Types of Wood for Hardwood Flooring

Choosing a wood species sets the color, grain, and overall mood of your floors. At Whole Wood, you can compare full-size boards in our San Carlos showroom + warehouse and take home in-stock options the same day. Browse the most requested species below, then visit to see them in person.

Most-Requested Species

White Oak

Neutral tones, tight grain, and modern versatility. Takes stain beautifully (natural to deep smoke). Great in engineered wide planks for stability.

Walnut

Rich chocolate browns with flowing grain; luxurious, softer underfoot than oak. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and statement spaces.

Maple

Clean, light, and smooth with subtle grain—perfect for bright, minimal interiors. Hard and resilient; shows wear patterns less when matte-finished.

Hickory

Distinct color variation and prominent grain; very hard and durable. Excellent for busy homes and high-traffic areas.

Red Oak

Classic American look with warm undertones and familiar grain. Stains easily across a broad palette; great value.

Mahogany

Elegant reddish-brown tone with fine grain; timeless and formal. Works beautifully in traditional designs.

Learn more → /hardwood-floors/types-of-wood/mahogany

Santos Mahogany

Deep, vibrant color with excellent hardness and stability; dramatic and premium.

Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)

Warm, amber-red hues that deepen with time; extremely hard and wear-resistant.

How to Choose Your Species (Quick Guide)

• Color & mood: cool natural (White Oak), rich dark (Walnut), red-brown warmth (Brazilian Cherry/Santos).
• Grain character: subtle (Maple), classic (Oak), bold (Hickory).
• Hardness / traffic: highest durability → Hickory, Brazilian Cherry, Santos Mahogany.
• Light & room size: lighter species and wider planks open up smaller spaces.
• Finish & texture: matte, oil, wire-brushed, or hand-hewn change look and maintenance.

Tip: Species sets the look; construction sets performance. See Engineered vs. Solid vs. Unfinished below.

See It In Person (and In Stock)

Visit our showroom + warehouse to compare boards side-by-side and confirm what’s in stock today. We’ll help you match species, construction, and finish to your project.

Explore by Construction (Performance & Install)

• Flooring Construction Overview
• Engineered Hardwood
• Solid Hardwood
• Unfinished Hardwood

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Wood for Hardwood Flooring

Which species is best for busy homes?

Hickory, White Oak, or Brazilian Cherry for hardness and durability.

Which looks most modern?

Natural White Oak with a matte or wire-brushed finish.

Do species work with radiant heat?

Species matters less than engineered construction—ask us to confirm specs.

Can I match an existing color?

Yes—consider unfinished floors finished on site for a precise match.