Discovering the best hardwood floor species for your home can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It is important to know the various characteristics and advantages that each wood species offers. Let's examine the most popular North American and exotic hardwood species that are favored by flooring installers and DIY enthusiasts alike. We'll explore classic choices such as red oak and white oak, along with more distinct options like hickory flooring and ash wood floors. Additionally, you'll learn about luxurious South American hardwoods like Brazilian cherry (Jatoba) and Santos mahogany (Cabreuva), as well as elegant teak and walnut varieties.
Table of Contents:
- Popular North American Hardwood Species
- Exotic Hardwood Species from South America
- Teak & Walnut - Elegant Choices in Hardwoods
- Frequently Asked Questions Best Hardwood Floor Species
- The Best Hardwood Floor Species Wrap Up
Popular North American Hardwood Species
Red oak, white oak, hickory, ash, American cherry and maple are some of the most common hardwood species found in North America. These wood types offer a variety of colors and grain patterns that can complement any home design style. Each species has its own pros and cons. Some species have unique properties that make them great for growing families but not so much for empty nesters. We will be mentioning Janka scores for all hardwood floorings listed below. A hard wood species Janka hardness scale or score is the industry’s best way of comparing the strength and durability of a species of wood. The higher the Janka, the more pressure is required to dent the floor. A Janka hardness test is measuring this pressure in an objective, lab coat environment. The Janka hardness scale helps you choose dense and stable hardwood flooring to last for years to come.
Red Oak: Durable with Warm Hues
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White Oak: Classic Choice for Traditional Homes
White oak hardwood flooring, on the other hand, offers a more subtle grain pattern compared to red oak. With shades varying from beige to medium brown, it's one of the most popular types of hardwood flooring for traditional homes looking for timeless elegance. White Oak is also available in the same grades as the Northern Red Oak and is readily available prefinished or unfinished as flooring. White Oak has a bit higher Janka score than its Red cousin, with a 1,350 Janka Score.
Hickory Flooring: Distinct Character Perfect for Rustic Settings
Ash Wood Floors: Light Color Tones Ideal For Modern Spaces
Ash wood floors are characterized by their light color tones, making them perfect for modern and minimalist interiors. The subtle graining patterns of ash provide a clean and contemporary look that complements various design styles. Ash wood has respectable Janka score of 1320.
American Cherry Flooring: Rich Red Hues Add Warmth to Interiors
American cherry flooring is renowned for its rich red hues that deepen over time, adding warmth and sophistication to your home's interior. Its fine grain pattern also contributes to the overall elegance of this hardwood species. The Janka score of American cherry is 950. Good but not great for wood flooring
Maple Hardwood Floors: Fine Graining Creates a Clean Look
Maple hardwood floors showcase fine graining patterns with colors ranging from creamy white to light reddish-brown. This creates a clean and refined appearance suitable for both traditional and contemporary homes alike. Hard Maple has a Janka hardness score of 1450. Soft Maple has a Janka score of 950. Definitely not one of the best types for wood flooring.
North American Hardwood Species Round-Up
- Durable & Affordable: Red Oak offers excellent resistance against wear and tear due to its Janka hardness rating and a low cost due to ample supply.
- Versatile: White oak is more durable than red and can be stained in various shades, allowing you the flexibility of customizing your floor's appearance according to your liking.
- Rustic Charm: Hickory flooring adds warmth and character with its striking color variations and grain patterns with the highest Janka rating.
- Clean & Contemporary: Maple floors provide a sleek look offering light color tones and subtle wood grain.
North American hardwood species offer a variety of options for flooring, with each having its own unique characteristics and color tones. Exotic South American Hardwoods provide an additional layer of elegance to any home, offering deep rich hues that are sure to add warmth and beauty.
Exotic Hardwood Species from South America
If you're looking for a unique and eye-catching flooring option, consider the exotic hardwood species originating from South America. Two popular choices are Brazilian cherry (Jatoba) and Santos mahogany (Cabreuva). These woods not only offer distinct color variations amongst boards but also provide impressive durability due to their high hardness ratings. Let's explore these stunning options in more detail.
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba): Striking Reddish-Brown Hue with Excellent Durability
Jatoba, or Brazilian cherry, is known for its eye-catching reddish-brown hue that grows darker with time. This wood has a high hardness rating, making it an excellent choice for areas with heavy foot traffic or households with pets. Its rich coloring and fine grain pattern create an elegant appearance that can elevate any room design. The janka hardness core for Brazillian cherry is 2350! The highest janka rating for hardwood flooring.
