Red Oak
The benchmark of American hardwood — warm reddish tones, a bold open grain and excellent durability that hides everyday wear.
Choosing Your Wood
Every Species Tells a Different Story
One of the best things about a hardwood floor is choice. The species you pick shapes the entire feel of a room — the warmth of the color, the rhythm of the grain and how well the floor stands up to everyday life. Some woods are prized for their hardness and resistance to dents, while others are loved for their rich tone or the way they take a stain. At Company Floors, we help homeowners and businesses across Brooklyn and the wider NYC area match the right species to the way they actually live and work.
In the United States, Oak, Maple and Hickory are far and away the most popular flooring woods. They are domestic, widely available, hard-wearing and they finish beautifully — which makes them a dependable starting point for most projects. That said, there is a whole world of species worth knowing. Here are ten of the most common woods we work with.
The Ten Most Common Flooring Woods
White Oak
Slightly harder than red oak with cooler, browner tones and a tighter grain; a favorite for modern and gray-toned finishes.
Maple
Pale, creamy and remarkably hard, with a subtle, smooth grain that suits clean, contemporary interiors.
Hickory
One of the hardest domestic woods, full of dramatic color variation and character — built for busy, high-traffic homes.
American Cherry
Smooth, satiny and rich; its reddish-brown color deepens beautifully with age and sunlight for a refined, classic look.
Walnut
Deep chocolate-brown tones and a luxurious feel; softer than oak, so it shines in elegant, lower-traffic spaces.
Ash
Light, bright and very strong, with a pronounced straight grain similar to oak but with a paler, airy appearance.
Birch
Affordable and pale-toned with a fine, gentle grain; a smart choice for brightening rooms on a budget.
Mahogany
An exotic hardwood with deep red-brown color and outstanding hardness, delivering a high-end, formal statement.
Bamboo
Technically a grass but performs like hardwood — eco-friendly, fast-renewing and surprisingly strong and stable.
Not Sure Which Is Right?
Color and grain are only part of the decision. Hardness, sun exposure, foot traffic, pets and the style of your home all play a role in which species will look — and last — best. A wood that feels perfect in a quiet bedroom may not be the smartest pick for a busy entryway or a commercial space.
Our team walks you through real samples, explains how each species ages and takes a finish, and recommends the option that fits your space and budget. Whether you love the timeless look of oak or the drama of hickory, we will help you get it right the first time. Explore our hardwood flooring options, or learn about engineered wood flooring if you need extra stability below grade. Ready to install? See our hardwood floor installation service.
Find Your Perfect Wood Floor
Tell us about your space and we'll recommend the right species — with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Call 718-578-4003 Request a Free Estimate