Still one of the most popular flooring types, hardwood flooring is a timeless, durable, and elegant choice for any place. However, many find it difficult to choose among the wide array of hardwood flooring species available in the market.
Each wood species has its unique appearance, qualities, benefits, and drawbacks. So, the choice you make will have a significant effect on the overall aesthetics and ambiance of the place as well as other flooring characteristics, such as durability.
To make an informed decision when selecting the right hardwood species, read this comprehensive guide. At the end, we will answer some of your most common questions about hardwood species.
Do you need any hardwood flooring services? Minuteman Flooring is here for you in Manchester, NH. We offer our professional services in some of the neighboring cities as well. Call for more information.
Popular Hardwood Flooring Species
Hardwood flooring species refer to the biological type of the wood the flooring is made of. For example, oak, maple, walnut, etc. Each of these types of wood offers different textures, patterns, colors, and strengths.
Therefore, choosing the right wood species is one of the first steps you should take when opting for hardwood flooring. Of course, this requires a little bit of education!
First, let’s learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different wood species that are commonly used in flooring. Then, we will discuss factors you should consider when selecting the right hardwood species for your place.
12 Most Common Wood Species Used in Hardwood Floor
As there are different species of trees, so are there various options when it comes to hardwood floor species. We will introduce 12 of the most popular ones.
Oak Flooring
Definitely, one of the most versatile and common wood species used for various styles and settings, oak comes in two different kinds:
- Red Oak: Read oak flooring makes the place look warm due to its pinkish/reddish brown color. It also has a coarse pattern and texture.
- White Oak: White oak hardwood can be more stylish and includes shades of cream and light beige. So, it has a more neutral tone.
Oak wood is also widely available, especially red oak. So, it is considered relatively affordable.
Pros:
- Durable
- Strong
- Resistant to wear
- Pronounced and distinctive grain patterns
- Takes stains (wood paint) very well
- Readily available
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- More expensive than some other types of wood
- Can be affected by temperature and humidity
Besides, all types of wood species are prone to water damage and should be properly sealed, so we are not stating the obvious here.
Maple Flooring
Due to its subtle grain patterns and light color, it is mostly useful for a contemporary style of décor. As a result, a maple hardwood floor looks clean and smooth but it can show dents and stains more easily.
In addition, it is one of the popular choices for high-traffic areas because of its resistance to scratch and durability. However, it can be a bit costly.
Hickory Flooring
One of the most common hardwood species in North America is hickory. It
- Is highly durable
- Is hard and dense
- Comes in both light and dark tones
- Withstands heavy foot traffic
- Has a unique and distinctive grain pattern
However, although its color variations can add visual interest, it can also be less consistent. Additionally, it is one of the expensive choices.
Walnut Flooring
Walnut hardwood flooring has always been considered an elegant and luxurious choice, mostly due to its warm, dark, and rich color. Also, the grain pattern is mostly straight with occasional knots. These features add depth and warmth to the space and make it more aesthetically appealing.
Besides its beautiful and classic look, the walnut floor is durable but not as strong as hickory. So, special care is necessary to prevent scratches.
Cherry Flooring
Its natural beauty, rich and reddish-brown color, and straight grain pattern make the place look warm, inviting, and sophisticated.
One of the interesting facts about cherry hardwood floor is that it develops an attractive patina over time. However, under sunlight, this feature can become a drawback because it can go too dark.
What’s more, cherry is not the hardest type of wood and can get scratched more easily. Scratches are also more visible due to their darker color.
Ash Flooring
The two main characteristics of ash hardwood are its light and bright color and prominent straight grains.
Moreover, ash floor is hard and durable and, therefore, suitable for both high-traffic residential and commercial settings.
The only issue might be the fact that ash wood changes color over time and can acquire a darker and golden hue.
Bamboo Flooring
Unlike most other wood species that are not sustainable choices, because it takes a long time to replace the trees that were cut down, bamboo is renewable and can grow back again fast. It also does not need any chemicals (such as pesticides and fertilizers) or a lot of water while growing. That is why it has become a popular choice nowadays.
Besides being eco-friendly, it also offers the following advantages.
- Durability
- Moisture resistance
- Variety in color
- Unique and contemporary appearance
But you should always go for high-quality bamboo flooring otherwise it will not be as strong and durable as expected.
Another problem is that although most bamboo floors can be refinished, the refinishing options are limited compared to other wood species.
Brazilian Cherry Flooring
Unlike the other types of cherry hardwood mentioned above, Brazilian cherry or Jatoba flooring is exceptionally hard, strong, and durable. So, it can withstand wear, impact, and scratch well.
But like cherry flooring, it offers a warm, rich, reddish-brown appearance that makes the place look welcoming and luxurious.
All these features come at a price! Brazilian cherry hardwood is expensive and requires more maintenance. It can also go darker over time.
Do you need more information about each type of wood? Discuss it with our experienced flooring professionals.
Santos Mahogany Flooring
As its name suggests, Santos mahogany hardwood has a deep reddish-brown color. Its grain pattern is also fine and interlocked, which adds visual interest and uniqueness to the floor.
