Hickory, Oak & Maple Hardwood Floors

Hardwood Flooring Featuring Hickory, Oak, and Maple

We've been incorporating the natural beauty of hardwood species into our homes for centuries. Today, solid hardwood floors not only add a level of distinction and charm but also real value to your property. The density of genuine wood translates to strong, resilient planks that can withstand your busy family and last for generations. 

What Are the Different Types of Wood Flooring?

We know it can be overwhelming to start your flooring search, especially with more than 30 different hardwood species available–and that's not even taking into account the variety of finishes. Three types of wood floors most commonly top the list when it comes to shopping for hardwood: 

• Hickory
• Maple
• Oak

Their popularity stems not only from their durability and visual appeal but also their versatile colors and textures, which beautifully highlight every design aesthetic you could think to try.

Appearance

The natural characteristics of wood flooring options vary by species. If you're looking for rustic elegance, hickory delivers a dramatic, variegated look that ranges from creamy light to dark brown with accents of rich auburn or cinnamon. Maple hardwood flooring is lighter and more contemporary, with pale brown or milky white coloring and a fine texture. Oak floors typically have warm brown hues with medium, narrow-lined grain, perfect for traditional or modern styles. You’ll be pleased to hear that all three species can absorb stain and finish well, giving you even more design possibilities to consider. 

Durability and Maintenance

It's no coincidence that the three most popular hardwood species for flooring are also among the most durable and are fairly resistant to dents and scratches. Hickory is the hardest wood harvested domestically, followed by maple and oak. All three can tolerate your active family, whether that means a houseful of pets or a team of little ones. 

All types of wood floor fare best when you frequently sweep or vacuum to remove dust and dirt. When an unexpected spill or accident happens, it’s best if you wipe it up immediately to prevent water damage. Extended exposure to water isn't good for any hardwood species. Look to the manufacturer for cleaning instructions specific to your flooring choice.  

Lifespan

Under the right conditions, solid wood flooring has an impressive decades-long lifespan. These factors include: 

• Proper installation
• Quality materials, including hardwood
• The amount of traffic your floor receives
• Regular maintenance that follows manufacturer guidelines

When it comes to new flooring, we recommend you look into warranty protection, which will ensure you enjoy your beautiful new floors for years to come. 

Installation

Though there are different types of wood flooring, most share the same installation options: staple-down, nail-down, and glue-down. The type of subfloor you have can influence the method of installation. 

Whatever hardwood species you choose, the material should be acclimated to the manufacturer’s specifications. This will help avoid warping or buckling once they're installed. 

The best installation is a proper one that doesn't compromise the look, functionality, lifespan, or warranty. We recommend using a professional flooring installer who will use precision and know-how to ensure your new hardwood flooring is installed correctly.

Hickory vs. Oak vs. Maple Wood Flooring

With so many beautiful hardwood floor species, comparison can help you narrow down your selections.

• Hickory flooring - Hickory is darker in color, perfect for more rustic or dramatic rooms. The busy grain can add warmth, especially as wide planks.
• Maple flooring - If maple floors are good enough for busy basketball courts, they may be good enough for your home team. This hardwood species features a light brown color palette and subtle grain that works well in more contemporary spaces.
• Oak flooring - As the most popular hardwood species in North America, oak flooring also has a lot to offer, especially in clean, modern homes and more traditional interiors. The golden brown planks are accented with narrow, straight grain, adding a sunny warmth wherever they're installed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular hardwood floor species?

Oak hardwood accounts for as much as two-thirds of the hardwood flooring in North America, according to flooring experts. Its golden tone and caramel hues accentuate both modern and more traditional spaces, and its hardness resists scratches and scrapes. 

What is the most durable hardwood floor species?

Hickory wood is the hardest and most durable domestic species available as flooring. However, it’s important to understand that all hardwood species are susceptible to dents, scratches, and exposure to moisture.