Choosing a Hardwood Species: Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Walnut

Species affects color, grain, hardness, and how well a floor hides wear.

White oak

Very popular in new Williamson County builds. Neutral color, takes stain well, and is a good all-around performer.

Red oak

Common in older homes. Slightly pinker tone and pronounced grain that hides scratches well; usually budget-friendly.

Hickory

Very hard with strong color variation. Rustic look that hides dents and pet wear.

Maple

Hard with a smooth, subtle grain. Can be blotchy with dark stains, so it is often left natural.

Walnut

Rich dark color, but softer than oak, so it dents more easily in busy homes.

Other choices that matter

• Board width: wider planks look modern but move more with humidity.
• Grade: select grades are uniform; character grades include knots and variation.
• Finish sheen: matte and satin hide scratches better than gloss.