YOUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE IN CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOOR

Choosing hardwood flooring for a bedroom is a great way to add warmth, beauty, and value to your home. Unlike high-traffic areas like living rooms or kitchens, a bedroom has lighter foot traffic, which gives you more flexibility in your flooring choices.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider and some specific flooring options:

This is one of the most important decisions to make.

SOLID HARDWOOD

As the name suggests, this is a plank of solid wood all the way through.

Pros: It can be sanded and refinished many times, making it a long-lasting investment. It offers a classic, timeless look.

Cons: It’s more susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause it to expand and contract. It’s generally more expensive to buy and install.

ENGINEERED HARDWOOD

This is a top layer (veneer) of real hardwood bonded to a core of plywood or other wood-based layers.

Pros: It’s more dimensionally stable than solid wood, making it a better choice for rooms with fluctuating humidity or over concrete slabs or radiant heating systems. It’s often easier and cheaper to install.

Cons: It can’t be refinished as many times as solid hardwood, depending on the thickness of the veneer.

BEDROOM INSTALLATIONS USING HARDWOOD

For a bedroom, either option works well. If you live in a climate with stable humidity and you want a floor that can last for generations, solid hardwood is a great choice. If you have concerns about moisture, or if you’re on a tighter budget, engineered hardwood is a fantastic alternative that offers the same aesthetic.

The type of wood you choose impacts the look, feel, and durability of your floor. The Janka hardness scale is a measure of a wood’s resistance to denting and wear, but since bedrooms are low-traffic, you have more freedom to choose softer woods.

Oak: One of the most popular choices. Red oak has warm, reddish undertones, while white oak is a bit cooler with gray tones. Both are durable and have a classic grain pattern that helps to hide scratches.

Maple: Harder than oak, maple has a lighter, more uniform appearance with a subtle grain. It’s great for a clean, modern, and minimalist look.

Walnut: Known for its rich, dark chocolate color and smooth grain, walnut adds a luxurious and elegant touch. It’s a softer wood, which can be a plus for comfort underfoot in a bedroom.

Hickory: This wood has a complex and varied grain, giving it a lot of character. It’s one of the hardest woods available, making it highly resistant to dents and wear, even though that’s less of a concern in a bedroom.

Birch: This wood has a wavy or curly grain with a light, warm color. It’s a durable option with a versatile appearance.

Bamboo: Although technically a grass, bamboo is a durable and eco-friendly option often considered a hardwood. Strand-woven bamboo is incredibly tough and can be a good choice for a modern, sustainable aesthetic.

The final look of your bedroom floor will be determined by these design elements.

Finish:

Matte: Provides a natural, understated look that is excellent for hiding scratches and imperfections.

Satin: A good middle ground, offering a subtle sheen without being overly glossy.

Glossy: Creates a polished, high-end look, but it shows scratches and scuffs more easily.

Grain:

Natural/Smooth: Emphasizes the wood’s natural grain and texture.

Rustic/Distressed: Adds character and a cozy feel, perfect for a country or rustic-style bedroom. Wire-brushed or handscraped textures can add visual interest and help to conceal future wear.

Plank Width:

Narrow planks (strip): Can make a room appear larger and more traditional.

Wide planks: Create a more seamless, open, and modern or rustic look.

Specific Recommendations
For a classic, durable look: Oak is a time-tested choice that works with almost any decor.

For a modern, minimalist feel: Maple or a light-toned engineered oak with a matte finish.

For a luxurious and elegant space: Walnut is a beautiful option.

For a rustic or farmhouse style: A distressed or handscraped hickory or oak floor will add character.

For eco-conscious choices: Consider bamboo or cork flooring. Cork, in particular, is an excellent choice for bedrooms because it’s naturally soft, warm underfoot, and absorbs sound.

Ultimately, the “best” hardwood flooring for your bedroom depends on your personal style, budget, and the level of maintenance you are willing to commit to.