Discover the best hardwood flooring brands for your DIY project! This guide helps you choose durable, beautiful wood floors from top manufacturers known for quality and value, making your home improvement plans a success.
Choosing new hardwood floors can feel like a big project, right? There are so many options out there, and picking the right brand is super important. You want floors that look amazing, last for years, and are built to handle everyday life. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! As Jack Shaffer, your go-to for all things woodworking and DIY, I’m here to break down the best hardwood flooring brands for beginners. We’ll cover what makes a brand great, what to look for, and which companies are consistently delivering top-notch products. Get ready to find the perfect wood floors for your home – it’s easier than you think!
Table of Contents
Why Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring Brand Matters
Think of your hardwood floors as the foundation of your home’s style. When you choose a reputable brand, you’re not just getting wood planks; you’re investing in quality, durability, and a beautiful finish that will last. A good brand means they’ve perfected their milling, drying, and finishing processes. This translates to fewer problems down the road, like warping, scratching, or finishes wearing off too quickly. It’s like choosing the right tool for a woodworking project – the right brand makes the job smoother and the final result much better!
For DIYers, this is especially crucial. You’re putting in the effort, so you want materials that are forgiving and reliable. Top brands often have clear installation guides and customer support, which are lifesavers when you’re tackling a project yourself. Plus, they stand behind their products with warranties, giving you that extra peace of mind.
What Makes a “Best” Hardwood Flooring Brand?
So, what really separates the great hardwood flooring brands from the rest? It boils down to a few key factors that I always look for, whether I’m picking lumber or advising on flooring:
- Quality of Wood: This includes the species of wood, how it’s sourced (sustainably, whenever possible!), and how well it’s graded. Higher grades usually mean fewer knots and imperfections.
- Construction: For engineered hardwood, this is vital. How thick are the wear layers? How stable is the core? Solid hardwood needs to be milled precisely.
- Finish and Durability: A good finish protects the wood from scratches, stains, and moisture. Brands that use advanced finishes (like aluminum oxide) often last much longer.
- Style and Variety: The best brands offer a wide range of wood species, colors, widths, and textures to fit different design aesthetics and home styles.
- Warranty and Customer Support: A strong warranty shows the company believes in its product. Good customer support can be a lifesaver if you have questions during installation or beyond.
- Price Point: Quality doesn’t always mean the most expensive. The best brands offer good value for the quality they provide across different budget ranges.
Understanding Hardwood Flooring Types: Solid vs. Engineered
Before we dive into brands, it’s essential to know the two main types of hardwood flooring. Both have their pros and cons, and the “best” for you depends on your home and lifestyle.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
This is exactly what it sounds like: a plank made from a single piece of solid wood, like oak, maple, or cherry.
- Pros:
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, allowing for deep repairs and restyling.
- Adds significant value to a home.
- Offers a classic, authentic look and feel.
- Cons:
- More susceptible to moisture and humidity changes, making it less ideal for basements or bathrooms.
- Can be more expensive than engineered options.
- Installation can be more labor-intensive (often requires nailing down).
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is constructed with multiple layers of wood or composite materials bonded together. The top layer is a thin veneer of real hardwood.
- Pros:
- More stable and resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations than solid hardwood.
- Can be installed in more areas of the home, including basements.
- Available in a wider variety of installation methods (glue-down, staple, float).
- Often more budget-friendly.
- Cons:
- Can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the top veneer (wear layer).
- The aesthetic might be slightly less “authentic” to some purists, though modern engineered floors are incredibly realistic.
Top Hardwood Flooring Brands for DIYers
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the brands that consistently deliver quality wood flooring that DIYers can trust. I’ve picked brands that strike a good balance between durability, beauty, and ease of installation.
1. Bruce
Bruce is one of the oldest and most recognized names in hardwood flooring. They offer a wide range of products, from budget-friendly options to premium collections, making them accessible for many DIY projects.
- Best For: Budget-conscious DIYers, wide variety of styles, reliable performance.
- Product Range: Solid and engineered hardwood, various species (oak, maple, hickory), lots of finishes and colors.
- Key Features: Known for their durability and ease of installation, especially their prefinished options. Their Dura-Luster™ and factory-applied finishes are built to last.
