Cover photo: A curious baby crawling across the warm glow of Helios, reaching for a box of books — because great floors are where great stories begin.
There’s something magical about hardwood in a home. It’s where first steps happen. Where morning light pours in. Where design meets real life.
The Milky Way Select Collection brings that magic to the ground level — turning everyday interiors into inspired spaces across Irvine, Mission Viejo, and Newport Beach.
Refined by Nature. Perfected by Design.
Milky Way Select is the evolution of modern engineered hardwood — crafted from premium European Oak in a clean AB grade. That means:
Minimal knots
Balanced, natural color variation
A smooth, refined finish
Effortless elegance
These wide 9.5” planks stretch up to 84” long, creating that open, coastal California feel designers love. It’s understated luxury — sophisticated without trying too hard.
Six Celestial Colors
Choose your vibe from six designer-inspired tones:
Galia
Gemini
Helios
Kyber
Libra
Lumin
From light and airy to grounded and warm, each shade captures that relaxed SoCal energy — bright mornings, ocean breezes, and indoor-outdoor living.
Built for Real Life (and Real Design)
Milky Way Select isn’t just beautiful — it’s engineered for strength and stability.
5/8” thick cross-plywood construction
4mm wear layer
Wire-brushed surface for depth and texture
Micro-beveled edges for definition
Durable UV lacquer finish
Whether floating, glue-down, or nail-down installation, the precision-milled planks create a seamless look that elevates residential and light commercial spaces alike.
This is hardwood that feels serene underfoot — strong enough for everyday living, refined enough for luxury interiors.
Why Designers & Families Love It
In Orange County homes, hardwood is more than flooring — it’s a foundation for lifestyle.
It makes spaces feel larger and brighter
It pairs beautifully with modern, coastal, and transitional designs
It adds long-term value and prestige
It creates a clean, healthy surface for families
Just imagine that Helios floor — soft golden tones, sunlight streaming in, a baby exploring the world one plank at a time.
That’s not just flooring.
That’s a space designed for living.
Let’s Create Your Inspired Space
If you’re planning a remodel, building new, or upgrading your interior design project, now is the perfect time to install hardwood that makes a statement.
Click below to schedule your In-Home Consultation with Saddleback Carpet — Orange County’s expert hardwood installers. We’ll help you choose the perfect Milky Way Select color and make installation simple, smooth, and stress-free.
👉 Schedule your In-Home Consultation today and let’s bring your vision to life.
FAQ
1. What’s the difference between solid hardwood and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is made from one solid piece of wood, while engineered hardwood is constructed with a real hardwood veneer layered over a multi-ply core.
Engineered hardwood offers better stability in climates like Southern California, especially in areas like Irvine and Mission Viejo where temperatures can fluctuate between warm days and cool evenings.
2. Is hardwood flooring good for homes with kids and pets?
Yes — when you choose the right finish and species. Hardwoods with a strong wear layer and durable finish (like UV lacquer) resist scratches and daily wear.
A wire-brushed surface can also help disguise minor scuffs from pets or active households.
3. How long does hardwood flooring last?
With proper care, hardwood flooring can last 25 years or more — often much longer. Many engineered hardwood products come with 25-year residential warranties, and solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times over its lifespan.
4. Can hardwood flooring increase home value?
Absolutely. Hardwood is considered a premium flooring material and is highly desirable in real estate markets like Newport Beach and throughout Orange County.
Buyers consistently view hardwood as a long-term investment and a sign of quality construction.
5. Is hardwood flooring waterproof?
No — real hardwood is not waterproof. While engineered hardwood offers better moisture resistance than solid wood, it is not recommended for moisture-prone areas like full bathrooms or spaces with standing water.
For kitchens and living spaces, however, hardwood performs beautifully when properly maintained.
6. How do you maintain hardwood floors?
Maintenance is simple:
Sweep or vacuum regularly
Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop
Clean with manufacturer-approved hardwood cleaner
Avoid excessive water and steam mops
With routine care, hardwood keeps its elegance for decades.
7. Can hardwood be installed over concrete?
Yes. Engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete using glue-down or floating installation methods. This makes it ideal for many Southern California homes built on slab foundations.
8. Will hardwood flooring scratch easily?
All hardwood can scratch — it’s a natural material. However, harder species like European Oak and finishes with aluminum oxide or UV coatings significantly improve scratch resistance.
Using felt pads under furniture and keeping pet nails trimmed also helps preserve the surface.
9. Is hardwood flooring still in style?
Hardwood is timeless. Trends may shift in color tones — from warm naturals to light coastal hues — but real wood flooring never goes out of style. It adapts beautifully to modern, coastal, farmhouse, transitional, and luxury contemporary interiors.