01 May Common Woods Used for Flooring

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices, but that wasn’t always true. Prior to the 1960s, hardwood floors were the norm. After the mid-1960s, hardwood floors were no longer considered essential when new materials were introduced. Hardwood flooring began trending again in the 1990s.

There are dozens of domestic hardwoods from which to choose for flooring. Hardwoods in the U.S. typically have a warmer and more understated appearance than exotic species. Domestic woods are also more budget friendly since they don’t have to be transported across the ocean, which contributes significantly to the end cost to consumers.

Red Oak

The colors of red oak range from a light and creamy reddish pink to various shades of brown. It stands up well under wear, takes a stain well, and has moderate to heavy graining.

White Oak

Similar to its cousin the red oak, white oak has tones of golden brown to gray. It’s also stain-friendly.

Maple

The species grows primarily in northern regions of the U.S. Maple doesn’t take a stain as easily as oak since its less porous. It has minimal color variation, tends to be creamy in color, and is more resistant to scratches and dents.

Hickory

A popular seller, it’s become increasingly used for engineered flooring. It has a rich color and rustic appearance that’s been trending in recent years.

Walnut

Commonly known as black walnut, it’s a beautiful and sophisticated species. The colors vary greatly from the inner core wood to the outer layers. Core colors range from a deep rich brown to a purplish-black, while outer layers tend toward tan and almost white. The grain is usually straight, but can have burled and swirled underlaying patterns.

Cherry

The hardwood is dense with a subtle grain. American cherry is known for a natural reddish-brown color that deepens over time and becomes richer.

Beech

A lighter colored wood, it ranges from reddish-brown to pale white. The grain is fine and straight, has a uniform texture, and is as durable as red oak.

Ash

The heartwood ranges from light tan to warm dark brown. Yellower tones are also available.