Common Wood Species Used For Flooring

Wood has always been one of the most popular flooring choices, admired for its natural beauty, durability, and timeless charm. Every tree species has its own unique character—different colours, grains, textures, and strengths. This makes choosing the right flooring for your home both exciting and a little overwhelming.

When deciding on a wood floor installation, you’ll want to weigh factors such as aesthetic appeal, colour, resilience, maintenance needs, and cost. Each species offers something different, from the rich warmth of oak to the elegant sophistication of walnut. Picking the right one ensures your floor not only looks stunning but also fits your lifestyle and budget.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common wood species used for flooring and highlight what makes each option special, helping you make a more informed decision for your home.

Janka Hardness Test: Measuring Wood Durability

Not all wood species are created equal. When you invest in a hardwood floor, one of the most important factors to consider is its durability. After all, your floor is a long-term investment, and you want to be sure it will withstand years of use without losing its beauty and strength. The harder and denser the wood, the better it resists scratches, dents, and everyday wear.

The most widely accepted way to measure this resilience is through the Janka Hardness Test. This test evaluates how much force is needed to embed a steel ball halfway into the wood. The results are measured in lbf (pounds of force), giving a clear indication of the wood’s toughness. The higher the Janka rating, the more resistant the wood is to impact and pressure.

In the sections below, we’ll look at the Janka ratings of the most common wood flooring species and explain how these scores translate into real-world performance in your home or business.

Staining and Colouration of Wood Flooring

Staining a wooden floor is about much more than simply changing its colour—it’s about style, design trends, and personal taste. A well-chosen stain can completely transform the look of your floor, helping it match your interior design vision. Even if you didn’t plan on staining your floor when you purchased it, situations may arise where staining becomes the perfect solution.

For example, if you own pets, occasional “accidents” can leave behind black stains that sometimes remain visible even after floor sanding. In such cases, applying a darker stain can hide the damage without requiring costly board replacements, giving your floor a second life.

However, not all wood species respond to staining in the same way. Birch and maple, for instance, are dense and don’t absorb stain evenly, often requiring professional expertise to achieve a flawless finish. On the other hand, wood species that already have a natural tint can alter the intended result. For example, staining Red Oak with a grey stain will usually result in a pinkish undertone rather than a pure grey.

The Types of Wood

Oak (1360 lbf)

When it comes to hardwood flooring, oak remains the most popular and versatile option worldwide. It offers the perfect balance of durability, affordability, and timeless style, which makes it suitable for almost any home or interior design. With a Janka hardness rating of 1360, oak is strong enough to withstand heavy foot traffic while still being easy to work with for sanding and refinishing.

There are two main types of oak used for flooring:

• White Oak (1360 lbf): Known for its greyish, golden, and brown hues, White Oak has a subtle grain pattern and is highly resistant to moisture. It is also an excellent choice for wood floor staining, as its neutral tones keep the stain colour true and consistent.
• Red Oak (1290 lbf): Slightly softer but still very durable, Red Oak is warmer in tone with a natural reddish tint. While beautiful in its own right, this undertone can alter the results when using lighter or cooler-coloured stains, giving the floor a pinkish cast.

Maple (1450 lbf)

With its pale, creamy tones and exceptional strength, maple flooring is a popular choice for modern interiors seeking a light, clean, and contemporary look. With a Janka hardness rating of 1450, maple is even tougher than oak, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas, busy households, and even sports floors where durability is key. Its fine, straight grain creates a smooth and elegant appearance that works well in minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired designs.

However, maple does come with one challenge—staining. Due to its dense, close-pored structure, maple does not absorb stains evenly. Attempting to use darker colours often results in blotchiness or an unintended greyish tone. To achieve a consistent finish, professional preparation is usually required, often involving a wood conditioner before staining. Because of this, many homeowners prefer to purchase pre-stained or pre-finished maple floors when a darker look is desired.

Ash (1320 lbf)

Ash flooring is an underrated yet highly versatile option with a Janka hardness rating of 1320—making it slightly softer than oak but still very durable for everyday use. One of ash’s most unique qualities is the contrast between sapwood and heartwood. Sapwood, the outer living part of the tree, is usually lighter in tone, while heartwood, the inner section, tends to be darker. This natural variation creates striking floors with rich visual depth.

Across Europe alone, there are more than 60 species of ash, meaning you’ll find a wide variety of colours and grain patterns. Ash can appear pale and creamy, deep brown, or somewhere in between. Its grain can be straight and uniform or even display curly patterns, offering designers and homeowners flexibility to achieve both classic and modern looks. Because of this range, ash is often chosen not just for its durability but also for its unique design possibilities.

