Solid Hardwood Flooring
Classic solid hardwood flooring in oak, maple, walnut, hickory, and exotic species.
Why Choose Solid Hardwood Flooring?
Solid hardwood is the gold standard of flooring — milled from a single piece of wood, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades. We install all species including red and white oak, maple, walnut, hickory, cherry, and exotic woods.
At 2020 Flooring Solutions, we install solid hardwood flooring throughout Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Our experienced installers work with all major domestic and exotic species, ensuring your floors are acclimated, fitted, and finished to perfection.
Benefits of Solid Hardwood
Exceptional Durability
Solid hardwood is one of the most durable flooring options available. Harder species like hickory and maple resist dents and scratches from daily wear, pet claws, and furniture. With proper care, solid hardwood floors last 75 to 100 years or more, far outlasting carpet, vinyl, and laminate.
Refinishable for Generations
The biggest advantage of solid hardwood is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. A 3/4-inch thick plank can typically be refinished 6 to 8 times over its life. This means you can change the stain color, switch from matte to glossy finish, or repair deep scratches without replacing the entire floor.
Increases Home Value
Real estate studies consistently show that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and for higher prices. Solid hardwood is considered a premium feature by homebuyers and appraisers alike. It is one of the few home improvements that can return more than its cost at resale.
Timeless Beauty
Solid hardwood develops a rich patina over time that only enhances its beauty. The natural grain patterns, color variations, and character marks in real wood create a warmth and elegance that manufactured flooring cannot replicate. Every floor is truly unique.
Popular Solid Hardwood Species
Red Oak
The most popular hardwood species in North America. Red oak features warm, pinkish-brown tones with pronounced grain patterns. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1,290, making it suitable for most residential applications. Red oak accepts stain readily, allowing for a wide range of color options.
Janka Hardness: 1,290
White Oak
Increasingly popular for its cooler, more neutral tones and tight grain pattern. White oak has a slightly higher Janka rating than red oak and is naturally more water-resistant due to its closed cell structure. It is the species of choice for European-inspired and modern farmhouse designs.
Janka Hardness: 1,360
Maple
A very hard, dense wood with a light, creamy color and fine, uniform grain. Maple is one of the most durable domestic species and is commonly used in gyms and dance studios for its resilience. Its clean look works perfectly in contemporary and transitional home designs.
Janka Hardness: 1,450
Walnut
A premium species prized for its deep, rich chocolate-brown color and dramatic swirling grain. Walnut is softer than oak and maple, so it is best for bedrooms, dining rooms, and lower-traffic areas. Its natural beauty often looks best with a clear or light finish that lets the wood speak for itself.
Janka Hardness: 1,010
Hickory
The hardest and strongest domestic hardwood. Hickory features dramatic color variation from blonde sapwood to dark brown heartwood, creating a bold, rustic character. It is virtually dent-proof and ideal for active families with children and large dogs.
Janka Hardness: 1,820
Cherry
Known for its smooth grain and warm, reddish-brown color that deepens beautifully with age and sun exposure. Cherry is a softer species best suited for formal rooms and bedrooms. Its elegant appearance makes it a favorite for traditional and colonial-style homes throughout the Maryland and DC area.
Janka Hardness: 950
From our blog
Hardwood Flooring 101: Choosing a Wood Species
Deep-dive into Janka hardness, grain patterns, colour, and which species suits each room — before you commit.
Solid Hardwood Installation Essentials
Subfloor Requirements
Solid hardwood must be installed over a wood subfloor, typically plywood or OSB. It cannot be installed directly over concrete because the nail-down method requires a wood substrate and solid hardwood is more sensitive to moisture from below. Your subfloor must be level within 3/16 inch per 10 feet for a proper installation.
Acclimation Period
Solid hardwood must acclimate to your home's temperature and humidity for a minimum of 3 to 5 days before installation. We deliver your flooring early and open the boxes in the rooms where it will be installed, allowing the wood to reach equilibrium with your indoor environment. This prevents gaps and buckling after installation.
Finishing Options
You can choose between prefinished solid hardwood, which comes with a factory-applied finish, or unfinished solid hardwood, which is sanded and stained on-site after installation. Prefinished floors are faster to install and ready to walk on immediately, while site-finished floors offer a seamless look with no micro-bevels between planks and unlimited custom stain color options.
Choosing Plank Width and Grade
Solid hardwood is available in strip widths (2-1/4 inch) and plank widths (3 inch to 5 inch and wider). Narrower strips create a classic, traditional look, while wider planks offer a more contemporary or rustic appearance depending on the species and finish selected.
Grading determines the amount of character in the wood. Select and Better grade features uniform color and minimal knots for a clean, formal look. Common grade includes more natural variation, knots, and mineral streaks that add rustic charm and character. Our team will help you choose the grade that matches your design vision and budget.
Invest in Solid Hardwood Floors Today
Schedule a free in-home consultation. We bring hardwood samples to your home so you can see the species, colors, and plank widths in your own space and lighting.
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