A Guide to Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring Species for Your Havertown Home

Hardwood flooring is a timeless and elegant choice for any home, adding warmth, character, and long-lasting beauty. When selecting the perfect hardwood flooring species for your Havertown and Malvern, PA home, it’s important to understand the characteristics of different woods, as each species varies in durability, grain pattern, color, and maintenance needs.

 Whether you're looking for a classic oak floor or something more exotic, we will help you choose the best wood floor species for your space. If you’re looking for more information or would like to see these floors for yourself, we invite you to stop by our hardwood flooring stores in Havertown, PA and Malvern, PA.

Popular Hardwood Floor Species

The type of wood you choose can have a major impact on your home's aesthetic and functionality. Here are some of the most common hardwood floor species and what makes them unique:

Oak (Red & White Oak) Wood Floors

One of the most popular hardwood flooring species, oak is known for its durability and versatility.

• Red Oak: Features a warm, reddish hue and a prominent grain pattern, making it a great choice for traditional homes.
• White Oak: Has a cooler, golden-brown tone with a tighter grain, offering a more modern and sophisticated look.
• Durability: Rated at 1290 (Red Oak) and 1360 (White Oak) on the Janka Hardness Scale, making it a strong choice for most homes.

Maple Hardwood Flooring

A light-colored wood with a subtle grain pattern, maple is often used in contemporary or minimalist designs.

• Color: Creamy white to light tan with occasional mineral streaks.
• Durability: Extremely hard (1450 on the Janka Scale), making it a great option for high-traffic areas.
• Best For: Homes that want a clean, modern look with a durable finish.

Hickory Hardwood Floors

One of the hardest domestic woods, hickory offers a rustic and textured appearance.

• Color: Ranges from light beige to rich brown with dramatic grain patterns.
• Durability: 1820 on the Janka Scale, making it highly resistant to dents and wear.
• Best For: Farmhouse, rustic, or country-style interiors.

Walnut Flooring

A luxurious and rich wood, walnut provides a deep brown color and elegant grain.

• Color: Dark chocolate brown with swirling grain patterns.
• Durability: Softer than oak and hickory (1010 on the Janka Scale), but still durable for most homes.
• Best For: Formal spaces, studies, and high-end interiors.

Cherry (American Cherry & Brazilian Cherry) Floors

Cherry is known for its smooth texture and rich, warm hues.

• American Cherry: Starts as a light pinkish-brown but darkens over time to a deep, reddish-brown. Softer (950 Janka rating), making it ideal for low-traffic areas.
• Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba): Much harder (2350 Janka rating) with a vibrant reddish-brown color, often used in exotic wood flooring.

Ash Light Wood Flooring

Ash has a light, almost blonde appearance with a bold grain pattern.

• Color: Pale white to light brown.
• Durability: Similar to White Oak (1320 Janka rating).
• Best For: Contemporary homes looking for a bright, airy feel.

Birch Hardwood Flooring

A cost-effective alternative to maple, birch offers similar light tones with a smooth grain.

• Color: Pale yellow to medium brown.
• Durability: Softer than oak (1260 Janka rating).
• Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners who still want a beautiful natural wood floor.

Mahogany Wood Flooring

An exotic hardwood with a deep reddish-brown color and straight grain.

• Color: Reddish-brown that deepens over time.
• Durability: Extremely durable, with excellent resistance to moisture.
• Best For: Traditional and luxurious interiors.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring Species for Your Home

When deciding on the best hardwood floor species, consider these factors:

Durability & Hardness

If you have pets, kids, or high foot traffic, opt for harder woods like hickory, oak, or Brazilian cherry. Softer woods like American cherry or walnut are better suited for low-traffic areas.

Color & Aesthetic

• Light Woods (Maple, Ash, Birch): Ideal for modern, airy spaces.
• Medium-Toned Woods (Oak, Hickory): Versatile and timeless for most homes.
• Dark Woods (Walnut, Mahogany, Brazilian Cherry): Perfect for elegant and traditional interiors.

Maintenance & Longevity

Darker floors tend to show scratches and dust more than lighter woods. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, go for a medium-toned wood like white oak or hickory.

Climate Considerations

Some hardwood flooring species, like mahogany and walnut, are more resistant to moisture changes, making them ideal for humid environments. If you live in a fluctuating climate, consider engineered hardwood as an alternative.

Stop by our Hardwood Floor Stores Today!

If you're ready to explore the best hardwood flooring species for your home, Havertown Carpet is here to help! Since 2012, we've been committed to making the floor-buying process easy, transparent, and reliable for families.

Call or visit us in Havertown or Malvern, PA, to see our wide selection of hardwood floors. We proudly serve the Greater Philadelphia area, including Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester Counties, as well as parts of Bucks and Berks Counties. Let us help you find the perfect hardwood flooring for your home today!