Solid Hardwood Add On

1.  Budget: Hardwood flooring costs vary widely based on species, grade, finish, width, and whether it's solid or engineered. Don't forget to factor in installation costs, underlayment, and any subfloor preparation needed.
   
   
2. Hardwood Flooring Colors: Lighter hardwood flooring colors can make a room feel larger and brighter, while showing less dust and scratches. Use medium hardwood flooring colors for versatile, warm, and classic spaces, and consider darker hardwood flooring colors to create a dramatic, luxurious feel.
   
   
3. Wood Species & Hardness: The Janka Hardness Scale measures the wood's resistance to denting and wear. The higher the number, the harder the wood. If you have a busy household with kids or pets, or a high-traffic area (hallways, entryways), opt for harder woods:

• Common Hard Species: Hickory (1820 Janka), Maple (1450 Janka), White Oak (1360 Janka), Red Oak (1290 Janka).
• Softer Species: Pine, Cherry, Walnut are softer and more prone to dents and scratches, often chosen for their unique aesthetic but require more care.
• Exotic Hardwoods: Species like Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba), Santos Mahogany, or Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) often have very high Janka ratings and unique appearances, but can be more expensive and sometimes harder to work with.
  

4. Finish Type and Durability:

• Polyurethane Hardwood Finish: The most common type of hardwood finish, oil-based hardwood finishes give an amber tone while water-based hardwood finishes are clearer.
• Aluminum Oxide Hardwood Finish: Extremely durable, found on many prefinished floors.
• Natural Oil Hardwood Finish/Hardwax Oils: Penetrate the wood for a more natural, matte look. Easier to repair scratches locally but require more frequent maintenance.
  

5. Hardwood Flooring Grade: Relates to the wood's appearance and natural characteristics.

• Clear: Few to no knots or color variations, uniform look (most expensive).
• Select: Minor imperfections, slight color variations.
• Common (No. 1 Common, No. 2 Common): More knots, character marks, and color variation, creating a rustic or natural look (less expensive).
  

6. Hardwood Plank Width:

• Narrow (2-3 inches): Traditional, busy look.
• Standard (3-5 inches): Versatile, common.
• Wide (5+ inches): Modern, expansive feel, fewer seams, but can be more prone to showing expansion/contraction in unstable environments.

7. Hardwood Texture:

• Smooth: Classic, can show scratches more easily on high-gloss finishes.
• Wire-Brushed: Adds subtle texture, good at hiding light scratches and dents, popular in modern/transitional designs.

Hand-scraped/Distressed: Creates an aged, rustic look, excellent at hiding imperfections.