Hardwood flooring selection

Hardwood Flooring Species Guide

Compare the character, performance, and construction options of the hardwood species serious Michigan buyers ask for most.

Choose the species before the finish

Species influences how a floor wears, how its grain reads across a room, how it accepts stain, and which construction makes sense for the project. Use this guide to narrow the field, then compare real boards, grades, widths, and manufacturer specifications before ordering.

White Oak

Janka hardness: 1,360
Grain: Prominent, open grain; rift and quartered cuts create a straighter visual.
Color: Light tan to medium brown with subtle variation.
Stainability: Excellent; versatile for natural, warm, and contemporary finishes.
Dimensional stability: Strong choice for changing indoor conditions when correctly specified.
Typical widths: Common in standard to wide-plank formats.
Price category: Premium
Best applications: Wide-plank rooms, contemporary interiors, and tailored grain looks.
Michigan suitability: Excellent option with proper acclimation and humidity control.

Solid: Widely available

Engineered: Widely available

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Red Oak

Janka hardness: 1,290
Grain: Open, pronounced cathedral grain.
Color: Warm pink-to-reddish tan undertones.
Stainability: Excellent; traditionally one of the most adaptable staining species.
Dimensional stability: Reliable with normal hardwood moisture planning.
Typical widths: Common in traditional strip and plank widths.
Price category: Value to mid-range
Best applications: Classic homes, stain matching, and traditional hardwood looks.
Michigan suitability: A familiar Michigan choice when site conditions are managed.

Solid: Widely available

Engineered: Available

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Walnut

Janka hardness: 1,010
Grain: Straight to gently wavy, often refined and expressive.
Color: Deep brown with natural tonal variation.
Stainability: Often selected for its natural color; staining options should be sampled.
Dimensional stability: Suitable for residential projects with responsible climate control.
Typical widths: Often offered in wider, longer boards.
Price category: Premium
Best applications: Formal rooms, statement floors, and naturally dark palettes.
Michigan suitability: Well suited to conditioned interiors; protect from dramatic humidity swings.

Solid: Available

Engineered: Available

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Hickory

Janka hardness: 1,820
Grain: Bold grain with strong color and character variation.
Color: Blonde through medium brown, often with dramatic contrast.
Stainability: Can take stain, though variation should be expected.
Dimensional stability: Hardwearing species that still needs standard moisture management.
Typical widths: Available in strip, plank, and selected wide-plank options.
Price category: Mid-range to premium
Best applications: Active homes, rustic character, and high-wear rooms.
Michigan suitability: A durable choice for Michigan households when installed to specification.

Solid: Widely available

Engineered: Available

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Maple

Janka hardness: 1,450
Grain: Fine, subtle, and comparatively uniform.
Color: Pale cream to light blond.
Stainability: More selective; test stains carefully for even color.
Dimensional stability: Appropriate with careful site preparation and humidity management.
Typical widths: Common in traditional strip widths; wider formats vary.
Price category: Mid-range
Best applications: Clean, bright interiors and lower-grain visual schemes.
Michigan suitability: Suitable for conditioned spaces with good moisture control.

Solid: Widely available

Engineered: Available

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Ash

Janka hardness: 1,320
Grain: Open, lively grain that can resemble oak.
Color: Pale cream to light brown.
Stainability: Generally receptive to stain; sample for the desired tone.
Dimensional stability: Requires the same climate and installation planning as other hardwoods.
Typical widths: Availability varies by manufacturer and grade.
Price category: Mid-range
Best applications: Bright rooms and projects seeking a more pronounced grain.
Michigan suitability: A viable option when verified product availability and conditions align.

Solid: Available by product

Engineered: Available by product

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Cherry

Janka hardness: 950
Grain: Fine, smooth grain with a polished appearance.
Color: Warm reddish brown that naturally deepens over time.
Stainability: Often left natural; samples help evaluate any color treatment.
Dimensional stability: Best for lower-impact spaces with stable indoor conditions.
Typical widths: Typically found in traditional and selected plank formats.
Price category: Premium
Best applications: Formal spaces, cabinetry-coordinated rooms, and rich warm palettes.
Michigan suitability: Suitable for controlled interiors; consider its softer wear profile.

Solid: Available by product

Engineered: Available by product

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Birch

Janka hardness: 1,260
Grain: Fine, close grain with subtle figuring.
Color: Light cream to pale brown with occasional variation.
Stainability: Can be challenging to color evenly; sample before committing.
Dimensional stability: Plan for normal seasonal hardwood movement.
Typical widths: Common availability depends on collection and construction.
Price category: Value to mid-range
Best applications: Light interiors and projects seeking a fine-grain look.
Michigan suitability: Suitable when the selected product and indoor conditions are appropriate.

Solid: Available by product

Engineered: Available by product

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Acacia

Janka hardness: 2,300+
Grain: Dramatic grain, knots, and natural movement in color.
Color: Ranges from golden tan to deep brown.
Stainability: Usually chosen for its natural variation rather than uniform stain color.
Dimensional stability: Construction and manufacturer instructions are especially important.
Typical widths: Often offered as planks with character-forward visuals.
Price category: Mid-range to premium
Best applications: Distinctive, character-rich interiors and statement flooring.
Michigan suitability: Confirm construction, acclimation, and care guidance for the exact product.

Solid: Available by product

Engineered: Available by product

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Compare real hardwood samples

Bring the species list into focus with boards you can see in person. Compare grain, grade, width, finish, and construction with a Quality Hardwoods product expert.

Visit the Rochester Hills showroom