What Kind of Wood to Use on the Floor for a Rustic Look

Reclaimed Maple

• One of the most attractive and environmentally friendly rustic wood options for flooring is reclaimed wood. Because maple has deep rich-toned wood grain, reclaimed maple is a perfect fit for a rustic room design. Maple is sturdy and holds up well over time, so it is a useful pre-owned hardwood. Depending on the age of the maple, it might need to be treated, restored and protected with environmentally approved chemicals before installing it in your home.

Hickory Planks

• Hickory planks are an earthy addition to a rustic home motif. Due to the dark mocha browns, rich golden hues and ebony wood grains in hickory, it is an eye-pleaser for a rustic room design. Hickory is available in long planks that can be cut to fit the size of your room. The end result is long, wide hardwood planks that do not have a mismatched or chopped-up pattern. Hickory planks can be color sealed to retain their natural appeal.

Natural Oak

• Natural oak is a common flooring option for homes with a rustic appeal. Oak comes in a variety of color shades and finishes, so it is best to choose a dark oak with a non-gloss finish. Select oak flooring that has several dark wood grain variations and avoid light-colored oak, which tends to look contemporary.

Rustic Walnut

• Walnut hardwood is the perfect addition to a home design because it looks rustic even after it has been treated with protective chemicals. Walnut tends to have visible knots and small indentations that make the wood look as if it were just cut down from the woods. As long as you don't select walnut flooring with a high-gloss finish, it will likely harmonize with your rustic decor. Walnut hardwood is dark-colored, so avoid this type of wood if your living space is small. The dark color could shrink the appearance of the size of the room.