Hardwood floors have always been appreciated for their beauty, ease of cleanup and durability, as many will last for at least a century. However, during the mid-20th century, a distinct shift happened in the construction of new homes. At that time, more homes featured wall-to-wall carpeting, which was touted as the plush, less expensive and heat-saving alternative to hardwoods. Many homeowners bought into the trend at the time, but recent trends are revealing a significant shift back to the value-boosting power of hardwoods.
The fact that hardwoods were not as common over the last 50 years or more means that many are not as aware of the options available in hardwood flooring. Here, we will cover the myriad of styles and materials which are commonly used and often readily available in the arena of hardwood flooring. We will also cover some lesser known facts, in case you are replacing the flooring in your home with hardwoods.
The Defect Rate
If you plan to replace your current flooring with hardwood floors in San Jose, there are a few things you should know before embarking on this as a do-it-yourself project. First, you will want to evaluate the quality of the wood you are purchasing.
The quality of the wood is referred to as the Defect Rate, and having a lower defect rate can not only result in the need to purchase more wood to complete the job, it can also make proper installation difficult, if not impossible.
If possible, invest in wood that is 95% defect free, and if you are hiring professionals, ask about the quality of their materials as well.
Width
At one time, the width of the planks was generally offered in one customary size. However, wider planks (three inches or more) are now increasing in popularity, largely because the beauty and grain of the wood is more prominently displayed with wider planks. This is especially true for Hickory wood floors. The wider planks also create fewer seams, which is desirable not only during installation but also as you utilize the room over time.
Different Wood Grains To Choose From
Today, there are a large number of wood species available to choose from. For example, domestic woods like Oak or Cherry have been popular with homeowners for many years. Beech, Walnut and Tigerwood have also gained in popularity over the past few years.
Of course, those who can afford the more exotic species of wood tend to invest in them because of their uniquely beautiful grain patterns and because many of them carry a higher Janka (hardness) rating, which we will discuss in a moment. An example of the exotics -- Brazilian Cherry and Bamboo.
Janka Rating
If professionals are installing your hardwood floors in San Jose, the company you select can often give you a list of wood species they work with regularly, along with the Janka rating. Because hardwood floors are a natural product, the Janka hardness rating will reveal how hard the wood is and how resistant it will be to indentations.
Consider the foot traffic in the areas you plan to install hardwoods; high activity areas demand hardwoods with the highest Janka rating you can get. Your professional installers can also offer suggestions.
the wood you are purchasing. 
popularity over the past few years. 