Beech (1300 lbf)

Beech flooring, sometimes referred to as American Beech, is a durable and reliable option with a Janka hardness rating of 1300—very close to oak. Thanks to its excellent resistance to scratches and dents, beech is often chosen for high-traffic areas and busy households where resilience is key.

Visually, beech offers a light, creamy tone with a straight, fine grain that creates a clean and contemporary look. Its pale colouring has the added advantage of making rooms appear larger and brighter, which makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or modern interiors aiming for a minimalist design. Beech flooring also accepts stains relatively well, allowing homeowners to customise its shade while maintaining its natural elegance.

Birch (910 lbf)

Birch flooring comes in several subspecies, each offering different levels of hardness and appearance. Sweet Birch ranks high on the Janka scale with a rating of 1,470 lbf, while Yellow Birch (sometimes confused with Iroko) scores 1,260 lbf. However, the most common type used in flooring is Paper Birch, which is softer at 910 lbf but remains a popular choice thanks to its distinct look and affordability.

Paper Birch features a light, pale colour and straight grain that can brighten interiors and provide a clean, understated aesthetic. Over time, however, birch tends to develop yellow or reddish tones, which may alter its original appearance. Another consideration is that birch can be tricky to stain—its dense grain structure often leads to blotchy results unless professional techniques and conditioners are applied.

Despite these challenges, birch remains an inexpensive and widely available flooring option, making it attractive for homeowners seeking a natural wood floor on a budget.

Bamboo (1,380 lbf)

Although technically a grass, bamboo flooring has earned its place alongside hardwoods thanks to its strength, sustainability, and distinctive appearance. The Janka hardness of bamboo varies significantly depending on the manufacturing process. Standard bamboo flooring typically rates around 1,380 lbf, similar to oak, but the most durable variety—Strand Woven Bamboo—can achieve an incredible rating of 3,000 lbf, making it one of the hardest flooring options available.

One of the challenges with bamboo flooring is the lack of a universal grading standard, which can cause major price differences and quality variations between manufacturers. However, when purchased from a trusted supplier, bamboo is exceptionally tough, moisture-resistant, and naturally resistant to insects, making it a reliable alternative to traditional hardwood floors.

Bamboo also appeals to eco-conscious homeowners, as it is one of the most sustainable flooring options available. Since bamboo regenerates much faster than hardwood trees, it provides a greener choice without compromising on durability or performance.

Walnut (1,010 lbf)

Walnut flooring, particularly Black Walnut, is highly prized for its rich, dark colouration and elegant grain patterns that bring a sense of luxury and warmth to any interior. With a Janka hardness rating of 1,010 lbf, walnut is not the hardest option on the market, but it offers excellent durability and a balance of beauty and practicality. Unlike some other species, walnut tends to lighten slightly with age, developing a mellow patina that adds character over time.

It’s important not to confuse Black Walnut with the much harder and more expensive Brazilian Walnut (Ipe), which has a staggering Janka rating of 3,684 lbf. While Brazilian Walnut is often reserved for high-end or commercial projects, Black Walnut remains a popular choice for homeowners seeking sophistication without sacrificing workability.

Beyond its aesthetics, walnut also provides natural resistance to moisture, mould, and insects, making it a practical option for long-term performance. Though it sits at the higher end of the price spectrum compared to other domestic species, its ease of installation, ability to be sanded and refinished, and unique appearance make it a worthwhile investment.

Cherry (995 lbf)

Cherry flooring, specifically American Black Cherry, is renowned for its warm, reddish-brown tones that deepen and darken beautifully over time. With a Janka hardness rating of 995 lbf, it is considered softer than oak or maple, making it better suited for light-traffic areas such as bedrooms, home offices, or formal living rooms.

It’s important not to confuse American Cherry with much harder exotic varieties like Bolivian Cherry (3,650 lbf) or Brazilian Cherry / Jatoba (2,350 lbf), which are considerably tougher and used in high-wear applications. American Cherry, on the other hand, is prized less for hardness and more for its luxurious appearance and the inviting atmosphere it creates.

One characteristic to keep in mind is that cherry wood darkens quickly when exposed to sunlight. While this natural aging process enhances its character and depth, it does mean the floor’s appearance will change significantly over the years. This darkening effect is often embraced by homeowners who appreciate the evolving charm of natural wood.

Rosewood (1,780 lbf)

Rosewood flooring is admired for its deep, luxurious colour palette and natural resilience. With a Janka hardness rating of 1,780 lbf, rosewood is tougher than many domestic hardwoods, making it a reliable choice for long-term performance in both residential and commercial spaces. Its strength helps it withstand daily wear, while still maintaining an elegant finish.

