When it comes to home improvement, choosing the right flooring is like laying the foundation of your entire aesthetic. Hardwood flooring is one of the most timeless choices — it’s stylish, durable, and adds value to your home. But the challenge? Picking the right brand from dozens of options. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 flooring brands to consider for hardwood installation.
We’re diving deep into what makes these brands the best in the industry and how to make your installation process smoother than a fresh coat of polyurethane.
Why Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring Brand Matters
Think of your hardwood floor like a long-term relationship — you want something reliable, beautiful, and easy to maintain. Choosing the right brand affects everything from the look and feel of your space to how long your floors last and how much maintenance they’ll need.
What Makes a Hardwood Flooring Brand Stand Out
Before you commit, here are some qualities that distinguish great brands from just okay ones:
Durability and Longevity
Hardwood isn’t cheap, so durability is key. The top brands use high-quality wood and manufacturing processes that ensure your floors last decades.
Wood Sourcing and Sustainability
Responsible brands focus on sustainable forestry and use ethically sourced materials, helping the environment while maintaining quality.
Design Variety and Finish Options
From rustic oak to sleek maple, the best brands offer a wide selection of species, finishes, and plank widths to suit any taste.
Ease of Installation
Especially if you’re considering a DIY flooring installation, the brand’s installation system (tongue-and-groove, click-lock, etc.) can make or break your experience.
1. Bruce Hardwood Floors
Overview and Highlights
Bruce is a go-to brand for solid and engineered hardwood. Known for its high-quality oak, maple, and hickory products, Bruce offers a wide variety of finishes and textures.
Why Choose Bruce?
Bruce balances affordability with quality. It’s widely available and offers great flooring tools and materials, making it perfect for DIYers.
2. Armstrong Flooring
Innovation Meets Durability
Armstrong’s hardwood division is focused on pushing design boundaries while keeping products family-friendly.
Notable Features
They offer engineered hardwoods that are scratch-resistant and moisture-friendly — ideal for homes with pets or kids.
3. Mohawk Industries
Sustainability and Strength
Mohawk shines in sustainability. Their hardwoods are FloorScore-certified and harvested using eco-friendly practices.
Design Choices Galore
You’ll find rustic hand-scraped textures, wire-brushed surfaces, and traditional smooth finishes all under one brand.
4. Shaw Floors
Known for Reliability
Shaw’s engineered hardwoods are durable and come in a wide range of finishes and styles.
Styles and Performance
Their Floorté Hardwood line resists moisture and is easy to maintain — perfect if you’re also interested in flooring maintenance & repair.
5. Somerset Hardwood Flooring
Made in the USA
Somerset emphasizes American-made quality using Appalachian hardwoods.
Eco-Friendly and Durable
They’re big on sustainability, and their prefinished hardwoods are factory-cured for maximum durability.
6. Mullican Flooring
Appalachian Excellence
Mullican is one of the top names for domestic wood species and superior milling techniques.
Hardwood Selection
Their products come in both solid and engineered options with versatile finishes, perfect for any home improvement project.
7. Mirage Floors
High-End Looks
Mirage is considered a luxury brand. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality speaks volumes.
Environmentally Sound
They use renewable materials and their finishes are GREENGUARD-certified, making them safe for your home and the planet.
8. Harris Wood Floors
Over a Century of Experience
With over 120 years in the business, Harris brings craftsmanship to every plank.
Easy Installation
Harris makes it easier for DIYers with its locking technology and pre-finished options.
9. Lauzon Flooring
Natural Beauty Meets Tech
Lauzon’s floors feature Pure Genius — a built-in air-purifying finish.
Benefits of Choosing Lauzon
In addition to being beautiful, they improve indoor air quality, making them perfect for health-conscious homeowners.
10. Cali Bamboo
Eco-Conscious Alternative
Cali Bamboo offers more than bamboo — their eucalyptus and oak collections are equally impressive.
Stylish and Tough
These floors are water-resistant, hard as nails, and visually stunning — a triple win.
How to Choose the Right Brand for You
Choosing from this list depends on your lifestyle and home needs. Here’s how to narrow it down:
Consider Your Lifestyle
Have pets or kids? Go with a scratch-resistant engineered hardwood like Shaw or Armstrong.
Assess Maintenance Needs
Want something low-maintenance? Bruce and Harris offer easy-clean options, perfect for busy families.
Look at Installation Process
Planning a DIY project? Check out DIY flooring installation tips to see which brands are beginner-friendly.
Pro Tips for Hardwood Installation Success
Before you lay that first plank, here are some tips to set yourself up for success.
Prepare Your Subfloor
Subfloor prep is critical. Visit flooring preparation for a complete guide.
Use the Right Tools and Materials
Don’t cut corners. Invest in high-quality tools and materials that match your flooring choice.
Don’t Skip the Underlayment
Underlayment isn’t just a bonus — it’s a must-have. Check out this underlayment guide to learn more.
Conclusion
Hardwood flooring is a big investment, and the brand you choose can make all the difference. Whether you’re leaning toward eco-friendly options like Cali Bamboo or premium finishes from Mirage, there’s something for every budget and style. Just remember — planning, prep, and proper tools are half the battle.
For more in-depth guides, head over to our main site at Flooring Contractor Plano FBS where we cover everything from flooring cost estimation to expert maintenance tips. Happy flooring!
FAQs
1. What is the most durable hardwood flooring brand?
Bruce and Shaw are known for their durability, especially their engineered lines with protective finishes.
2. Can I install hardwood flooring myself?
Yes, many brands like Harris and Armstrong offer DIY-friendly options. Read our DIY flooring installation section for tips.
3. What brand offers the most eco-friendly hardwood?
Lauzon and Cali Bamboo are leaders in sustainable and green flooring solutions.
4. Is hardwood flooring good for high-traffic areas?
Absolutely, especially if you choose a brand that offers scratch-resistant finishes like Shaw.
5. How do I maintain my hardwood flooring?
Check out our full guide on flooring maintenance and repair for expert advice.
6. What tools do I need for hardwood installation?
You’ll need saws, spacers, nailers, and more. Visit our flooring tools and materials section for a full checklist.
7. Where can I find more flooring guides and tips?
Explore our tagged flooring guides for everything from layout patterns to common installation mistakes.