We only really talk about hardwood floors, not softwood floor. But when you choose a type of wood for your floors, there are hardwoods and softwoods, and both have different aesthetics to consider. Here are the differences between hardwood and softwood floors, and how to choose the best type of wood for your home.
Oak hardwood is better for high traffic rooms with darker brown and red tones.
Photo: Cannon Beach Oak from Kentwood
Hardwood vs. softwood flooring
There are two very obvious differences when it comes to hardwood vs. softwood floors. Hardwood, as the name implies, is a much harder type of wood. It is less flexible and harder, which sometimes gets translated into stronger and more durable. Whereas softwood has more give, is more flexible and softer. However, don’t let the names fool you, softwood can be just as dense and durable as hardwood.
Benefits of hardwood
Maple hardwood floors come with beautiful deep red tones.
The most common types of hardwood flooring are oak, maple, and walnut. These are popular types of wood to use in places that see a high volume of foot traffic. From hotel lobbies to the most trafficked areas of the home, hardwood is beautiful and tough. Hardwood floors will come in the colors we’ve come to associate with classic wood floors. Look for richer and darker brown colors, often with reddish undertones. Using a hard finish on hardwood floors will give them extra protection and help them last for decades. Hardwood floors are more resilient and less prone to dings and scratches.
Benefits of softwood floors
Cedar is a beautiful softwood that comes in light blonde, with smooth gray undertones.
Photo: Cedar Smooth Gray Treatment.
The most common types of softwood flooring are cedar, pine, and spruce, just to name a few. The physical appearance of softwood floors is much more golden, yellow, and blonde than hardwoods. Softwood floors may be more prone to show dings and scratches due to their softer nature and are often used in rooms where there is less foot traffic. However, if you live in a busy home, and you have a few pets, softwood floors can have some benefits. Wood floors always need to be finished, and the type of finish you choose can allow you to have softwood floors in any room. A soft, matte finish may be much better at hiding imperfections than a hardwood with a hard finish. Softwood floors will simply dent not crack under pressure like a harder surface. And tiny dents from paws and shoes are much less noticeable than scratches and cracks that can appear on harder surfaces.
Hardwood flooring experts in Denver
T&G Flooring is one of Colorado’s largest hardwood flooring retailers. If you have questions about whether to choose hardwood or softwood floors for your home or business, schedule a free consultation with a hardwood flooring expert.