Hardwood floors are elegant, durable, and long-lasting. They can stay looking like new for decades and complement almost any decor scheme. However, if you have a family, wood—like any flooring option—can get easily damaged. By picking the right wood type, you can prevent problems. Here’s what you need to know. 

Durable Hardwood Options for Families

Hickory

This is one of the hardest woods grown in the U.S., and it has a strong grain pattern that camouflages wear and tear. Hickory has a natural light color that works well for any interior style and adds a sense of light and space to a room.

Red & White Oak

These types of oak have fairly high hardness ratings, with White being more resilient. Oak has been a popular option since the early 1900s. While it’s not the hardest wood, it ages well, developing a rich patina over time. Oak has an attractive, natural color that works well with clear coatings or stains. The strong grain also helps to hide scratches and dents.

Maple

This type of wood is affordable and wears slowly, making it perfect for homes with both kids and pets. Maple is harder than oak, and it has a natural light hue that takes stains well and is gorgeous with clear poly coatings.

Brazilian Cherry & Walnut

These are exotic hardwoods that offer durability and a gorgeous appearance. Brazilian walnut is low-maintenance, and moisture-, damage-, and pest-resistant. Cherry is also highly durable and has a stunning reddish hue that darkens beautifully over time.

Light vs. Dark

For families with active little ones and pets, a lighter floor will mask dents and scratches more easily. For busy moms, lighter floors will show dirt and dust less than darker options. Light colors also offer a cheerful, airy, and cozy feel—perfect for the atmosphere of a family home. Darker floors are more formal, making them less suited for families with many kids or pets.

Carolina Wood Floors has been serving the Winston-Salem, NC, area since 1988 and offers custom residential and commercial hardwood floors. They provide a wide range of options and have decades of design and installation experience. Call (336) 765-0680 to discuss your project, or visit the website for ideas and inspiration.