Why Choose Hardwoods?

We learned from “Are All Hardwoods Hard?” that the term hardwood is really a botanical classification. But generally, hardwoods are harder than softwoods. Does that matter? It does if you want your mouldings to retain their new appearance for a long time, especially in areas of heavy use. Because a hard wood will be more dent and damage resistant than a softer one, even painted surfaces will retain their new appearance longer if a hardwood such as poplar, birch or hard maple is used, as compared to a softwood.

 

Consider the range of colors available in hardwoods. From the bright white of hard maple to the warmth of cherry and the richness of walnut, hardwoods contain a huge palette of colors in a vast array of grain patterns – surely enough for any discriminating designer.

 

And for that “old money look” nothing can beat the look of a room clad in dark hardwood.