The President and CEO of CLC Hardwoods, Victor Barringer draws upon over two decades of experience in the industry. He also serves as the Chairman of Builders Supply and of Acadian Wood Products LLC.

Although personal preference plays a large part in one’s selection of material for a new hardwood floor, certain essential factors remain constant. Understanding the differences among various types of wood can help homeowners choose the material that will fits their needs and tastes. Some of the woods to consider include the following, listed according to hardness:

Hickory: One of the hardest readily available woods and only of medium weight, it possesses great strength, resilience, and shock resistance. Its hardness, however, renders it more difficult to work with.

Hard Maple: A strong, heavy wood, it wears well and resists abrasion. It is also readily available, but it dries slowly, which may allow for movement during the drying process.

White Oak: Another heavy wood that wears well, it possesses great durability. However, it remains less abundant than red oak.

American Beech: Another heavy, strong wood, it wears well and offers good shock resistance. Its disadvantages include a tendency to shrinkage and movement.

Red Oak: Another hard, heavy wood of medium strength, it wears well, although not as well as white oak. It remains the most popular material for hardwood floors in the United States.

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    Victor Barringer is CEO and President of CLC Hardwoods, headquartered in Charlottesville, VA.

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