The Complete California Homeowner’s Guide to Hardwood Floors: Types, Costs, and the Best Ways to Care for Them

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most desirable upgrades for homeowners across California. Whether you're renovating an older home, replacing carpet, or planning flooring for a newly purchased property, hardwood continues to stand out for its durability, aesthetic warmth, and long-term property value. But choosing the right type of wood, understanding the hardwood flooring cost per square foot, and knowing how to maintain your floors the right way (including using the best hardwood floor vacuum) are essential if you want floors that stay beautiful for decades.

This guide walks you through everything: the main types of wood floors, the budget you should expect, and the care routine that keeps hardwood protected. You’ll also find recommended places to link to your existing blog posts so this article fits naturally into your flooring topic cluster.

1. Why Hardwood Flooring Is Still the #1 Choice in California

California homes combine open layouts, large windows, and a preference for bright, natural materials. Hardwood fits perfectly into modern coastal, contemporary, craftsman, ranch, and transitional homes. It creates warmth, visual continuity, and timeless design.

The top reasons homeowners choose hardwood include:

• Long-term value: hardwood increases property value more than almost any other flooring.

• Durability: with proper care, hardwood can last 40–70 years.

• Aesthetic versatility: light, dark, textured, glossy—there’s a style for every home.

• Cleaner indoor air: especially compared to carpet, which traps allergens and dust.

2. Understanding the Main Types of Wood Floors

Before you begin any flooring project, it’s crucial to understand the different types of wood floors available. Each one comes with its own advantages, limitations, and cost ranges.

A. Solid Hardwood Flooring

This is the traditional choice: each plank is a single piece of wood, typically ¾ inch thick, and can be refinished multiple times.

Pros:

• Can last for generations.

• Can be sanded and refinished several times.

• Provides a premium, authentic wood feel.

  
  

Cons:

• Not ideal for areas with moisture.

• More sensitive to temperature changes.

  
  

To better understand floor care in California—including proper cleaning, maintenance routines, and how to know when it's time to refinish or replace—click here to read our detailed guide.

B. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood has become incredibly popular in California because it offers stability and beauty at the same time. Its layered construction makes it more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Pros:

• Ideal for more areas of the home, including second floors and areas with mild humidity.

• Real wood layer on top provides the natural look homeowners want.

• Often more budget-friendly.

  
  

Cons:

• Refinishing options depend on the thickness of the top wood layer.

• Quality can vary significantly between brands.

C. Exotic or Premium Woods

Species like Brazilian cherry, walnut, hickory, and maple offer unique tones, patterns, and hardness levels.

Pros:

• Stunning, unique appearance.

• Often more resilient to heavy traffic.

• Perfect for high-end remodels.

  
  

Cons:

• Higher price per square foot.

• Can be harder to source consistently.

D. Reclaimed or Sustainable Hardwood

This option is increasingly popular among eco-focused homeowners. It offers character, sustainability, and interesting grain patterns.

3. Hardwood Flooring Cost per Square Foot: What California Homeowners Should Expect

One of the biggest questions homeowners ask is:

“How much does hardwood really cost?”

While the price varies based on wood type, installation, and finish, there are reliable ranges for California homes.

Average material and Installation costs in California

If you want a detailed breakdown of how much a flooring project really costs—and how long the installation typically takes—click here to read the full guide.

Factors that influence the final price

• Type of hardwood

• Layout (straight, diagonal, herringbone)

• Subfloor condition

• Moisture and leveling needs

• Luxury finishes (matte, satin, wire-brushed, hand-scraped)

  
  

Understanding the hardwood flooring cost per square foot helps homeowners plan realistically and avoid budget surprises.

4. Maintenance 101: Keeping Hardwood Floors Beautiful for Decades

No matter which hardwood type you choose, proper care is essential. Without a consistent maintenance routine, hardwood can lose its shine and durability faster than expected.

This is why many homeowners eventually search for the best hardwood floor vacuum—because hardwood needs gentle, precise cleaning to stay in top condition.

A. Daily Cleaning: Why You Need the Best Hardwood Floor Vacuum

A vacuum designed for hardwood should include:

• Soft, non-scratch brush roll

• Adjustable suction

• Rubber wheels

• HEPA filtration system

• Lightweight design for daily use

For more advice on dealing with pet hair and maintaining a clean home, click here to explore our guide on keeping carpets clean with pets.

B. Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

• Use a microfiber mop with hardwood-safe cleaners.

• Avoid wax on polyurethane finishes.

• Add felt pads to furniture legs.

• Maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%.

  
  

C. Long-Term Maintenance

• Professional refinishing every 7–12 years.

• Inspect high-traffic areas frequently.

• Avoid high heels and pet nails that scratch the surface.

If you’re looking for clear guidance on how to care for and extend the long-term life of your floors in California, click here to read our detailed guide.

5. How Hardwood Compares to Carpet, Laminate, and LVP

Hardwood often wins in categories like durability, resale value, and aesthetics. Compared with other materials:

• Carpet offers warmth but retains allergens.

• Laminate mimics wood but can’t be refinished.

• LVP resists water but lacks the premium feel of real wood.

If you’re considering other flooring options, click here to understand whether it’s better to repair or replace your carpet, and click here to learn the real costs of Luxury Vinyl Plank.

6. When Hardwood Is Not the Best Choice

Even though hardwood is incredibly versatile, it's not ideal for:

• Full bathrooms

• Areas with consistent moisture

• Garages or exterior-exposed transitions

• Pool-adjacent indoor areas with constant humidity

  
  

In these situations, tile or LVP may be better options.

7. Final Recommendations for California Homeowners

If you're planning to install hardwood floors in your California home:

1. Choose the right species and construction for your lifestyle.

2. Calculate the full hardwood flooring cost per square foot, including installation and prep work.

3. Invest in the best hardwood floor vacuum to protect your floors from daily wear.

4. Use your educational content (your existing blogs) to make more informed decisions.

   
   

Hardwood is more than just a flooring choice—it's a long-term investment in comfort, health, and home value. With the right information and maintenance routine, it can elevate your space for a lifetime.

---

Free Flooring Consultation

Learn how to transform your home with a simple upgrade

Get Free Advice

---

At Installing Flooring Solutions, we work with homeowners and commercial clients across Sacramento to evaluate carpet damage and recommend smart solutions — not oversell what you don’t need.