Hardwood Flooring Species Guide:
Oak, Maple, Walnut, Hickory, Cherry & Ash
After 40+ years and thousands of Michigan installations, we've seen every species perform in every condition. This guide gives you the unfiltered truth about each species — hardness, stainability, cost, and where each one shines or struggles.
Why Species Selection Matters More Than You Think
Hardwood flooring is one of the most significant investments a homeowner makes — and the species you choose determines not just how your floor looks, but how it performs for the next 50–100 years. The wrong species in the wrong application leads to denting, scratching, staining failures, and premature refinishing costs.
Michigan's climate adds another layer of complexity. Our summers are humid (60–80% RH) and our winters are dry (20–35% RH). That 40–60 point swing in relative humidity causes wood to expand and contract significantly. Some species handle this better than others — and that knowledge comes from decades of watching floors perform in real Michigan homes, not from reading manufacturer spec sheets.
We carry 7 domestic hardwood species in our Rochester Hills showroom, plus dozens of exotic and engineered options. Below is our honest, experience-based assessment of each one.
Janka Hardness Comparison Chart
The Janka hardness test measures the force required to embed a steel ball halfway into a wood plank. Higher = harder = more dent-resistant.
Source: National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Values are averages; individual boards vary by moisture content and growth conditions.
Species Deep Dives
Red Oak
1,290 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Most affordable domestic hardwood
- ✓Widely available in unfinished
- ✓Takes stain beautifully
- ✓Easy to refinish
Limitations
- ✗Prominent grain not for everyone
- ✗Slightly less moisture-resistant than white oak
- ✗Pink undertones can clash with cool palettes
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
Our #1 seller for 40 years. Indiana Hardwood and Sheoga both offer exceptional red oak in 2¼" to 5" widths. Red oak is the benchmark species — affordable, widely available, and refinishable for generations.
White Oak
1,360 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Neutral tone works with any palette
- ✓Tighter grain = more moisture resistance
- ✓Rift/quartersawn cuts are stunning
- ✓Holds gray stains better than red oak
Limitations
- ✗Premium price vs red oak
- ✗Rift/quartersawn adds significant cost
- ✗Harder to find in narrow widths
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
White oak has surged in popularity since 2018. Sheoga, Graf Brothers, and Three Trees all carry outstanding white oak in rift, quartersawn, and flat-sawn cuts. The neutral tone works with virtually any interior palette.
Hard Maple
1,450 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Extremely hard and durable
- ✓Clean, uniform look
- ✓Resists denting from furniture
- ✓Excellent for natural/light finishes
Limitations
- ✗Blotchy staining without prep
- ✗Moves more with humidity changes
- ✗Harder to sand and refinish
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
Maple is the go-to for Michigan gym floors and commercial spaces. Sheoga and Indiana Hardwood carry select and better grades. We always recommend a pre-stain conditioner for maple — without it, stain application is unpredictable.
Hickory
1,820 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Hardest domestic species
- ✓Hides scratches and dents well
- ✓Dramatic natural character
- ✓Excellent for pets and kids
Limitations
- ✗Very bold look — not for everyone
- ✗Harder to machine and install
- ✗Limited stain options due to natural variation
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
Hickory is the hardest domestic species we carry. Sheoga and Three Trees both offer hickory in character and rustic grades. The color variation is dramatic — customers either love it or want something more uniform. Perfect for homes with dogs and kids.
Black Walnut
1,010 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Stunning natural color
- ✓Fine, straight grain
- ✓Luxurious appearance
- ✓Excellent resale value signal
Limitations
- ✗Softer than oak — scratches more easily
- ✗Premium price
- ✗Limited availability in wide planks
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
Walnut is our most requested premium species. Sheoga and Indiana Hardwood carry solid walnut in 3"–5" widths. We always advise customers to use a natural or very light stain — walnut's chocolate color is its greatest asset and shouldn't be covered.
American Cherry
950 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Unique aging process — gets more beautiful over time
- ✓Warm, rich color
- ✓Fine grain
- ✓Traditional elegance
Limitations
- ✗Softest species on this list
- ✗Sunlight causes uneven color change
- ✗Limited availability vs oak
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
Cherry is a classic choice for traditional Michigan homes. It's softer than oak, so we recommend it for bedrooms and formal rooms. The natural patina it develops over 5–10 years is unmatched by any other species — it genuinely gets more beautiful with age.
