How to Choose the Right Hardwood Floors for Your Home
Let’s face it — picking out hardwood floors is like ordering BBQ in Kansas City: everybody’s got an opinion, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. Oak, maple, walnut, engineered, solid, prefinished, custom-stained — the list goes on. Whether you're building from the ground up in Overland Park or renovating a Brookside bungalow, the right hardwood flooring can completely transform your space. But choosing wisely means knowing what you're buying, how long it'll take to arrive, and what it’s going to cost you — not just in dollars, but in downtime.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood — What’s the Difference?
Before we talk species, let’s break down the two main categories:
- Solid Hardwood: Cut from a single piece of wood. Thick, tough, and dependable — like your grandpa’s old pickup. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which is great for longevity.
- Engineered Hardwood: Like a good brisket sandwich, it's layered just right — multiple plies with a hardwood veneer on top. More stable when humidity hits, making it ideal for basements or places where KC’s wild weather gets rowdy.
Popular Hardwood Species & What They Cost
Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory, Walnut — picking a species is like picking your favorite KC barbecue joint. There’s no wrong answer, but each one’s got its own flavor.
- Red Oak: Tried-and-true, warm as a summer night at Starlight Theatre.
- White Oak: Smooth and steady, like a glass of iced tea in the shade.
- Maple: Bright, clean, and no-nonsense.
- Hickory: Tough as nails and full of character.
- Walnut: Rich and dark, like a jazz club in the Crossroads.
Price-wise? You’re looking at $5–$15 per square foot depending on species and finish.
How to Choose the Right Color Hardwood Floor
Color changes everything. It’s like painting the town — except it’s your living room.
- Light Floors: Great for making small places feel big. They’re forgiving with dust and dog hair.
- Medium Tones: Cozy and classic, like Sunday supper at your auntie's.
- Dark Floors: Dramatic, elegant, and moody — but show every footprint like snow on a Chiefs game day.
- Greys & Whitewash: Trendy in those modern new builds out in Lenexa. Perfect for that HGTV vibe.
The Right Wood Today. The Right Look for Decades
Prefinished vs. Site-Finished Hardwood Floors
Do you want your floors factory-styled and ready to roll, or customized to match your grandmother’s armoire?
- Prefinished: Comes ready. Quicker, cleaner, and less stink.
- Site-Finished: Takes longer, but gives you that “just right” look if you want to pick the exact shade — like ordering burnt ends well-done.
Timeline — How Long Does It Take to Order & Install?
Don’t expect it to happen overnight, partner. Here's the rundown:
- Picking & Ordering: 1–2 days to choose; 2–6 weeks for delivery, depending on wood.
- Acclimation: Let your floors hang out and breathe for 5–10 days before install.
- Installation: 3–5 days depending on the size of your space.
- Finishing: Add 3–5 days more if site-finishing.
Total? Anywhere from 3–8 weeks. So plan around holidays, Chiefs season, and your in-laws’ visits.
Bonus Tips for Kansas City Buyers
- Humidity Control: KC is humid enough to fry bacon on the sidewalk in July and dry enough to crack lips in January. Get a humidifier.
- Always Sample at Home: The light at the flooring store ain’t the same as your living room.
- Think Long-Term: Like a good smoker, pick something that ages well and can take a little wear and tear.
Final Thoughts — Make a Confident Choice
Hardwood floors are more than a pretty face — they’re an investment. Get it wrong, and you’ll feel it every time you walk barefoot. Get it right, and your whole house feels like home.
Still feel like you're picking blind? Let us help match you with a trusted Kansas City flooring pro who knows their planks better than a Plaza bartender knows old fashioneds.