- Where to Find: Major home improvement stores (like Home Depot, Lowe’s), flooring retailers.
2. Shaw Floors
Shaw is a giant in the flooring industry, and their hardwood offerings are top-notch. They focus on innovation, design, and quality, providing beautiful, durable floors that are accessible to homeowners.
- Best For: Homeowners looking for stylish, modern designs, excellent durability, and innovative finishes.
- Product Range: Extensive collection of solid and engineered hardwood, including exotic species, wire-brushed textures, and unique colors.
- Key Features: Shaw’s Floors are known for their robust wear layers on engineered products and their high-quality finishes that resist scuffs and scratches. They also offer eco-friendly options.
- Where to Find: Available through independent flooring retailers and select big-box stores.
3. Mohawk
Mohawk is another industry leader, offering a comprehensive selection of hardwood flooring known for its quality craftsmanship and stylish appeal. They have options for almost any budget and design preference.
- Best For: A balance of style, quality, and value; homeowners who want a wide selection to choose from.
- Product Range: Solid and engineered hardwood, including popular domestic woods and some exotic options. They have collections ranging from traditional to contemporary.
- Key Features: Mohawk uses advanced finishing technologies for enhanced durability. Their collections often feature rich colors and realistic wood grain patterns.
- Where to Find: Widely available through flooring specialty stores and some online retailers.
4. Somerset Collection
Somerset is highly regarded for its commitment to quality, particularly their American-made solid and engineered hardwood. They focus on premium materials and meticulous manufacturing.
- Best For: Those prioritizing American-made quality, premium finishes, and long-term durability.
- Product Range: Primarily solid and engineered hardwood with a focus on classic species like oak and maple, but also offers hickory and walnut.
- Key Features: Known for their exceptional milling, beautiful natural finishes, and very durable urethane finishes. They offer options like hand-scraped and wire-brushed textures.
- Where to Find: Available through authorized flooring dealers and independent retailers.
5. Armstrong Flooring
Armstrong has been a trusted name in flooring for over a century, and their hardwood lines continue to offer quality and value. They provide a good range of styles that are often easier for DIYers to install.
- Best For: DIYers looking for reliable, attractive, and often more budget-friendly hardwood options.
- Product Range: Offers both solid and engineered hardwood in a variety of popular species and colors.
- Key Features: Armstrong flooring is known for its consistent quality and ease of maintenance. Many of their engineered lines are designed for stable installation in various room conditions.
- Where to Find: Available through many flooring retailers and home improvement centers.
6. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
For a more premium, custom look, Carlisle is an excellent choice. They specialize in wide plank hardwood flooring, offering a truly custom and luxurious feel. This is a higher-end option, but worth considering for a truly special project.
- Best For: High-end projects, custom looks, wide plank enthusiasts, and those seeking unique wood species and finishes.
- Product Range: Focus on wide plank solid and engineered hardwood, often using reclaimed wood or unique species. They offer extensive customization in finishes and colors.
- Key Features: Unparalleled craftsmanship, beautiful natural patina, and deep, rich finishes. Their floors are a statement piece.
- Where to Find: Directly through Carlisle’s website or their showrooms/representatives.
Comparing Top Brands: A Quick Look
To help you visualize, here’s a table comparing some key aspects of these excellent brands. Remember, features can vary within their collections.
| Brand | Typical Price Range (per sq ft) | Solid vs. Engineered Focus | Style Variety | Durability Focus | DIY Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce | $3 – $7 | Both | High | Everyday use, prefinished | High |
| Shaw Floors | $4 – $9 | Both | Very High (Modern designs) | Advanced finishes, wear layers | Medium-High |
| Mohawk | $4 – $8 | Both | High | Durable finishes | Medium-High |
| Somerset Collection | $6 – $12 | Both (Strong on Solid) | Medium (Classic focus) | Premium quality, robust finishes | Medium |
| Armstrong Flooring | $3 – $7 | Both | Medium | Good everyday wear | High |
| Carlisle Wide Plank | $12+ | Both (Emphasis on custom) | Very High (Custom) | Premium, handcrafted | Medium (Requires skill for wide plank) |
What to Look for When Buying Hardwood Flooring
Beyond the brand name, there are specific features to inspect. Think of this as checking the grain on a piece of lumber before you cut – you want to know what you’re working with!
