Selecting the perfect hardwood flooring for your home involves more than just picking a wood type that catches your eye. It requires careful consideration of various factors, from the type of wood and its hardness to its grain pattern and color. Consider these factors when making your hardwood flooring buying decision.

Type of Wood

There are several different types of wood to choose from for your hardwood floors. Each has its own unique characteristics that should be considered against your design preferences, level of use and budget. Find the pros and cons of different types of wood described below.

Solid vs. Engineered

Solid hardwood is the traditional wood option found in most homes. It is a solid plank that has been cut to the desired thickness. Engineered hardwood is relatively new and is many layers of wood glued together. This type of hardwood has better quality and moisture resistance, but it can only be sanded down and re-stained once or twice during its lifetime.

Finished vs. Unfinished

You can purchase hardwood flooring that is already finished. It has been sanded and stained at the manufacturing facility. This cuts down on the work required at your home. Purchase unfinished hardwood if you need a custom stain color or want to match existing floors.

Hardness

The hardness of hardwood flooring determines how well it will withstand everyday wear and tear. This is measured using a scale called the Janka hardness scale. All types of hardwood floors have a rating, and the higher the rating, the better the flooring will hold up to scratches and dents.

Grain Pattern

The grain pattern is how the lines within the wood appear. There are three main types of grain patterns: straight grain, spiral grain and wavy grain. The more complicated a grain pattern, the more effect it will have on the aesthetics of a room.

Color

Hardwood floors range from light-colored to dark-colored and everything in between. There are even certain shades that take on more red, orange and gray tones. Consider how the other elements in your space, like wall colors, furniture and built-ins, will look against your chosen hardwood floor color.

Below are the different types of hardwood floor options available to choose from, including their unique characteristics, pros, cons and costs.

Oak

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Oak is by far the most popular type of wood flooring because it provides a good balance of durability, color range and reasonable costs. It comes in both red and white oak variations and can be used in high-traffic areas as the wood grain hides scratches well. Oak offers a very classic look that works with many design styles except ultra-modern.

Cost: $5 to $11 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Grain pattern hides scratches
• Widely available

Cons:

• Yellows over time with sun exposure

Maple

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Maple is slightly more durable than oak but can take on a similar look. Due to the tight grain pattern, it can be difficult to stain darker colors so is often found in its natural color. Color versatility is often the reason for choosing oak over maple.

Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Less likely to yellow from sun exposure compared to oak

Cons:

• Difficult to stain other colors besides natural light color

Hickory

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Hickory is the most durable of the different types of wood flooring, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. The varied grain pattern also helps to hide scratches. It does, however, have a distinctly rustic look that may not appeal to modern or contemporary styles and the hardness makes it more difficult to install because there no is flexibility.

Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Grain pattern hides scratches

Cons:

• Distinct rustic look
• More difficult to install due to hardness

Cherry

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Cherry has a very warm hue that can lean red or orange depending on the stain. It is not quite as hard as oak or maple, so is best suited for a lower-traffic room or as an accent color around the perimeter of a room. Cherry will darken over time when exposed to sunlight.

Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot

Pros:

• Unique warm color unlike any other wood flooring types
• Easier to install due to softness

Cons:

• Softer material suited for low-traffic areas
• Darkens over time with sun exposure

Walnut

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Walnut has a rich, dark brown color that works well in historical and midcentury homes. While not as hard as oak or hickory, walnut is a durable option for any room of the house. It is one of the most expensive hardwood floor options, however, as it is not as widely available.

Cost: $8 to $14 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Rich, warm color

Cons:

• More expensive material
• Not as widely available

Ash

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Ash is often compared to oak hardwood flooring because of its durability and look. This material is, however, slightly lighter in color with a more pronounced grain. Like walnut, ash is not as widely available which can make it a bit more expensive than oak.

Cost: $7 to $9 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Very light, coastal color

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive material
• Not as widely available

Mahogany

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Mahogany is arguably the most beautiful of the hardwood flooring options. It has a deep color and intricate grain that fits more formal and traditional spaces. The material is very durable and even water-resistant but comes at a higher cost.

Cost: $10 to $18 per square foot

Pros:

• Very durable
• Moisture-resistant
• One-of-a-kind grain and color

Cons:

• More expensive material

Bamboo

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Bamboo is technically a grass and not wood, but it competes with other hardwoods when it comes to durability and design. This natural material is light in color and resistant to moisture. Keep in mind that the quality varies between suppliers as it is a manufactured material.

Cost: $2 to $10 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Moisture-resistant

Cons:

• Quality varies

Choosing the best type of flooring for your home depends on various factors. Take into account your home’s traffic level, the aesthetics you desire, the room where the flooring will be installed and your budget. If you have a high-traffic household with children or pets, consider a durable wood like hickory or oak. For a more formal or traditional look, mahogany’s deep color and intricate grain are stunning. If budget is a primary concern, oak is a versatile and affordable option.

For a more eco-friendly choice, consider bamboo. Ultimately, the best flooring for your home is one that meets your specific needs and style preferences while also fitting within your budget.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, we surveyed two material providers and three local and national cost databases. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.