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While oak wood flooring is one of our most popular sellers here at Renaissance, many homeowners and builders ask us to install maple hardwood floors, as well. Maple isn’t always the cheapest option, nor does it work in every setting. However, for the right home and the right aesthetic, customers couldn’t be happier with their choice. If you’re thinking to install new hardwoods this year, let’s talk about some of the basic advantages of choosing maple hardwood floors so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Dense and Durable

Maple is one of the hardest woods available commercially in the U.S., coming in at 1450 on the Jenka Hardness Scale. As such, it is quite dense and naturally resistant to scratches, wear and tear. This makes maple a good choice for rooms with lots of foot traffic or homes with kids and pets. And while you should always avoid exposing wood floors to excessive moisture, maple is a bit more resistant to damage from spills because the moisture takes longer to penetrate the wood than other hardwoods. All told, maple is very durable and can last for generations with proper care.

Sophisticated Beauty

Maple is a naturally light-colored hardwood, and although it can be stained darker to most preferences, it’s typically a great choice for warming up dark spaces. It also offers a more consistent and less pronounced grain pattern than other hardwoods, providing a smooth-looking surface that does well with polished or fine finishes.

Cautions with Maple Wood

While maple is a great choice all around, it’s not right for every home. Some factors to consider:

  • Scratches and scuffs may show up more easily. Despite its hardness, maple’s lighter appearance makes scuff marks easier to spot, so it requires a bit of upkeep to maintain its appearance. In addition, although it’s not easy to scratch, if you do manage to scratch the floor, those scratches will be more visible with maple and more difficult to buff out.
  • Not the best choice for darker shades. Maple’s hardness factor causes it to accept stains and dyes less easily, and natural inconsistencies in the wood may make the stain appear blotchy and spotty in places. If you choose to stain the wood, you’d be better off hiring a professional than trying to do it yourself. And if you truly prefer a dark shade, you might find it easier just to select a different species than maple.
  • Prone to fading. Maple tends to be responsive to sunlight, so areas of the floor that are exposed to direct sunlight might experience bleaching over time. You may want to pull the drapes at certain times of day or cover those exposed areas with a rug.

All told, with proper care, maple hardwood floors can provide durability and lasting beauty to your home. If you’re considering installing maple hardwood floors among your other flooring options, we are happy to help. For a free estimate in Tulsa, Catoosa, Claremore or other parts of Green Country, give Renaissance a call today at 918-298-4477.

(Photo credit: Boa-Franc/Flickr)