About this Project

You can buy various types of plastic-laminated products made to look like hardwood, but there is no substitute for the real thing. Hardwood flooring and trim give a home an elegance unmatched by any other product. For furniture and cabinetry, nothing quite measures up in appearance and durability.

Unfortunately, hardwood trees grow slowly, so prices tend to be higher than for softwood. But prices fluctuate widely from year to year, and often the difference is surprisingly small. Oak flooring, for example, is sometimes cheaper than softwood flooring.

The more expensive hardwoods are milled to make use of virtually every splinter of wood. Instead of the standard sizes, some hardwoods are sold in pieces of varying lengths and widths. Sometimes the boards are smooth-surfaced only on two sides (S2S), leaving the edges rough. Hardwoods may be priced by the board foot (see Selecting and Buying Lumber, Related Projects).

Hardwood grading differs from that of softwoods. It is based primarily on the amount of clear surface area on the board. The best grade is FAS (firsts and seconds), which is the most knot-free. Select boards have defects on one side only: No. 1 Common has tiny, tight knots; No. 2 Common has larger knots.

Most lumberyards and home centers can't afford to maintain an extensive inventory of hardwood lumber and generally stock only a limited assortment of a few species. For the best selection, find a store that specializes in hardwoods. They stock or can order a wide selection of species.