Oak is the number one species of wood used in hardwood flooring due to the fact that we have so much of it in the US. If you want to be a little different, try another popular wood flooring species. There are so many beautiful and varied wood species to choose from.
Common wood species for hardwood flooring
If you’re getting new hardwood floors, look for something that is a bit different and unique. Once you look away from oak, there are plenty of popular hardwood choices to choose from. Some of our favorites are maple, hickory, and cherry.
Maple hardwood flooring
Maple hardwood floors
The characteristics of maple hardwood flooring are the light grain, creating a more sleek look than oak flooring. Maple is also lighter in color and harder on the Janka hardness scale. Hardwood floors made from maple are often more modern, whereas oak gives a traditional look. Although Maple may be light, smooth, and modern in character it will age very well, creating a golden patina over time.
Hickory hardwood floors
If you want your flooring to have distinct characteristics from board to board, then hickory hardwood is a great choice. There is a wonderful color variation in hickory, as well as a more pronounced grain. The grain and color variation creates a floor with more texture and personality than maple and oak flooring. Hickory is also one of the harder hardwoods used for flooring and is great for rooms with heavy foot traffic or pets.
Hickory Hardwood Flooring
Cherry hardwood floors
Although the golden and gray hardwood tones are hugely popular, there is something old-school and charming about cherry hardwood floors. Its distinct character comes from the deep red color and smooth graining. Be careful when you use cherry that it doesn’t clash with the rest of your furniture or wood wall trim.
Choosing the right flooring
These are just a few of our favorite wood species. However, there are so many more to choose from. The type of species that you choose depends on your decorative style, as well as, your lifestyle. The location of the floor and your budget will also be a factor. To find out what species is right for you, talk to a professional flooring contractor.
T&G Flooring is one of the largest hardwood flooring retailers in the front range. Schedule a free consultation with a flooring expert, or visit one of our showrooms to check out your options first hand.