But the most important benefit of a Santos mahogany floor would be its extreme durability and resistance to scratches. So, due to its density and wear resistance, it has become a go-to option for high-traffic areas.
The only disadvantage is the relatively high cost of the material as well as the regular maintenance and refinishing.
Teak Flooring
Perhaps not as common as many other wood species, teak wood is a tropical hardwood that offers a unique rich golden-brown color with a straight grain pattern. It is also very hard and durable.
But the most desirable feature is moisture resistance. Consequently, it can even be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Because of all these special qualities, teak hardwood flooring is expensive. Besides, to maintain its original color and good appearance, proper maintenance and refinishing are key.
Acacia Flooring
From light golden to dark brown, acacia hardwood offers a wide array of color options that enable owners to easily find their desired shade. Another factor that contributes to its unique look is the distinctive grain pattern and markings.
Moreover, acacia is durable and resistant to daily wear and tear. But like teak flooring, it is expensive and requires regular maintenance and refinishing to keep its original appearance.
Cork Flooring
Last but definitely not least, is another eco-friendly and sustainable hardwood species made from the bark of the cork oak.
It feels very comfortable under the feet due to its cushioning effect. Plus, it can absorb sound well and offers thermal insulation properties. It is also moisture-resistant.
In addition to these special features, cork flooring can have a distinctive appearance because of its textured surface and natural colors.
However, this type of hardwood is not as hard as other wood species and is prone to scratches and dents. So, regular sealing and proper maintenance are necessary.
To sum up, each species of wood offers specific characteristics and it is always recommended to consult with a flooring professional to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each type for your place.
Additionally, please note that the type of wood is only one of the features of hardwood flooring. The type of finish, size of the planks, stain, and whether it is engineered wood or solid all play a role in its quality and appearance. Read ‘Tips about Choosing Hardwood Flooring’ to learn more about these other features.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardwood Flooring Species
There is no one correct option here. Each owner has some ideas and ideals in mind. Plus, each place has its own requirements and conditions.
So, to choose the right hardwood flooring species for your place, you have to consider a few factors and follow the guidelines below. In the end, you can make an informed decision.
Your Place Requirements
Consider the specific conditions and requirements of the place and prioritize them. For example,
- How much foot traffic does it normally get?
- Are there any pets or children?
- What is the overall style of the place?
- What is the desired ambiance you wish for the place?
Now, narrow down your options. For instance, if your first priority is the appearance and the overall style of your place is modern, then perhaps you should first consider bamboo, maple, and white oak flooring due to their more contemporary looks.
The Level of Durability and Wear Resistance
You should do some research about the durability of your options. For example, the Janka hardness rating is a system that measures the wood’s strength and resistance to indentation. Oak, hickory, and Brazilian cherry usually get a better score due to their exceptional durability.
Consider the Visual Interest and Aesthetics
The appearance of flooring significantly affects the overall beauty of a place. So, decide what shade, grain pattern, and texture would complement the style of décor or achieve your desired impact.
Assess the Maintenance Requirements
Generally, hardwood flooring needs to be maintained properly to avoid warp, scratch, dent, or any other damage. However, as we touched on in the previous section, some wood species are softer than others and need more frequent and thorough maintenance.
Determine Your Budget
As we saw, some hardwood flooring species are more expensive than others. This is usually due to the quality, demand, and rarity of the wood type. So, it is crucial to set a budget for your hardwood flooring project. The budget should not only include the materials, but also the installation, finishes and coatings, and maintenance.
Do you need a quote? Call for a free quote.
Consult with a Flooring Professional
An experienced flooring professional can provide important insights based on your specific conditions and preferences. Also, you might be able to ask for samples to help you visualize the appearance and feel the texture.
FAQs Regarding Hardwood Species and Their Characteristics
Here are some of the typical questions we receive from our clients.
What Hardwood Species Are Best for Small Spaces?
To make a small room appear bigger, you’d better choose species with light and bright colors, like white oak.
What Type of Wood Is Moisture Resistant?
While every wood can be damaged by water, wood species like bamboo, teak, and cork are more resistant to moisture.
What Hardwood Species Are More Durable?
The most durable wood types are oak, Brazilian cherry (or Jatoba), and hickory.
What Type of Hardwood Is More Suitable for the Modern Style of Décor?
Light and smooth species, like bamboo and maple flooring, are usually more suitable for contemporary styles. Also, as most modern houses are sustainable, bamboo and cork are the eco-friendly hardwood floor species available in the market.
Hire the Best Hardwood Flooring Installer in Manchester, NH
We have tried to briefly introduce and discuss the most common hardwood flooring species. Also, the major factors in determining what wood species are right for your place were discussed. Still, there is a lot to it. But we are here for you!
Minuteman Floors has been installing and refinishing different types of hardwood floors in Manchester, New Hampshire, and a few neighboring towns, like Candia, Bedford, Goffstown, and Hooksett.
So, call us at (603)-782-1942 to schedule an appointment and discuss your project.