Wood Floor Species
Even though the word “species” sounds like it comes from the world of animals, in the context of home remodeling, it actually applies to wood flooring as well.
| Species | Color | Grain | Hardness on the Janka Scale | Notes |
| Ash, White | Ranges from light-tan to brown | Straight and moderately open | Low to Medium | Not easy to apply stain. |
| Bamboo | Light tan color | Straight; nodes of bamboo stalk visible | Medium | When staining with darker colors, lap marks may show up. Minimize by staining quickly. |
| Beech, American | Reddish | Closed, straight | Medium | Splits easily when nailing. |
| Birch, American | Pale yellow to light reddish brown | Straight, closed | Low to Medium | May be difficult to work with by hand. |
| Cherry, Brazilian | Red | Interlocked | High | Fast color change in direct sunlight |
| Cypress, Australian | Honey-gold to brown | Closed | Medium | Distinctive for its dark knots and swirls. Much resin in wood; will clog sandpaper when being sanded. |
| Fir, Douglas | Yellow-tan to light-brown | Straight | Very Low | Color changes dramatically after much sunlight exposure. |
| Oak, Red | Reddish | Open | Low to Medium | Very popular, multi-purpose wood. |
| Oak, White | Light-brown | Open | Medium | Another very popular type of oak. |
| Pine, Southern Yellow | Light yellow | Closed | Very Low | Good finish coats recommended to increase durability for this very soft wood. |