Ash
1,320 JankaAdvantages
- ✓Hard and durable
- ✓Light, airy color
- ✓Takes stain well
- ✓More affordable than white oak
Limitations
- ✗Supply tightening due to emerald ash borer
- ✗Less widely available than oak
- ✗Can look similar to oak — less distinctive
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan — 40 Years of Experience
Ash is an underrated species that offers oak-like performance at a competitive price. The light, airy color works beautifully in modern Michigan homes. Supply has tightened due to emerald ash borer, so we recommend buying now if ash is your choice.
Shop Species at Quality Hardwoods of Michigan
We carry all seven domestic species from these trusted brands — in stock at our Rochester Hills showroom.
Side-by-Side Species Comparison
| Species | Janka | Price/sq ft | Stability | Stainability | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Oak | 1,290 | $3.50–$6.00/sq ft | Good | Excellent | Living rooms |
| White Oak | 1,360 | $4.50–$8.00/sq ft | Very good — tighter grain resists moisture | Excellent | Modern |
| Hard Maple | 1,450 | $4.00–$7.00/sq ft | Moderate — expands/contracts more than oak | Difficult | Gyms |
| Hickory | 1,820 | $4.50–$7.50/sq ft | Good | Moderate | Rustic |
| Black Walnut | 1,010 | $6.00–$12.00/sq ft | Good | Best left natural | Master bedrooms |
| American Cherry | 950 | $5.50–$10.00/sq ft | Moderate | Best left natural | Traditional |
| Ash | 1,320 | $4.00–$6.50/sq ft | Good | Excellent | Contemporary |
Prices reflect Quality Hardwoods of Michigan distributor pricing as of 2026. Call (248) 853-2232 for current stock and pricing.
Choosing a Species for Michigan's Climate
Michigan's four-season climate creates unique challenges for hardwood flooring. The key variable is relative humidity (RH). Wood expands when RH rises and contracts when it falls. The wider the swing, the more movement you'll see — and the more likely you are to experience gapping in winter or cupping in summer.
Michigan Summer
Wood expands — boards push together. Wide planks and less stable species may cup slightly.
Run A/C to keep indoor RH below 60%.
Michigan Winter
Wood contracts — gaps appear between boards. Normal and expected, especially in wider planks.
Use a humidifier to keep indoor RH above 35%.
Our Michigan Climate Recommendations
- Best for stability: White oak, red oak, ash — tighter grain handles humidity swings well
- Avoid in wide planks without humidity control: Maple, cherry — more prone to movement
- Best for basements (with proper moisture barrier): Engineered hardwood in any species
- Acclimate all hardwood: Let flooring sit in your home for 5–7 days before installation
- Maintain 35–55% RH year-round for optimal performance of any species
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest hardwood flooring species?
Hickory is the hardest domestic species at 1820 Janka, followed by hard maple (1450), white oak (1360), and red oak (1290). For exotic species, Brazilian walnut (ipe) tops 3680 Janka — but domestic hickory is the most practical choice for high-traffic Michigan homes.
What hardwood species is best for Michigan homes?
White oak and red oak are the most popular choices in Michigan. Both are widely available, dimensionally stable, and accept stain beautifully. White oak has a tighter grain and is slightly more moisture-resistant, making it ideal for Michigan's humid summers and dry winters.
Does walnut hardwood floor scratch easily?
Walnut is a softer domestic species at 1010 Janka — softer than oak and maple. It will show scratches more readily in high-traffic areas. However, walnut's rich chocolate-brown color and fine grain make it a top choice for formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and low-traffic living spaces.
Can I mix hardwood species in my home?
Yes, but with care. Mixing species in open-plan spaces can look disjointed. A better approach is to use one species throughout the main floor and a contrasting species in a bedroom or office. Transition strips help where species meet. We've helped thousands of Michigan homeowners plan multi-species installations.
Ready to Choose Your Species?
Visit our Rochester Hills showroom to see every species side by side — in person, in your hands. Our team has 40+ years of experience helping Michigan homeowners make the right choice.