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The Best Hardwood Flooring Species for Your Home 

Choosing the right hardwood flooring can be a challenging task, especially with so many different wood species available. Each wood species has its unique characteristics, such as color, grain patterns, and durability, that can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your home. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular wood species for hardwood flooring and help you choose the best option for your needs.

 

When it comes to hardwood flooring, there are five popular wood species that stand out from the rest: Each of these species has the unique features that make it an excellent option for different home styles and preferences.

 

Some of the most popular wood flooring species include:

 

  1. Red oak
  2. White oak
  3. Maple 
  4. Hickory
  5. Brazilian Cherry

 

 

 


Maple Hardwood

 

 

Maple Hardwood

 

Maple is a light-colored hardwood flooring option with a subtle grain pattern. It is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of your home. Maple is a versatile wood species that complements a wide range of interior design styles, from modern to traditional.

 

 

What are the Characteristics of Maple Hardwood?

 

Maple hardwood floors have a consistent, basic, grain that adds subtlety to home design. The direction of the grain is straight, running in only one direction. The straight, smooth grain of maple draws attention to clean lines, and the other elements of home décor, which is why maple is an excellent choice for a contemporary, eclectic, or modern design.

 

Maple Hardwood Stain Colors

 

Maple hardwood floors do not vary greatly in color like other hardwood options. Maple is a light-toned hardwood, with a white, cream color and light red accents in some pieces. With its honey-colored notes, maple takes stains well but is most often sealed rather than stained. Sealing maple floors instead of staining them bring about the genuine qualities of the wood, and as time passes, the wood can deepen in its golden tone.

 

Are Maple Hardwood Floors Durable?

 

Maple hardwood floors resist scuffs but can show scratches more than other hardwoods because of the light color and grain. As a particularly hard surface, maple is less prone to dents and scrapes due to accidents or foot traffic. Especially ideal for those with high traffic, kids, and pets, maple continues to be one of the best options when it comes to design adaptability and durability.

 


Red Oak Hardwood Flooring

 

 

Red Oak Hardwood Flooring

 

 

Red oak hardwood is a classic hardwood flooring option that is popular due to its affordability, durability, and timeless beauty. It features a prominent grain pattern with light reddish-brown tones, making it an excellent choice for traditional and rustic interiors. Red Oak is also an excellent option for homeowners who are on a budget, as it is one of the most affordable hardwood flooring options available.

Red Oak Hardwood Grain

 

The grain of red oak differs significantly from white oak. While it is a straight-grained wood, when compared to white oak, red oak has lines that are wider and even curly in some spots. Wavy lines in hardwood mean that the grain does not run vertically in line with the tree, but instead, the direction of the lines run more “wildly.” Red oak is coarse-grained and uneven, meaning that it is not necessarily smooth to the touch. There are subtle differences between red and white oak graining, but they are noticeable when examining the wood carefully.

 

Red Oak Hardwood Stain Colors

 

The color variations in the red oak species of hardwood range from light white to golden-brown, with hints of pink and red throughout. Red oak hardwood floors can be stained any color, and the stain will take to floors well. Because this type of hardwood has traces of red and pink, staining it can bring about the natural characteristics and brighten the grain. Red oak hardwood floors will also change color over time, deepening in color and tone.

 

Is Red Oak Hardwood Flooring Durable?

 

As a top contender for one of the most well-known flooring choices, red oak hardwood is a sturdy floor that resists dents well. While it is not as hard as white oak, red oak does still an excellent job of handling tough days with kids, pets, and guests alike.

 


White Oak Hardwood Flooring

 

 

White Oak Hardwood

 

 

White oak hardwood floors is a slightly harder and more durable option than Red Oak, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas of your home. It has a warm, golden-brown color with a straight grain pattern that complements modern and contemporary interiors. White Oak is also an excellent option for homeowners who prefer a lighter wood tone.

White Oak Hardwood Grain

White oak hardwood is medium to coarse-grained and distinct, meaning that it has lines that are naturally close to one another. These lines are also straight, running vertically with the direction in which the tree grows. Medium to coarse-grained woods are usually rougher to the touch than fine-grained hardwoods, and white oak does not stray from the norm in this instance. As a hardwood with a closed grain, white oak has small pores that make for a flat finish.

 

What does White Oak Flooring Look Like?

 

The natural color of white oak is a mix of colors ranging from brown to tans. The color variation of white oak ranges from dark brown to beige, with some woods having a combination of both. Often confused with red oak, white oak is darker in color than red oak. White oak hardwoods can be stained any color, and depending on the tone, the lines and variations of the white oak hardwood can be bold or basic. Over time, white oak hardwood floors tend to change into a more golden color which is crucial to keep in mind when you’re choosing the stain and finish for the first time.

 

Do White Oak Floors Scratch Easily?

 

White oak hardwood floors are naturally resistant to dents and scratches, due to the hardness of white oak. As a dense wood, white oak is resilient and sturdy, making it ideal for traffic homes, and lifestyles that need floors that can face daily wear and tear.

