Complete Guide to Hardwood Floor Species: Making the Perfect Choice for Your Home
Understanding Hardwood Species: A Professional's Guide
As Central Jersey's trusted flooring experts since 2010, we at Euro Hardwood Floors understand that choosing the right hardwood species can feel overwhelming. Let's explore the characteristics of various wood species to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Premium Selections at Euro Hardwood Floors
1. Solid Oak
Our most popular choice among New Jersey homeowners:
Durability: Excellent resistance to daily wear
Janka Hardness: 1,290 (Red Oak) to 1,360 (White Oak)
Appearance: Distinctive grain patterns with warm tones
Best For: High-traffic areas, family homes
Staining: Exceptionally versatile for custom colors
Price Point: Excellent value for quality
2. Brazilian Cherry
Our luxury exotic option:
Durability: Exceptionally hard and durable
Janka Hardness: 2,350
Appearance: Rich reddish-brown tones that deepen over time
Best For: Luxury homes, statement spaces
Staining: Beautiful natural color, minimal staining needed
Price Point: Premium investment
3. Maple
Perfect for modern homes:
Durability: Very resistant to wear
Janka Hardness: 1,450
Appearance: Clean, consistent grain with light coloring
Best For: Contemporary designs, busy areas
Staining: Takes light stains well
Price Point: Mid to high range
Other Popular Hardwood Species
4. Hickory
Durability: One of the hardest domestic woods
Janka Hardness: 1,820
Appearance: Dramatic grain patterns, color variations
Best For: Rustic or country-style homes
Staining: Takes stain well, though natural beauty often preferred
5. Walnut
Durability: Moderately hard
Janka Hardness: 1,010
Appearance: Rich, chocolate-brown tones
Best For: Formal spaces, luxury homes
Staining: Beautiful natural color, minimal staining needed
6. Cherry
Durability: Moderately soft
Janka Hardness: 950
Appearance: Warm reddish tones that darken with age
Best For: Formal rooms, lower-traffic areas
Staining: Takes stain beautifully
7. Pine
Durability: Soft but characterful
Janka Hardness: 690
Appearance: Light color with distinctive knots
Best For: Country-style homes, rustic designs
Staining: Takes stain very well
Making Your Selection: Expert Tips
Consider These Factors:
Traffic Level
High traffic: Oak, Maple, Brazilian Cherry
Medium traffic: Walnut
Light traffic: Cherry, Pine
Maintenance Requirements
Lower maintenance: Oak, Maple
Medium maintenance: Brazilian Cherry, Hickory
Higher maintenance: Pine, Cherry
Style Preferences
Traditional: Oak, Cherry
Modern: Maple
Luxurious: Brazilian Cherry, Walnut
Rustic: Hickory, Pine
Color Evolution
Minimal change: Maple
Moderate darkening: Oak
Significant darkening: Brazilian Cherry, Cherry
Professional Installation Matters
Regardless of species choice, professional installation is crucial for:
Proper acclimation
Moisture testing (we maintain 6%-9% subfloor moisture)
Expert finishing
Long-term durability
Why Choose Euro Hardwood Floors?
15+ years of installation expertise
Specialized knowledge of wood species
Custom staining capabilities
Professional moisture testing
Comprehensive project management
Dedicated customer support
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Whether you're drawn to the timeless appeal of oak, the luxury of Brazilian Cherry, or the modern elegance of maple, our team is here to help you make the perfect choice. Contact Euro Hardwood Floors today for expert guidance in selecting the ideal hardwood species for your home.
