Hardwood flooring is one of the most enduring and valuable investments you can make in your home. But not all hardwood is created equal. Understanding what separates quality hardwood from inferior products will help you make a smarter purchasing decision and ensure your floors look beautiful for decades to come.
What Makes Hardwood Flooring High Quality?
Wood Species and Hardness
Harder species resist dents and scratches better. The Janka hardness scale rates wood hardness — higher numbers mean greater resistance to wear.
Finish Quality
Factory-applied UV-cured finishes are more durable than site-applied finishes. Look for aluminum oxide wear layers for maximum scratch resistance.
Milling Precision
High-quality hardwood is milled to tight tolerances, ensuring planks fit together seamlessly without gaps or height variations.
Wood Grade
Clear grade has minimal knots and color variation. Select grade has slight variation. Character grade has more knots and natural features.
Moisture Content
Properly kiln-dried hardwood with 6–9% moisture content is essential for dimensional stability after installation.
Thickness
Standard solid hardwood is 3/4" thick. Thicker planks can be sanded and refinished more times over their lifetime.
Popular Hardwood Species Compared
| Species | Janka Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | 1290 | The most popular hardwood flooring species in the US. Warm reddish-brown tones with a pronounced grain. Excellent value and widely available. |
| White Oak | 1360 | Slightly harder than red oak with a more subtle grain. Neutral gray-brown tones that work well with modern and transitional interiors. |
| Hard Maple | 1450 | Very hard and dense with a light, creamy color and subtle grain. Excellent for high-traffic areas and contemporary spaces. |
| Hickory | 1820 | One of the hardest domestic species. Dramatic color variation from light cream to dark brown. Rustic and distinctive character. |
| Walnut | 1010 | Rich, dark chocolate-brown color with a fine, straight grain. Softer than oak but prized for its luxurious appearance. |
| Brazilian Cherry | 2350 | Extremely hard exotic species with a rich reddish-brown color that deepens with age. One of the most durable flooring options available. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy What Makes Quality Hardwood? flooring in Michigan?
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan in Rochester Hills carries What Makes Quality Hardwood? products. Visit our showroom at 1799 Northfield Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 or call (248) 853-2232 for current availability.
Do you offer samples before purchasing?
Yes. We encourage customers to take samples home to see how flooring looks in their own lighting. Visit our Rochester Hills showroom to browse samples from all our brands.
What is the warranty on flooring products?
Warranty terms vary by brand and product line. Most residential hardwood products carry 25-year to lifetime structural warranties. Ask our team for specific warranty details on any product you're considering.
Shop Quality Hardwood Flooring in Michigan
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan has been supplying premium hardwood flooring to Michigan homeowners and contractors for over 40 years. Visit us in Rochester Hills.