 

 


walnut hardwood

 

 

 

Walnut Hardwood

 

When it comes to tone and color, walnut hardwood is a unique flooring option available, and it is a charming addition to any home. Walnut hardwood isn’t just for flooring; however – furniture, décor, woodwork, and decking are common uses for walnut hardwood, primarily because of its impressive durability. Walnut trees grow in the Eastern United States and are less abundant than other species of hardwood. Walnut trees grow higher than fifty feet tall and can have an extremely wide diameter.

 

 

Walnut Hardwood Grain

 

The walnut hardwood species generally has a straight grain, with some irregular graining naturally occurring. The lines of the grain in walnut can be parallel to the direction of the tree growth or random and erratic, with few knots. The straight and sometimes irregular grain makes walnut hardwood floors one-of-a-kind.

 

What does Walnut Flooring Look Like?

 

There are two main colors of walnut, depending on where the wood comes from, with both having a bit of purple tone. Sapwood, which is the outer layer closest to the bark of the tree, is white and gray. The heartwood of walnut, on the other hand, varies in color from light to rich, dark brown. Because walnut has deep browns, light stains don’t show up as well as darker stains. Unlike other hardwoods, walnut lightens in color over time, which can be a crucial factor when choosing stain color.

 

Is Walnut Flooring Durable?

 

While walnut is one of the lower rated hardwoods for hardness in comparison to other flooring options, it still performs well in specific applications. With the medium texture of walnut, a matte finish is the best way to reduce the look of scratches or scuffs if they do occur. Plus, thanks to its natural darkness, walnut floors can also hide dents.

 


Hickory Hardwood

 

Hickory Hardwood

 

Hickory wood flooring is a durable and distinctive hardwood flooring option with a prominent grain pattern and natural color variations. It is an excellent choice for those who want to add a unique touch to their home's interior, as Hickory's grain patterns can vary from wavy to straight, giving it a rustic and natural appearance. Hickory is also one of the most durable hardwood flooring options available, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Are Hickory Hardwood Floors Durable?

 

Hickory hardwood flooring is strong, sturdy wood and is not susceptible to scuffs, scratches or dents. An excellent choice for bustling, busy lifestyles, hickory does is not easily damaged by mishaps and the wear and tear of shoes. Another benefit of hickory hardwood floors is its structural integrity and ability to resist warping.

 


Brazilian Cherry Hardwood

 

Brazilian Hardwood

 

Brazilian Cherry is a luxurious and exotic hardwood flooring option with a warm reddish-brown color and a unique grain pattern. It is an incredibly durable wood species and an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their home's interior. Brazilian Cherry is also one of the most expensive hardwood flooring options available, making it ideal for those who have a higher budget.

 

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Grain

 

Brazilian cherry grain is a fine-grained wood, meaning that the lines it has are tightly bound and close to each other. The texture of Brazilian cherry is medium to coarse, with an interlocked grain pattern. This interlocked pattern occurs while the tree grows, with growth occurring in different directions depending on the age of the tree. Brazilian cherry also has few knots. Fewer knots mean a sturdier floor, with density being more consistent from one piece to the next.

 

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Stain Colors

 

The color of Brazilian cherry hardwood floors naturally varies in color from burgundy to red, orange, and some pink tones. Some Brazilian cherry is red-brown with brown streaks running through. The warm, rich tones of Brazilian cherry hardwood can be stained, but because some of the hardwood is naturally dark and red-toned, choosing a stain that is evident against the bright hues can be tough – though it can be done. Brazilian cherry also darkens over time, so stains will deepen with the hardwood as time passes.

 

Is Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring Durable?

 

The density of Brazilian cherry hardwood makes it extremely resistant to dents and scratches. As arguably the toughest hardwood floor available on the market, homes with high activity levels can benefit from choosing Brazilian cherry because it is so resilient when exposed to both harsh and quiet days.

 

Choosing the right hardwood flooring species for your home is an essential decision that requires careful consideration of factors such as durability, color, and grain pattern. By selecting Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory, or Brazilian Cherry, you can be sure that you will enjoy the natural beauty and warmth that hardwood flooring provides for years to come.

 

FAQ's

  1. Q: How do I know which hardwood flooring species is best for my home?

    A: The best hardwood flooring species for your home will depend on your personal style preferences, as well as the level of durability and maintenance you require. Consider factors such as the amount of foot traffic in your home, the overall interior design style, and your budget when choosing a hardwood species.

     

  2. Q: How do I maintain my hardwood flooring?
    A: To maintain your hardwood flooring, you should regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and debris, wipe up spills promptly, and use a hardwood-specific cleaner to clean the floors as needed. It's also a good idea to use furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents.

     

  3. Q: Can I install hardwood flooring in a basement or other below-grade areas?

    A: Hardwood flooring is generally not recommended for below-grade areas, as moisture can cause the wood to warp and buckle. Instead, consider engineered hardwood or other flooring options specifically designed for below-grade installations.

     

  4. Q: How long will my hardwood flooring last? A: The lifespan of hardwood flooring will vary depending on the species, the level of foot traffic, and how well the floors are maintained. However, with proper care and maintenance, hardwood flooring can last for decades.

     

  5. Q: Is it possible to change the color of my hardwood flooring?

    A: Yes, it is possible to change the color of your hardwood flooring through staining or refinishing. However, it's important to note that these processes can be time-consuming and may require professional assistance to achieve the desired results.

     

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