- Wear Layer Thickness (for Engineered): This is the top veneer of real wood. A thicker wear layer (e.g., 2mm or more) means it can be sanded and refinished more times, increasing longevity.
- Janka Hardness Rating: This measures how resistant a wood species is to denting and wear. Woods like Hickory and Oak are generally harder than woods like Pine. A higher Janka rating means more durability. You can find Janka ratings for most common wood species at resources like Wood Handbook (USDA Forest Products Laboratory).
- Finish Type: Look for multi-coat urethane finishes, often fortified with aluminum oxide, for superior scratch and stain resistance.
- Milling and Bevels: Precision milling ensures planks fit together tightly, creating a smooth surface. Bevels (the small groove along plank edges) can add definition, but very deep bevels can trap dirt.
- Moisture Content: The wood should be properly dried and acclimatized to prevent warping after installation. Reputable brands manage this well.
Can You Actually DIY Install Hardwood Floors?
Absolutely! Installing hardwood floors is a very achievable DIY project, especially with the right preparation and tools. Here’s a simplified rundown:
- Preparation is Key: Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. You might need to install a moisture barrier and/or underlayment.
- Acclimate the Flooring: Let the wood acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity level for several days (check manufacturer’s instructions) before installation.
- Choose Your Installation Method:
- Nail-down: Most common for solid hardwood. Requires a specialized flooring nailer (cleat nailer).
- Glue-down: Used for both solid and engineered. You’ll need the right adhesive and a floor roller to press the planks down firmly.
- Floating: Common for engineered hardwood. Planks click or lock together, and the floor is not attached to the subfloor. This often requires an underlayment.
- Start Laying Planks: Generally, you start along the longest, straightest wall and work your way across the room. Stagger the joints between planks for a natural look.
- Cut and Fit: You’ll need a miter saw or circular saw for straight cuts and a jigsaw for intricate cuts around doorways or vents.
- Finishing Touches: Install baseboards and quarter-round molding to hide expansion gaps around the perimeter.
Tools you’ll likely need:
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Jigsaw
- Flooring nailer (for nail-down) OR trowel for adhesive (for glue-down)
- Rubber mallet
- Pry bar
- Flooring installation kit (includes tapping block, pull bar, spacers)
- Safety glasses and gloves!
Where to learn more about tools: For detailed guides on tools like flooring nailers and saws, check out resources that talk about the specifics. For instance, understanding how different saws work is crucial for making accurate cuts.
FAQs About Hardwood Flooring Brands
Q1: Are expensive hardwood flooring brands always better?
Not necessarily. While premium brands often use higher-grade materials and more advanced finishes, many mid-range brands offer excellent quality and durability that’s perfect for most homes. It’s more about finding the brand that balances quality, features, and price for your specific needs.
Q2: What’s the difference between prefinished and unfinished hardwood?
Prefinished hardwood comes with the stain and protective finish already applied at the factory. It’s ready to install and generally cleaner for DIY. Unfinished hardwood is raw wood that you stain and finish on-site. This allows for more customization but is more labor-intensive and can be messy.
Q3: How do I care for my new hardwood floors?
The key is regular dry dusting or vacuuming (with a hard floor attachment) to remove grit that can scratch. Clean spills immediately. For deeper cleaning, use a hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid excessive water or steam mops, as they can damage the wood.
Q4: Can I install hardwood flooring in a kitchen or bathroom?
Solid hardwood is generally not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms due to moisture. Engineered hardwood is more forgiving, but extreme humidity or standing water can still cause damage. For wet areas, waterproof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile might be a more suitable option.
Q5: What wood species are the most durable?
Harder wood species, meaning those with a higher Janka hardness rating, are generally more durable and resistant to dents and scratches. Examples include Hickory, White Oak, Maple, and Walnut. Softer woods like Pine are more prone to damage.
Q6: How many times can I refinish solid hardwood flooring?
On average, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished 3-5 times over its lifespan. This depends on the thickness of the wood plank and how much material is removed during each sanding. Engineered hardwood can typically only be refinished once or twice, if at all, depending on the wear layer thickness.