Exploring Different Hardwood Species

When most people envision hardwood flooring, they often think of oak. While oak remains a popular and reliable choice for hardwood flooring, the world of hardwood species offers a rich tapestry of colors, grains, and characteristics that can elevate the style and individuality of your Bay Area home.

Moving beyond oak allows you to explore flooring options that provide a distinct aesthetic and can perfectly complement your personal taste and the architectural nuances of your space. At The Floor Store, with our multiple locations across the Bay Area, we are excited to introduce you to hardwood inspiration and a diverse selection of hardwood species that go beyond the ordinary.

Different Characteristics of Hardwood Species

Oak flooring, in its red and white varieties, is known for its durability, workability, and timeless appeal. However, venturing beyond oak opens up a realm of possibilities for homeowners seeking a more distinctive look. Each unique hardwood species can offer:

• Distinctive Colors: From the rich, reddish-brown hues of Brazilian Cherry to the creamy, pale tones of Maple, and the deep, chocolatey shades of Walnut, different species naturally exhibit a wide spectrum of colors.
• Varied Grain Patterns: Ash boasts a prominent, open grain similar to oak but often with a lighter color. Maple has a tighter, more subtle grain. Bamboo offers a linear, grass-like pattern. Each hardwood species brings its own visual texture to your floors.
• Different Hardness Levels: While oak is quite durable, some species, like Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba), are significantly harder, making them excellent choices for high-traffic areas. Others, like Cherry or Walnut, are softer and develop a beautiful patina over time.

Exploring Specific Wood Floor Species

Here are some compelling species to consider for your Bay Area home:

1. Maple Hardwood Flooring

• Characteristics: Known for its light color, smooth, tight grain, and exceptional hardness (harder than Red Oak). Maple provides a clean, contemporary look and is a great choice for modern interiors. It can be stained but its tight grain can sometimes make staining uneven.
• Style Impact: Brightens a space, offers a clean and modern feel.

2. Walnut (American Walnut) Hardwood Flooring

• Characteristics: Features rich, chocolatey brown tones with beautiful variations and a relatively straight grain. Walnut is softer than oak but still durable enough for most residential use. It develops a stunning patina as it ages.
• Style Impact: Adds warmth, elegance, and a touch of luxury.

3. Cherry (Brazilian Cherry/Jatoba) Hardwood Flooring

• Characteristics: Renowned for its striking reddish-brown color that deepens with exposure to light. Brazilian Cherry is significantly harder than oak, making it very durable.

• Style Impact: Creates a warm, exotic, and dramatic feel.

4. Ash Hardwood Flooring

• Characteristics: Similar in hardness to oak but typically lighter in color with a prominent, open grain. Ash offers a natural, slightly rustic look and stains well.
• Style Impact: Versatile, can lean towards traditional or contemporary depending on the finish.

5. Birch Hardwood Flooring

• Characteristics: A relatively hard wood with a tight, closed grain and a creamy white to light brown color with occasional darker streaks. Birch offers a smooth surface and stains well.
• Style Impact: Clean, bright, and versatile, suitable for various design styles.

6. Bamboo Hardwood Flooring

• Characteristics: Technically a grass, bamboo is incredibly renewable and offers a unique, linear grain pattern. It comes in various constructions (horizontal, vertical, strand-woven) with varying hardness levels. Strand-woven bamboo is exceptionally durable.
• Style Impact: Modern, eco-conscious, and adds a natural, slightly exotic touch.

Considerations When Choosing Hardwood Species

When venturing beyond oak, consider the following:

• Hardness: Match the wood’s hardness to the traffic levels in the intended area.
• Color and Grain: Select a species whose natural color and grain pattern complement your décor.
• Photosensitivity: Some species, like Brazilian Cherry, are more photosensitive and will change color significantly over time with exposure to light.
• Availability and Cost: Various species have different price points and availability compared to oak.

Hardwood Species Selection at The Floor Store

At The Floor Store, serving the entire Bay Area, we offer a stunning selection of hardwood floors to help you create a truly personalized and beautiful space. We have 10 convenient locations throughout the Bay Area, including Richmond/Albany, CA, Concord, CA, Dublin, CA, Fairfield, CA, San Carlos, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, San Rafael, CA, Santa Rosa, CA, and Sunnyvale, CA. Contact us or visit one of our showrooms today to explore our unique hardwood species and begin your next project! We are excited to work with you.