Choosing the Perfect Hardwood Floor: Top 5 Choices for Homes in Idaho Falls

A hardwood floor is every homeowner’s dream. It’s strong, durable, warm, and charming. The timeless and classic hardwood look can complement any home’s architectural design and decor. For a long time, however, homeowners were limited to a few hardwood floor options. Today there’s more variety, colors, and styles to fit every home. But with over 50 species to choose from, how can you decide the best hardwood floor in Idaho Falls?We’ll look at the best five types of hardwood floors and take through their diverse characteristics and reasons why you should consider them for your Idaho Falls home.

1. Oak

When it comes to solid hardwood floors, oak is king. Native to about 47 states, its prevalence means it's not only an economical option but also that there are more beautiful sub-varieties to choose from.The most popular oak flooring varieties are red oak and white oak.The red oak is the warmer of the two and has a ton of character. With a natural finish, the red oak turns pink but with a stain, it picks up a deeper reddish undertone. It has more visible swirls and a wider grain variety.The white oak picks more dark brown and beige undertones and is much darker than the red oak. It has a smaller grain variety giving it a straight and uniform appearance.On the Janka Scale, the white oak has a higher score of 1360 compared to the red oak with a score of 1290.Whichever of the two you choose, the legendary oak will add beauty and comfort to your home with ease. And like fine wine, your floor will keep getting better with time.

2. Walnut

Walnut is a softer hardwood compared to the oak but it does come with a ton of character. Boasting vibrant mid-toned hues, a walnut floor is a good choice if effortless elegance is what you desire for your home.The most popular and readily available variety of walnut flooring is the American Walnut also known as the Eastern or Black Walnut which makes it a cost-effective option for your home.This variety is darker and has a richer chocolate-brown color. The grain is typically straight and open but some cuts may contain some slight curves and variations.Other varieties include the European or English walnut which come with lighter honey undertones with hints of red, orange, and gray.The walnut hardwood flooring comes strong with a rating of 1010 on the Janka Scale. It’s no doubt a favorite for homeowners searching for warmth, beauty, and sophistication.

3. Cherry

Cherry is a unique breathtaking hardwood. It has a rich light brown color that patinas over time (usually between six months to one year) turning it to a deep red hue.The most popular variety of cherry wood is the locally available American Cherry which has distinct flowing grain patterns, a hardness rating of 950, and can easily resemble other tropical exotic species.If you’re searching for a more exotic flooring product for your home, you can choose between Brazilian and African cherry hardwoods.These red-colored floors are renowned for their uniform grain and their ability to take on a variety of stains and finishes. What’s more, they have a strong rating of 2350 on the Janka Scale.Cherry hardwood flooring is the perfect choice for a lasting touch of elegance for your Idaho Falls home.

4. Ash

Ash flooring is a favorite pick for homeowners craving something different, bold, and modern. Its creamy white to light gray tones can turn any floor plan into a spacious and light-filled space.Ash hardwood can take a variety of stains, has a strong rating of 1320 on the Janka Scale, and unique elasticity for shock absorption making it a perfect choice for contemporary homes with a lot of foot traffic.It’s the ideal choice if you need a flooring option that doesn’t compete with the rest of the space yet still exudes its character all across your modern home.

5. Bamboo

Is eco-friendly flooring a priority for you? Thanks to advancements in manufacturing, there is a wider selection of high-quality bamboo flooring options for you to consider.Apart from their strong rating, with some varieties positioned at 1600 - 1900 and the strand woven option ranked at 3000, bamboo can also deliver the look of familiar species like walnut,maple, or Brazilian hardwoods. And since it's a fast renewing resource, bamboo is more affordable than most flooring options.Look out for high-quality bamboo flooring to enjoy the beauty and versatility it offers.

Contact Classic Flooring  for the Best Hardwood Floors in Idaho Falls

You can never go wrong with a hardwood floor. All you need is to find the right store. At Classic Flooring, we specialize in custom residential hardwood flooring products that are milled to perfection. Our showroom has a wide selection of products that meet every taste and style. Contact us today and let’s get you one-of-a-kind flooring for your Idaho Falls home.

Related Questions

What is the most popular hardwood flooring species for Idaho Falls homes?‍

Oak is one of the most popular choices because it’s widely available, durable, and versatile, with both red and white oak offering different looks and excellent long-term performance.

Is walnut hardwood flooring durable enough for busy households?

‍Yes. While softer than oak, walnut is still a strong hardwood and offers rich, mid-to-dark brown tones that bring warmth and elegance to living rooms, bedrooms, and formal spaces.

Why would I choose cherry hardwood flooring?

‍Cherry offers a unique, luxurious look that deepens over time—from light brown to a richer red tone—and works beautifully in spaces where you want a warm, sophisticated feel.

Is bamboo a good eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood?

‍Bamboo is a fast-renewing resource with very high hardness ratings, especially strand-woven varieties, making it both environmentally friendly and durable enough for active Idaho Falls homes.