Choosing the right wood species for your wood flooring depends on your needs, lifestyle, and desired aesthetic.
When it comes to selecting wood flooring for your home, the choice of wood species is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The species of wood you choose will affect not only the aesthetic appeal of your floors but also their durability, maintenance needs, and overall performance in your specific environment. From classic oak to exotic amendoim, each wood species brings its unique charm and characteristics to the table.
Oak: The Timeless Classic
Oak is arguably the most popular choice for wood flooring, known for its durability and timeless appeal. Available in two main types—red oak and white oak—this wood species offers a range of natural shades from light brown to a subtle pinkish tone. Oak’s strong grain pattern can add texture and visual interest to any room. Red oak is slightly softer with a more pronounced grain, while white oak is harder and has a smoother, more uniform appearance. Both types of oak are excellent choices for high-traffic areas due to their resistance to wear and tear.
Maple: The Subtle Beauty
Maple wood flooring is cherished for its light, creamy color, and fine, consistent grain pattern. This species is harder than oak, making it a durable option for busy households. Maple’s understated look makes it a versatile choice, blending well with a variety of interior design styles, from modern to traditional. However, its hardness can make it slightly more challenging to stain, often leading to a preference for its natural light finish.
Hickory: The Rustic Charm
For those who love a rustic, country-style aesthetic, hickory wood flooring is an excellent option. Known for its dramatic grain patterns and color variations, hickory ranges from creamy white to rich brown, providing a striking visual contrast. Hickory is one of the hardest domestic wood species, making it extremely durable and resistant to dents and scratches. This makes it ideal for homes with pets and children, where durability is paramount.
Walnut: The Elegant Choice
Walnut wood flooring is synonymous with luxury and elegance. This species boasts rich, dark hues ranging from deep chocolate to purplish-black, with a smooth, straight grain. Walnut is softer than oak and hickory, which means it’s more susceptible to scratches and dents. However, its stunning appearance often outweighs this drawback for those seeking a sophisticated, high-end look. Walnut is perfect for formal living spaces and master bedrooms where foot traffic is lighter.
Exotic Hardwoods: The Unique Statement
Exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry (Jatoba), amendoim, and tigerwood offer distinctive colors and grain patterns not found in domestic species. Brazilian cherry is known for its hardness and rich, deep red color, while amendoim has a light color profile and extremely high durability. Tigerwood, with its bold stripes and vibrant colors, makes a dramatic statement.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 4 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 18 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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