One of rosewood’s most striking qualities is its range of rich colours, from dark chocolate to purplish hues, which gradually mature into a warm golden-brown tone as the floor ages and is exposed to sunlight. This natural colour evolution only enhances its charm, giving spaces a sense of character and timeless appeal. Combined with its straight grain and occasional dramatic streaks, rosewood flooring adds sophistication and depth to any interior.

Because of its exotic nature, rosewood is often used not only for flooring but also for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and decorative applications. While it may be more expensive than other species, its unique appearance and durability make it a statement choice for homeowners seeking luxury and individuality.

Merbau (1,925 lbf)

Merbau flooring is one of the most durable and versatile exotic hardwood options, boasting an impressive Janka hardness rating of 1,925 lbf. Its extreme toughness and stability make it suitable not only for residential and commercial flooring but also for heavy-duty uses such as outdoor decking and structural applications. Unlike many other wood species, Merbau is highly resistant to moisture and humidity, which allows it to be used even in areas where wood floors are traditionally avoided, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

In terms of aesthetics, Merbau offers a striking colour palette that ranges from warm orange-browns to deep reddish-browns. One of its most distinctive features is the presence of shimmering golden mineral streaks within the grain, which add a luxurious, eye-catching detail. While these mineral threads gradually fade with age, the wood itself continues to mature beautifully, deepening in colour over time.

Though Merbau tends to be more expensive due to its exotic origin, it delivers exceptional value through its combination of hardness, resistance, and unique visual appeal. For homeowners seeking a bold, long-lasting, and moisture-resistant wood floor, Merbau remains one of the top choices worldwide.

Jatoba (3,680 lbf)

Jatoba wood flooring, more commonly known as Brazilian Cherry, is one of the hardest and most resilient flooring options available, boasting a remarkable Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf. Despite its name, Jatoba is not a true cherry species, but it has earned its nickname due to its deep, cherry-like colouration and luxurious appeal.

This exotic hardwood is highly prized for its rich and lustrous tones, which range from warm reds and burgundies to darker reddish-browns. Over time, Jatoba is photosensitive, meaning it darkens further when exposed to sunlight, developing a striking patina that enhances its beauty and character.

Beyond aesthetics, Jatoba’s extreme density and hardness make it a reliable flooring choice for both residential and commercial projects. Its durability ensures that it can withstand heavy traffic and resist dents, scratches, and wear far better than many domestic species. While installation may be more challenging due to its density, the result is a floor that lasts for decades and adds undeniable value to any property.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Wood Species for Your Floor

As you can see, each wood species used for flooring comes with its own unique strengths, aesthetics, and considerations. From the affordability of birch to the exotic luxury of rosewood and the unmatched hardness of Jatoba, there’s an option for every taste, budget, and lifestyle. The right choice will depend on whether you prioritise durability, appearance, stainability, or maintenance requirements. Regardless of which timber you select, investing in high-quality wood flooring adds timeless beauty, value, and character to your home.

If you’re unsure which type of wood flooring suits your space best, always seek professional advice before making a final decision. With the right care and finish, any of these popular wood species can serve as the foundation for a stunning and long-lasting floor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Wood Species for Flooring

Which wood species is the most durable for flooring?

Among the common options, Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) tops the list with a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf, making it extremely durable. For homeowners who want a balance of durability and affordability, Oak and Maple are excellent choices.

What is the best wood species for staining?

White Oak is widely considered the best option for staining because its neutral base allows colours to stay consistent. By contrast, Red Oak and Maple can alter the stain colour, often creating unexpected tones.

Which wood flooring is the most budget-friendly?

Birch and Beech tend to be the most affordable options while still providing good aesthetics. They may be softer than exotic woods but remain a great choice for homes with moderate foot traffic.

What wood species are best for high-humidity areas?

Merbau is highly resistant to moisture and humidity, making it one of the few hardwoods suitable for kitchens and even some bathroom applications. Bamboo, while technically a grass, also performs well in humid environments.

Which wood flooring offers the most luxurious appearance?

If aesthetics and exclusivity are your top priorities, Rosewood and Walnut are excellent options. Both offer deep, rich tones and unique grain patterns that add sophistication to any interior.

Does Cherry wood flooring darken over time?

Yes. American Cherry darkens relatively quickly when exposed to sunlight, enhancing its warm, inviting tones. This natural process is often embraced by homeowners who appreciate the evolving charm of their flooring.