Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring Species

Hardwood is undeniably a timeless flooring option that will add warmth, character, and elegance to your home. Its natural beauty and durability have made it highly sought-after for generations.

With a wide array of styles, colors, finishes, and more, hardwood allows you to create a space you’ll truly love. Yet, making the right selection can initially seem overwhelming.

There are many choices you’ll make when it comes to your hardwood floors, and one of those is which species to purchase. From the classic charm of oak and the subtle sophistication of maple to the luxurious depth of walnut, and more, each species has unique characteristics that contribute to your ambiance and offer varying performance levels.

At Classic Flooring Center, we’re here to help you find the perfect hardwood species that matches your style and fulfills your specific lifestyle needs.

Hardwood Flooring Species

When it comes to choosing the perfect hardwood flooring for your home, the species you select plays a pivotal role in the overall look and feel of your space. Each hardwood species possesses its own distinct set of characteristics, colors, and textures.

Oak Hardwood Flooring

Whether you’re drawn to the warm, rich tones of red oak, the bright and airy appearance of white oak, or the timeless beauty of traditional oak, this species offers incredible versatility. It is durable and can take on a variety of stains if you want to change your look:

• Red oak presents warm, reddish hues that create a cozy and inviting space. Notably, it features prominent grain patterns that add visual interest. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, but it can show wear and tear more readily than some other hardwoods.
• White oak features a pale, golden hue that will brighten up your home with a clean, modern look. White oak has a finer grain pattern that makes it more impervious to spills than other species, allowing you to install it in rooms such as your kitchen or dining room without worry. It is important to note white oak may require more care to maintain its light hue.
• Traditional oak offers a classic, medium-brown neutral appearance that adds a timeless look and feel to your home. Because of its robust durability, traditional oak is suited for busy households and rooms with more foot traffic, such as your living room, dining room, or hallways.

Maple Hardwood Flooring

With a subtle yet charming tone and distinct characteristics, maple hardwood flooring brings a touch of elegance to your space. Its fine texture and durability make it an excellent option for various areas of your home, such as your bedroom, home office, or formal living room. However, maple can be more susceptible to dents and scratches compared to some other hardwoods. This means it may not be the ideal choice for areas with heavy foot traffic or in homes with active pets.

Walnut Hardwood Flooring

With rich, luxurious tones and distinct characteristics, walnut hardwood flooring is a gorgeous choice. Its deep, dark hues create a sophisticated space, while its pronounced grain pattern adds a touch of elegance. Walnut’s exceptional durability and fine texture make it an excellent option for various areas of your home, especially in bedrooms, home offices, and formal living rooms. However, it’s important to note that walnut can be a bit more expensive compared to other hardwoods.

Hickory Hardwood Flooring

Hickory hardwood flooring brings a rustic charm with its mix of light and dark tones that create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Its inherent strength, along with a bold grain pattern, makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets. Ideal for kitchens, entryways, and even the family room, hickory is durable but may require more maintenance due to its pronounced grain pattern.

Considerations for Selecting Hardwood Flooring

When finding your perfect species of hardwood, there are several important factors to consider:

• Room usage: Consider the specific room’s function. High-traffic areas like kitchens or hallways benefit from more durable options such as hickory or oak, while bedrooms can accommodate species like maple.
• Budget: Hardwood is a substantial investment, but there’s a wide range of species available at different price points to fit your financial plan.
• Aesthetic preference: The look of the species is a significant factor. Maple will create a clean, modern look while walnut exudes luxury.
• Maintenance requirements: Some species demand more ongoing care than others, so you should look for species that align with your lifestyle.

The hardwood species you choose will ultimately be a balance of style, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you want the timeless look of oak, the richness of walnut, the strength of hickory, or something else, at Classic Flooring Center, we can help you find the perfect hardwood for your home.