Hardwood Flooring Species Guide

If you’ve spent any amount of time looking at hardwood flooring and trying to choose the best option for your home, you know that it’s not the simplest choice to make. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” hardwood that will work for everyone. If you’re like most homeowners in the midst of a renovation, you’re likely stressed. We can make choosing your hardwood flooring easier for you! Scroll on to see some of the most popular options and learn the pros and cons of each!

The Leader in Hardwood Flooring Species

Oak is the most common wood species used in hardwood flooring, and for good reason! It is economical, cost-effective, and practical! If you have small children or pets, this is an excellent option for you as the strong graining makes excellent work of covering up scratches or dents caused over time by your busy household. Oak also absorbs stains incredibly well, meaning that when you’re thinking it’s time for a change, you can change the color of your floor with a simple sand and refinish!

A Modern Favorite

Maple is popular among those who prefer a contemporary look over natural or rustic. This is due to the sleek, smooth grains present in Maple wood. It has lighter coloration and presents a clean look to any room. However, it tends to yellow or fade over time, especially in well-lit rooms, so you’ll want to consult with your hardwood installer on the best finish and maintenance practices. Unlike oak, Maple does not hold stains very well. This is a gorgeous, sturdy wood that will complement any room in your home.

The Toughest Hardwood

Sometimes referred to as Pecan, hickory is native to the United States and is fairly similar to oak in color and graining. The major difference, however, is the hardness of hickory. Ranking 1820 on the Janka scale, this hardwood is incredibly durable and strong. This is another great option for those children, pets, or overall busy households. This is because the stunning graining, knots, and color variations do a wonderful job of hiding any dents or scratches, like oak. Another fun fact: Andrew Jackson was nicknamed “Old Hickory” because of his toughness and no-nonsense attitude during disputes.

Stunning and Elegant

Many people are enamored by Brazillian Cherry because of the gorgeous, deep red hues and the fact that it ages like a fine wine. Instead of fading over time, Brazillian Cherry has a tendency to darken, enhancing those stunning colors. It is worth noting that you don’t want to lay down any area rugs for at least the first six months, as you will notice that the floor beneath the rug will be lighter than the rest. It will, however, catch up over time.

Strength and Beauty, All in One

This hardwood species is very similar to Brazillian Cherry, except with warm brown tones in place of the vibrant reds. Each plank is unique and unlike any other, sporting a wide variety of colors, knots, and textures within the wood. It is incredibly strong, one of the strongest hardwoods, in fact, and because of this, it is commonly used in high-end decking.

Light and Simple

This is an incredibly durable and strong hardwood, that is used for a multitude of purposes. Similar to white oak, it is very pale in color with intricate graining. This is another species that absorbs stains well, so the color can easily be changed when it’s time for a refinish. It is lightweight with great shock resistance, indicating this wood is great for soundproofing between levels of your home.