Santos Mahogany (Cabreuva): Deep Rich Tones Adding Elegance
Santos mahogany, or Cabreuva, features deep rich tones ranging from dark brown to burgundy hues. With its exceptional durability and resistance to wear-and-tear, this exotic hardwood is perfect for busy homes while adding elegance to your living spaces. The intricate grain patterns of Santos mahogany make it a visually appealing choice for those seeking something truly unique in their flooring selection. Incorporating these exotic hardwoods into your home design allows you to showcase distinctive style while ensuring long-lasting performance thanks to their natural strength properties. Exotic hardwood species from South America offer a unique and beautiful range of colors, textures, and durability that will surely add elegance to any home. Moving on to the next heading we explore Teak & Walnut - two elegant choices in hardwoods.
Teak & Walnut - Elegant Choices in Hardwoods
When it comes to selecting hardwood flooring that exudes warmth and elegance, teak and walnut are two excellent choices. These hard wood species not only boast stunning appearances but also possess impressive strength properties, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. In this section, we will explore the unique characteristics of Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) and Brazilian Walnut (Ipe), which make them highly sought-after by homeowners looking to elevate their living spaces.
Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) - Golden Brown Shades Combined with Remarkable Toughness
Brazilian Teak, also known as Cumaru, is a popular choice among those who appreciate its golden brown shades that create a warm ambiance in any room. This exotic hardwood originates from South America and offers exceptional durability due to its high hardness rating on the Janka scale. Its resistance to moisture makes it an ideal option for humid climates or areas prone to spills such as kitchens or bathrooms.
- Durable enough for high-traffic areas.
- Naturally resistant to moisture damage.
- Beautiful golden brown color tones add warmth to interiors.
Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) - Dark Brown Coloring Offering Sophistication
Brazilian Walnut, or Ipe, is another elegant hardwood species known for its dark brown coloring that adds sophistication to any space. Like Cumaru, Brazilian Walnut is native to South America and boasts a high hardness rating on the Janka scale. Its natural resistance to insects and decay makes it an excellent choice for both indoor flooring as well as outdoor decking applications. 3,684
- Dark brown color tones provide a sophisticated look.
- Naturally resistant to insects and decay.
- Suitable for both indoor flooring and outdoor decking projects.
In addition to their stunning appearances, both Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) and Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) offer exceptional performance in terms of durability, making them ideal choices for homeowners seeking elegance without compromising on quality. Teak and Walnut are two elegant hardwood species that offer a range of colors, textures, and durability to meet the needs of any flooring project.
Frequently Asked Questions Best Hardwood Floor Species
What is the best wood floor type?
The best wood floor species depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some popular choices include Red Oak for its durability, White Oak for a classic look, Hickory for rustic settings, and Maple for fine graining. Exotic options like Brazilian Cherry or Santos Mahogany can add elegance to your space. Consider factors such as hardness, stability, color variations, and cost when choosing.
What is the most stable option?
Engineered hardwood floors are generally more stable than solid hardwoods due to their construction layers that resist expansion and contraction from humidity changes. Among solid hardwoods, Quarter-sawn White Oak is known for its excellent dimensional stability while other options like Teak or Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) also offer good stability.
What are the best real hardwood floors?
The best solid hardwood floors share these qualities:
- Hardwood with 1,000+ Janka Scores like Hickory, Hard Maple, and White Oak.
- Rot-resistant wood species like Hickory, Walnut, and White Oak.
- 3-1/4 inch or 2-1/4 inch width wood planks sizes for stability.
- Prefinished solid hardwood flooring has a tougher finish than at-home polyurethanes.
What is the most durable hardwood floor finish?
The most durable finishes are straight from the factory on prefinished hardwood floors. offer excellent protection against wear and tear but may require professional application. Alternatively, hard wax oils provide natural-looking matte finishes with easy maintenance through spot repairs.
The Best Hardwood Floor Species Wrap Up
In conclusion, the best hardwood floor species for your home depends on a variety of factors. Important factors like durability, color variation, and cost. North American hardwoods offer classic styles that are popular in many homes while exotic South American species can add an elegant touch to any room. Teak and walnut are two luxurious choices with unique grain patterns and coloration.
