Choosing the Perfect Wood Species for Your Home

Selecting the right hardwood species for your flooring is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your flooring project. Each wood species offers distinct characteristics in appearance, durability, and performance. At Dean's Floor Service, we've been working with various hardwood species for over 35 years, helping homeowners make informed decisions that match their lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

This guide explores the most popular hardwood flooring options, highlighting their unique properties, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you make the best choice for your home.

Oak: The Timeless Classic

Oak remains the most popular choice for hardwood flooring in the Chicago area, accounting for approximately 95% of our installations. Its popularity stems from its excellent combination of durability, availability, and value.

Red Oak

Pros:

  • Warm, Distinctive Appearance: Features a pinkish undertone and strong grain pattern
  • Hides Wear and Tear: The prominent grain helps mask minor scratches and dents
  • Excellent Staining Versatility: Takes stain colors exceptionally well
  • Good Value: Offers excellent durability at a reasonable price point
  • Widely Available: Common availability keeps costs competitive

Cons:

  • Can Develop Orange Tones: May develop an orangey hue over time, particularly with oil-based finishes
  • Less Hard Than Some Alternatives: While durable, it's not as hard as maple or hickory

White Oak

Pros:

  • Contemporary Aesthetic: Features a more neutral, slightly tan undertone
  • Trending Popularity: Currently in high demand for modern homes
  • Slightly Harder Than Red Oak: Offers marginally better dent resistance
  • Distinctive Grain Pattern: Beautiful, unique grain characteristics
  • Ages Gracefully: Develops a rich patina over time rather than yellowing

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than red oak
  • Limited Availability: May be more difficult to source in some areas

Maple: Sophisticated Durability

Maple offers a clean, contemporary look with exceptional hardness, making it popular in both traditional and modern homes.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Hardness: One of the harder domestic wood species
  • Clean, Uniform Appearance: Features subtle grain patterns
  • Light, Bright Color: Natural light tone works well in contemporary designs
  • Excellent Durability: Stands up well to heavy traffic

Cons:

  • Shows Scratches More Readily: Despite its hardness, the uniform appearance means scratches are more visible
  • Staining Challenges: Doesn't accept stain as evenly as oak
  • Less Forgiving: Shows wear patterns more prominently than woods with stronger grain

Hickory: Rustic Character

Hickory offers exceptional hardness and dramatic character, making it perfect for rustic or country-style homes.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Hardness: One of the hardest domestic wood species
  • Dramatic Grain Variation: Features distinctive color variations and character
  • Distinctive Look: Creates a statement with its unique appearance
  • Excellent Durability: Very resistant to dents and wear

Cons:

  • Challenging Installation: The hardness makes it more difficult to cut and nail
  • Difficult Staining: Color variations can make stain application less predictable
  • Not Ideal for Contemporary Spaces: The distinctive character may clash with minimalist designs

Cherry: Elegant Warmth

Cherry is known for its rich, warm color that deepens beautifully with age.

Pros:

  • Rich, Warm Color: Develops a stunning deep reddish-brown patina over time
  • Elegant, High-End Appearance: Associated with luxury and fine furniture
  • Smooth, Fine Grain: Offers a sophisticated, refined look

Cons:

  • Softer Wood: More susceptible to dents and scratches
  • Not Ideal for High-Traffic Areas: Better suited for lower-traffic spaces like libraries, offices, or powder rooms
  • Premium Price Point: Typically more expensive than oak options

Exotic Hardwoods: Making a Statement

For homeowners seeking something truly distinctive, exotic hardwoods offer unique characteristics and exceptional hardness.

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

Pros:

  • Exceptional Hardness: Significantly harder than domestic hardwoods
  • Rich, Distinctive Color: Deep reddish-brown tones
  • Outstanding Durability: Excellent resistance to wear and dents
  • Unique Appearance: Makes a bold design statement

Cons:

  • Higher Cost: Premium price compared to domestic species
  • Significant Color Changes: Darkens considerably over time
  • Installation Challenges: Hardness makes cutting and nailing more difficult

Sustainable Options

For environmentally conscious homeowners, there are several sustainable hardwood options.

American Hardwoods (Sustainably Harvested)

Pros:

  • Renewable Resource: Domestic hardwoods are typically harvested sustainably
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Less transportation impact compared to exotic species
  • Supporting Local Industry: Benefits regional economies

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Hardwood Species

  • Pets: If you have dogs, consider harder species like oak, maple, or hickory
  • Children: Active families might benefit from species with visible grain patterns that hide minor wear
  • Traffic Patterns: Consider durability for high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens

Making Your Final Decision

Bring samples home to see how they look in your lighting

Whether you are looking to restore an existing floor or install a new hardwood floor, we'll give you an honest, straight forward estimate. 

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Experience the Dean's Floor Service Difference

At Dean's Floor Service, we've been working with all types of hardwood flooring for over 35 years. Our expertise allows us to provide honest, practical advice on the best wood species for your specific situation. We'll never push you toward a particular option—instead, we'll help you understand the pros and cons of each choice so you can make an informed decision.

Whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of oak, the contemporary look of maple, or the distinctive character of hickory, we're here to help you select, install, and maintain beautiful hardwood floors that will enhance your home for decades to come.

Request Your Free Consultation Today or call us at 708-424-3011 to discuss your hardwood flooring options.
Quality you can stand on since 1988