Choosing and Caring for American Hardwood Floors

This updated guide explains the differences between solid and engineered American hardwood, how species, plank width, and finishes affect appearance and durability, and offers practical installation and maintenance advice. It emphasizes matching floor choices to room light, traffic, and moisture conditions to ensure long-lasting results.

Why choose American hardwood?

Hardwood floors made in the U.S. remain a popular choice for durability, resale value, and a classic aesthetic. Domestic mills offer a wide range of species, plank widths, and finishes, so you can match a floor to your home's light, layout, and style.

Types: solid vs engineered

Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood milled from a board. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times but is best for ground-level and above applications.

Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer over plywood or other layered cores. It tolerates humidity and temperature changes better than solid wood, which makes it a preferred option for basements, over radiant heat, and in climates with seasonal swings.

Species, color, and plank choices

Common American species include oak, maple, hickory, and walnut. Each species differs in hardness, grain, and color. Lighter tones brighten dim rooms; mid-tone and darker finishes can hide wear but may show dust and scratches differently depending on grain and finish.

Plank width and board length also change the look. Narrow strips create a traditional feel; wider planks make spaces feel more modern and open.

Finishes and performance

Prefinished hardwood often has durable factory-applied finishes such as aluminum-oxide and water-based polyurethanes. Site-applied oil or polyurethane finishes are still available. Matte and satin sheens are popular because they show less glare and moderate wear more gracefully.

Durability depends on both species hardness and the finish system. Lighter- to mid-traffic areas may do well with a softer species paired with a robust finish; busy households often choose harder species or tougher factory finishes.

Installation and maintenance

Installation options include nail-down, staple, glue-down, and floating systems. Engineered floors can be floated or glued; solid floors are typically nailed or stapled. Proper subfloor preparation and acclimation of the wood are essential for a long-lasting installation.

Maintenance is straightforward: sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch the surface. Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop and manufacturer-recommended cleaners. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners and standing water. Maintain indoor humidity around 30-50% to reduce seasonal gaps or cupping.

Most hardwoods can be refinished when wear becomes noticeable, but the number of refinishes depends on board thickness and whether the floor is solid or engineered.

How to choose

Match the species, finish, and plank size to your lifestyle: choose harder species and factory-applied high-performance finishes for high-traffic homes or if you have young children and pets. Consider engineered hardwood where moisture or fluctuating temperatures are concerns. Bring paint chips, fabric samples, and cabinet finishes when shopping to confirm the best visual match.

With routine care and the right installation, American hardwood floors can last decades and adapt to decades of family life.