Hardwood Flooring in Chicago, Oak Brook, Plainfield IL, Schaumburg, Elgin IL

Hardwood Flooring Wood Species

When it comes to choosing the right wood for your floors, you must consider the differences between domestic and exotic wood. Domestic hardwoods refer to any and all species found in North America like Oak, Birch, Maple and American Cherry. Domestic hardwood flooring is considered to have a warmer, more traditional appearance, and have always been used for Hardwood Flooring in homes across the United States. Exotic Hardwoods are species found around the world, usually coming from the more tropical areas. Exotic Wood Species have a tendency of more color variation from board to board and more unusual grain patterns. Some common exotic species are Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Walnut.

Wood Species Matter

Different hardwood flooring species tend to absorb stains in various ways. Keep this in mind before you choose a particular stain color. Red or white oak floors, tend to be the perfect candidates for staining. These materials are known to absorb stains well, In contrast, exotic wood species such as cherry, maple, mahogany, walnut, etc. have tighter grains and smaller pores, that's why we discourage you from staining them. There’s a great chance you won’t be satisfied with the result. It may be best to enjoy their natural beauty in its unstained state.

Unfinished Domestic Hardwoods We Offer!

Red Oak, Janka Hardness Rating 1290

The most popular domestic wood species for hardwood flooring, Red Oak is known for having moderate to heavy graining with moderate color variations. Coloring of Red Oak ranges in color from creamy pink and golden red to rusty brown. Red Oak also is know known for having moderate to heavy graining with moderate color variations.

White Oak, Janka Hardness Rating 1360

White Oak is harder than red oak on the Janka Hardness Scale (Red Oak is 1290). Natural Coloring of White Oak ranges from golden/browns with gray undertones. White Oak flooring takes stain colors very evenly and features generally moderate linear graining with moderate color variations.

Maple, Janka Hardness Rating 1450

Maple is one of the hardest of all domestic hardwood species. Maple hardwood flooring is a very pale, creamy white color with slight shade differences from board to board, and can contain minimal to a lot of brownish/black mineral streaks. Maple grain will range from uniformly straight lines to curly patterns.

Hickory, Janka Hardness Rating 1820

Hickory is one of the hardest domestic wood species and is highly popular because of its natural color variation and unusual graining. Coloring for Hickory Hardwood flooring can range from creamy whites to medium browns

Walnut, Janka Hardness Rating 1010

Also known as Black Walnut or American Walnut, this wood species usually has fine, straight graining and coloring is a rich, almost chocolate brown. There is some color variation from board to board, as the sapwood can range from light tan to medium brown Walnut hardwood flooring can be a character grade showing knots and other grain variations.

Unfinished Exotic Hardwoods

Brazilian Cherry, Janka Hardness Rating 2820

Brazilian Cherry is also known as Jatoba. This exotic wood species is known for its extreme color variation and has a unique graining. The coloring of Brazilian Cherry also gets richer and darkens with exposure to light.

Tigerwood, Janka Hardness Rating 2160

Tigerwood is also known as Bolivian Koa. Graining of Tigerwood includes dark, thick striping on a backdrop of pale gold and medium brown.

Brazilian Teak, Janka Hardness Rating 3540

Brazilian Teak is also known as Cumaru. Color range includes tan to medium brown tones with limited reddish highlights. Over time, with exposure to light.

Brazilian Walnut, Janka Hardness Rating 3680

There is moderate color variation as the heartwood of this species is medium brown to deep chocolate brown and the sapwood is medium tan in color. Straight grains mixed with irregular patterns create an interesting visual,

Santos Mahogany, Janka Hardness Rating 2200

Santos Mahogany has quite a bit of color variation showing in the Santos Mahogany, but it's a bit more toned down. Color variation ranges from medium brownish/orange to dark brown. Graining is wavy and incorporates an open pattern.