If you live in Durango or anywhere on Colorado’s Western Slope, you know how dry the climate can be—especially in the winter months. This poses unique challenges when it comes to choosing the right hardwood flooring. At Wild Grain Flooring, we help homeowners and builders select materials that stand up to Colorado’s dry air, elevation, and seasonal temperature swings. Here’s what to consider when picking the best hardwood for your home.
Why Dry Climates Matter
Hardwood is a natural product, which means it absorbs and loses moisture based on its environment. In dry climates, wood tends to shrink, potentially causing gaps, cracks, or cupping if the material isn’t well suited to the conditions.
Top Hardwood Options for Durango and the Western Slope:
1. Engineered Hardwood
- Why it works: Engineered hardwood consists of a plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core with a hardwood veneer on top. It’s more dimensionally stable than solid wood, making it a better choice for homes with fluctuating humidity.
2. White Oak
- Why it works: Dense and less porous than other woods, white oak performs well in dry environments and is less prone to cracking or shrinking.
3. Hickory
- Why it works: Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods, making it highly durable and resistant to changes in moisture.
4. Reclaimed Wood
- Why it works: Reclaimed wood has already endured years (or decades) of climate exposure, making it more stable and better adapted to the Colorado climate.
Pro Tip:
Always allow your hardwood to properly acclimate before installation. Even the best wood can fail if installed without a proper adjustment period to your home’s conditions.
Need Help Choosing the Right Floor?
Wild Grain Flooring offers free consultations to help you find the perfect wood species, plank size, and finish for your home. Contact us today to get started.
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