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Which Type of Hardwood Should You Choose for Your Flooring?

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. They add a certain charm and warmth that cannot be duplicated with carpet or tile. But if you have decided to enhance your home with solid hardwood, the decision-making is far from over! There are several types of wood to choose from, and no two are […]

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. They add a certain charm and warmth that cannot be duplicated with carpet or tile. But if you have decided to enhance your home with solid hardwood, the decision-making is far from over! There are several types of wood to choose from, and no two are alike. We’ll help you determine between the different types of hardwood you can use for your flooring.

Oak

Oak, particularly red oak, is one of the most common types of wood used for flooring. It is often available in a wide variety of different stains, running from light to dark, but what makes it unique is its grain. However, the stain can darken over time and look uneven, or make the grain more visible. Oak is a relatively inexpensive option for genuine hardwood floors, but what makes oak so popular is its durability. It is one of the harder types of wood and is quite resistant to denting, making it a family-friendly floor that is also a good choice if you have pets. It is also cut in such a way as to resist warping, thus making it a good choice if you live in an environment that tends to be a bit on the humid side. Oak works well in kitchens, living rooms, hallways and entryways.

Maple

Maple is a lighter colored wood that is also one of the harder types of wood. Like oak, it is an affordable option for hardwood flooring. Unlike oak, its grain is tighter, and much less noticeable. It does not take very well to dark stains and may yellow over time. Maple is very durable, and dent-resistant, which makes it another good choice if you have children or pets (or both) running about. It is another good choice for most areas of your home including kitchens, living rooms, hallways and entryways.

Walnut

Walnut is another harder hardwood, though it is softer than oak. It comes in two varieties: standard walnut and Brazilian walnut (Brazilian being the harder of the two). Like oak, it is a good choice for areas where humidity tends to be higher. Most walnut floors are dark, although, depending on the part of the tree the wood was harvested from, it can also have a yellow hue. Walnut is a more expensive option for flooring and it is recommended that you have it professionally installed. Darker shades show wear and tear more easily. Brazilian walnut is a better choice for higher traffic areas, or if you have children or pets. Darker shades are an excellent complement to lighter colored furniture.

Cedar

Cedar is a softer wood (though one of the harder softwoods) with a unique scent and a beautiful color. It is water-resistant and its scent, while pleasing to most, is an excellent insect repellant. It is also resistant to fungus and bacteria. It doesn’t crack easily. Cedar is best used in lower traffic areas, such as a formal dining room or bedroom. It also works exceedingly well in closets or outdoors as a deck.

Pine

Pine is a soft type of wood that is often known for its knots. It is a lighter colored wood, usually a white or yellow shade, and changes color as it ages giving it a more rustic appearance. Pine is an inexpensive wood, but, because of its softer nature, it is more prone to dents. It works best in rooms where there is less traffic, such as a bedroom or hallway. It also works best in a home without pets or small children.


Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. For help choosing the right type of genuine hardwood floors for your home, contact Windows Floors & Decor. Your flooring specialist can help you make the right decision to achieve the look you want.