Here is a list of the most common types of wood species for hardwood flooring.

Oak

The most common species of wood found in North America is oak, making this hardwood less expensive. Since most homes have this type of hardwood, it is very easy to match them with your pre-existing décor.

The dent and scratch resisting quality of the material also contributes to its popularity among homeowners. People who do not want area rugs in their home, choose oak hardwood flooring instead.          

The one problem with oak floors, however, is that it can start to appear old after using it for a long time. The best solution is to look for the signs that tell you that your flooring needs refinishing. 

Ash

One of the toughest woods around, ash wood flooring is perfect if you like having a light-coloured floor that is stain absorbing and shock resistant. The product is lighter in colour with colour tones available in white, yellow, tan and brown. This superior quality hardwood is widely abundant in North America and is a popular alternative to oak. Ashwood is less expensive than oak but has some similar characteristics, such as the unique grain.

Hickory

Among all hardwood species available, this probably has the hardest exterior. The colour and graining of hickory wood floors are quite similar to oak. It is most suitable for, but not limited to, rustic settings and log homes. This is perfect for high foot traffic, especially if you have pets or a lot of children. With some proper maintenance, you can expect an ash wood flooring to last a lifetime. As if that’s not enough, it does not require refinishing as frequently as Oak flooring.

Pine

Pine is a very common type of wood found in the US and Canada. Though it is not typically hardwood, it does come in beautiful textures, for which it is popular. If you want hardwood flooring, but are concerned about the rough sensation on your feet, then pine can be a great option.

The hardest variant of this type is the Heart Pine, which is the centre of the tree, with a rating of 1225 pound-force (lbf) on the Janka Hardness test.

It is neither the most expensive nor the cheapest option though.

Cherry

Cherry is the most common domestic species grown in the northern region of the US. The most significant characteristic of this type is that it darkens with age, giving it a rich finishing, and it is easy to maintain as well. Cherry is an expensive wood variant due to its soft nature, which makes it difficult to work with. Since it is more prone to scratches and dents, it is better to have this type of flooring in low traffic areas, such as bedrooms. The best thing about this material is that it does not get affected by humidity and temperature changes very easily.

Although hardwood floors are very popular, the softer flooring options have their usefulness as well. Many of the differences may not always be visible to you, but the distinct characteristics can help you choose the ideal flooring for your home.