How to Choose the Best Wood Floor Texture For Your Home

Published July 3, 2024

Whether renovating or building your next abode, picking the right floor for your home is paramount.

The dilemma is even more complex for homeowners who go for wood floors. Aside from choosing which type of wood and the color stain, they also have to worry about the texture.

While many prefer shiny floors, textured finishes have become popular. And it’s not just because they look more authentic. Textured floors are very tactile, too, which adds to the “rawness” of the wood.

If you’re considering getting a textured floor, here’s a quick guide on choosing the best wood floor texture for your home.

Does Wood Floor Texture Matter?

If your floor is one of the main focal points in your home, then yes, wood texture matters.

Texture gives life to your floor by lending it a distinct character and personality. This is especially important if much of your floor area will be exposed. Or if you’ll spend much time on your floor, like in your living room or bedroom.

Besides, if you often walk barefoot around your home, the feel of the floor on your feet will affect your experience. Not to mention that your children and pets will run around in it, too. This is why choosing the right wood floor texture for your home isn’t something you should take lightly.

Common Types of Wood Flooring Textures

To give you an idea of your options, here are some of the most common types of wood floor textures:

1. Distressed

You’ll love the distressed finish if you’re looking for an authentic vintage look. It’s created by working a hammer or chisel into the floorboards to create subtle cracks and lines without altering their structure. This produces a worn-out look like the ones you’ll see in old homes.

2. Smooth

This is one of the most common hardwood floor textures in most homes. A smooth wooden floor is achieved by sanding the boards until they are evenly thick and the surface as flat as possible.

A smooth sanded texture is ideal if you want a sleek floor that’s easier to clean and buff. Also, the softer your floor is, the less dirt and grime will get trapped.

3. Brushed

Farmhouses and rustic abodes often have brushed wooden floors. You’ll notice them by the distinct lines running along the length of the board.

These lines are created by combing the board with a hard-bristled wire brush. This process leaves indentations on the wood’s surface. In time, these scratches will develop a much darker color than the rest of the wood, creating a natural distressed texture.

4. Beveled

A beveled floor texture is ideal for hiding the sharp edges of a floorboard. No wonder why it’s one of the most popular wood floor textures for modern homes and living spaces designed for families.

As its name suggests, a beveled floor is made by shaving the sides of each plank to create a sloping edge. These edges form an angle when the planks are put together, creating the beveled look.

5. Reclaimed

Reclaimed floorboards are made from wood or planks salvaged from old barns, homes, and other wooden structures. As such, they have that distinct, weathered look that can be hard to replicate.

Apart from their natural patina, reclaimed woods tend to have nail holes and similar marks. This makes them perfect if you’re looking for a vintage floor with a rich history.

6. Hand Scraped

Hand scraping is one of the most traditional ways to create a distressed wood texture. The process uses hand scrapers, knives, and chisels to create distinct groves and streaks on the wood, giving it a distressed look.

Since hand-scraped floors already have grooves, hiding scratches and dents is easier. This makes it ideal if you have pets since you won’t have to worry about maintaining your floor.

7. Wire-brushed

Wire-brushed wood flooring has a unique texture that adds depth and character to the surface while retaining a smooth overall feel, making it a popular choice for those seeking a blend of texture and comfort.

On the other hand, whitewashed wood flooring involves applying a white stain to the wood, creating a bright and airy look that can help make a space feel more open and refreshed. These textures offer distinct aesthetic qualities that enhance a room’s visual appeal and ambiance, giving homeowners versatile options to customize their living spaces with stylish and contemporary flooring.