species to explore.

 

 

Why Hardwood Floor Species Matters

 

The choice of hardwood floor species isn't just about color. It impacts:

 

• Hardness (Durability): Measured by the Janka hardness scale, this indicates the wood's resistance to dents and wear.
• Grain Pattern: Determines the visual texture and character of the floor.
• Color and Tone: Ranges from light to dark, influencing the overall mood of a room.
• Stability: How well the wood resists changes from humidity and temperature fluctuations (important for Iowa's climate!).
• Cost: Some species are rarer or harder to mill, affecting their price.

 

Popular Wood Floor Species for Iowa Homes

 

Here are some of the most popular and suitable wood floor species for the diverse homes and climates found across Iowa:

 

Oak (Red Oak & White Oak)

 

• Description: The reigning king of hardwood floor species.
• Red Oak: Known for its prominent, often swirling grain patterns and reddish undertones. Janka hardness: 1290.
• White Oak: Features more subtle, linear grain patterns and gray-brown undertones. Janka hardness: 1360.
• Why it's Popular in Iowa:
• Excellent Durability: Both are very hard and resistant to dents, making them ideal for busy households.
• Versatile Aesthetics: Their classic look complements almost any design style, from traditional to modern farmhouse.
• Accepts Stains Well: Both take a wide range of stains beautifully, allowing for extensive customization of color.
• Readily Available: Often more affordable than exotic species.
• Best For: High-traffic areas, living rooms, kitchens (with proper care and spill cleanup), hallways.

 

Maple

 

• Description: A light-colored hardwood flooring species with a fine, subtle grain pattern and a naturally creamy white or light brown hue. Janka hardness: 1450.
• Why it's Popular in Iowa:
• Exceptional Hardness: More durable than oak, making it very resistant to dents and scratches. Great for active families.
• Clean, Modern Look: Its uniform appearance and light color provide a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
• Fade Resistant: Resists yellowing over time more than some other light woods.
• Considerations: Can be challenging to stain evenly due to its dense grain.
• Best For: High-traffic areas, kitchens, modern or minimalist designs, and homes seeking a bright, airy feel.

 

Hickory

 

• Description: One of the hardest domestic hardwood floor species, known for its dramatic grain variation, knots, and wide color range from creamy whites to dark browns. Janka hardness: 1820.
• Why it's Popular in Iowa:
• Extreme Durability: Its hardness makes it highly resistant to dents and wear, perfect for very active homes.
• Rustic Charm: The pronounced grain and natural character lend themselves beautifully to rustic, lodge, or modern farmhouse styles.
• Hides Wear: Its varied appearance naturally camouflages minor imperfections.
• Considerations: Its extreme hardness can make it more challenging to install. Its strong character isn't for everyone.
• Best For: High-traffic areas, family rooms, cabins, and homes going for a distinct, natural aesthetic.

 

Ash

 

• Description: Similar in appearance to White Oak, with a prominent, often linear grain, but slightly lighter in color and with subtle gray-white undertones. Janka hardness: 1320.
• Why it's Popular in Iowa:
• Good Durability: A strong, resilient wood comparable to oak.
• Light and Airy: Its light color and distinct grain are perfect for Scandinavian, contemporary, or minimalist designs.
• Flexibility: Takes stains well, allowing for a range of looks from natural to rich browns.
• Best For: Living spaces, bedrooms, and contemporary interiors.

 

Important Considerations: Engineered vs. Solid Hardwood

 

Beyond the species, understanding the construction is crucial, especially in Iowa's climate:

 

• Solid Hardwood: Boards milled from a single piece of wood. Offers classic beauty and can be refinished many times. More susceptible to expansion/contraction with significant humidity swings, so proper acclimatization and installation are key.
• Engineered Hardwood: Features a top layer of real wood veneer over multiple layers of plywood or HDF. More stable than solid hardwood, making it a better choice for basements, concrete slabs, or areas with higher humidity fluctuations. Can be refinished once or twice depending on the thickness of the veneer.

 

Understanding Finishes for Your Hardwood Flooring Species

 

The finish protects your hardwood floor and defines its look:

 

• Polyurethane/Urethane (Oil-Based or Water-Based): The most common and durable finishes, offering excellent protection against scratches and spills. Oil-based typically amber over time; water-based stays clearer. Available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matte sheens.
• Oil Finish (Penetrating Oil): Soaks into the wood, providing a natural, matte look that accentuates the grain. Easier to repair localized scratches but requires more frequent maintenance (re-oiling).
• Aluminum Oxide: A factory-applied finish that's extremely durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion, common on prefinished hardwoods.

 

Choosing the right hardwood flooring species and finish is a nuanced decision that balances aesthetics, lifestyle, and durability. With the right selection, your hardwood floors will provide lasting beauty and value to your Iowa home for generations.

 

 

Find Your Perfect Hardwood Floor Species at Royal Flooring

 

Ready to bring the timeless elegance of hardwood floors into your Iowa home? At Royal Flooring, we offer an unparalleled selection of wood floor species and finishes, ensuring you find the perfect match for your style and needs. Visit our showroom in Urbandale, IA, or our Des Moines, IA warehouse to explore these beautiful options firsthand. Our flooring experts are here to guide you through the nuances of each hardwood flooring species and help you make a choice that will truly last. 

 

For 20 years, Royal Flooring has proudly served the Des Moines Metro, bringing quality and beauty to countless homes. Call or Visit Royal Flooring. We have a showroom location in Urbandale, IA and a Des Moines, IA warehouse. We service the areas of Des Moines, IA, Urbandale, IA, Waukee, IA, West Des Moines, IA, Okoboji, IA.