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Wood floor species

The numerous wood floor species available today can become quite overwhelming. Often as a consumer you find yourself focused on color since flooring products are a crucial design element and an important part of the overall look and feel of your home. However, it is important that you find a balance between getting just the right color and texture and getting a product that will also deliver the performance that you NEED.

When considering which wood floor species is best for you the following things are of importance:

• hardness

• dimensional stability

• natural color

• stainability (if the natural color is not just right)

• ease of refinishing

• ability to hold finish

• reaction to moisture swings (other than dimensional stability)

• how and/or if it may experience natural changes over time.

No matter which hardwood floor species you may choose a basic understanding of what each of the above points mean and how they relate to the species you are considering will be important to your overall satisfaction.

*sidenote* Bamboo floor is often mistaken as a hard wood floor species but it is not.

Will the wood floor species I select affect hardwood floor installation methods?

Yes, it can...some species of wood floor are harder than others for example and can present difficulties when installing that you should be aware of. In contrast some hard wood flooring species may be substantially softer than others which can also affect how to install hardwood flooring.

What about care and cleaning?

As a rule the species of wood flooring you choose will have little effect on your hardwood floor care and cleaning techniques. More specific information is available in our flooring care and cleaning guide.

Be sure to check out our list of hard wood flooring species for more information on the species you are interested in. As always the flooring professor has the many years of experience to keep you well informed so you can make the right choice!

Most common (U.S.) wood floor species (in no particular order)

• Red oak

• White oak

• Hard maple

• Yellow birch

• Hickory

• Ash

• American cherry

• Walnut

• Brazilian cherry (exotic)

• Southern yellow Pine

• Heart pine

• Santos mahogany (exotic)

• Red birch

• Sapele (exotic)

• Pecan (rarely seen)

• Chestnut (rarely seen)

• Birds eye maple (rarely seen)

• cumaru (exotic)

• Tiger wood (exotic)

• Bamboo (special, see bamboo)

• Lyptus

There are many new wood floor species becoming available. Some are shown on this list and more will be coming as the market for hard wood flooring continues to grow. Don't forget to get the necessary care & cleaning information on the wood floor species you are considering before you decide. We know you will find the thorough, information that we here at the flooring professor make available to you to be an invaluable resource in selecting the right wood floor species for your project.

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Additional Hardwood flooring Information

FAQ Species Finishes Styles Colors Uses Brands Care & cleaning Installation Accessories Warranties Reviews Useful guides How to buy

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