Thinking about hardwood flooring for your home but not sure how to narrow down your options? With so many finishes, wood types, and installation methods to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Hardwood floors are a long-term investment—and the right choice can add warmth, character, and value to your space.
At Flooring RVA, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Richmond and Central Virginia find hardwood flooring that fits their lifestyle and their home’s unique layout. If you’re getting ready to update your floors, here are some smart questions to ask that will help guide your decision.
1. How Will This Floor Be Used Day to Day?
Not all hardwood is created equal when it comes to wear and tear. Think about how much foot traffic the space sees. Do you have kids, pets, or heavy furniture that moves often?
Solid hardwood is a great choice for low to moderate-traffic areas. For busier spaces like living rooms or hallways, many Richmond homeowners opt for engineered hardwood, which offers a stable core that resists movement and moisture while still providing a real wood surface.
2. What’s the Right Wood Species for My Needs?
Some hardwoods, like oak and maple, are denser and more resistant to dents or scratches. Others, such as pine or birch, are softer and may show marks more easily—though they often offer a beautiful, natural patina over time.
At Flooring RVA, we carry trusted lines like Chesapeake Hardwood, offering a variety of domestic and exotic species. Our showroom team can walk you through how each type will look and perform in different settings.
3. Do I Want Prefinished or Site-Finished Floors?
Prefinished hardwood comes ready to install with factory-applied stain and protective layers, making installation quicker and cleaner. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to avoid the smell and mess of on-site sanding.
Site-finished floors, on the other hand, allow for more customization in stain color and finish sheen, and create a completely smooth surface with no beveled edges. They do take longer to complete but offer a polished, custom look.
4. How Will It Look in My Lighting and Décor?
Lighting and wall colors can dramatically affect how your floors appear. That’s why we recommend seeing samples in your own space before making a decision. A wood tone that looks light and warm in our showroom may appear cooler or darker in your home, depending on the natural and artificial lighting.
Our free in-home consultation service makes this easy—we’ll bring samples directly to you and help you visualize the final result in your space.
5. What Maintenance Am I Comfortable With?
Hardwood doesn’t require complicated upkeep, but it does need regular care to stay in good shape. Certain finishes are more forgiving than others when it comes to showing dust, scuffs, or pet hair.
We’ll help you understand the cleaning needs of each wood and finish type so you can choose a floor that fits your routine—not the other way around.
Start Your Hardwood Project with Flooring RVA
At Flooring RVA, we offer a wide variety of hardwood flooring options and are committed to helping our customers find the perfect flooring for their homes. Not sure where to start? We offer a Free Consultation—meet with one of our skilled project specialists to get started and see how the right hardwood can truly transform your space.
