Below are the different types of hardwood floor options available to choose from, including their unique characteristics, pros, cons and costs.

Oak

Oak is by far the most popular type of wood flooring because it provides a good balance of durability, color range and reasonable costs. It comes in both red and white oak variations and can be used in high-traffic areas as the wood grain hides scratches well. Oak offers a very classic look that works with many design styles except ultra-modern.

Cost: $5 to $11 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Grain pattern hides scratches
• Widely available

Cons:

• Yellows over time with sun exposure

Maple

Maple is slightly more durable than oak but can take on a similar look. Due to the tight grain pattern, it can be difficult to stain darker colors so is often found in its natural color. Color versatility is often the reason for choosing oak over maple.

Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Less likely to yellow from sun exposure compared to oak

Cons:

• Difficult to stain other colors besides natural light color

Hickory

Hickory is the most durable of the different types of wood flooring, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. The varied grain pattern also helps to hide scratches. It does, however, have a distinctly rustic look that may not appeal to modern or contemporary styles and the hardness makes it more difficult to install because there no is flexibility.

Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Grain pattern hides scratches

Cons:

• Distinct rustic look
• More difficult to install due to hardness

Cherry

Cherry has a very warm hue that can lean red or orange depending on the stain. It is not quite as hard as oak or maple, so is best suited for a lower-traffic room or as an accent color around the perimeter of a room. Cherry will darken over time when exposed to sunlight.

Cost: $4 to $7 per square foot

Pros:

• Unique warm color unlike any other wood flooring types
• Easier to install due to softness

Cons:

• Softer material suited for low-traffic areas
• Darkens over time with sun exposure

Walnut

Walnut has a rich, dark brown color that works well in historical and midcentury homes. While not as hard as oak or hickory, walnut is a durable option for any room of the house. It is one of the most expensive hardwood floor options, however, as it is not as widely available.

Cost: $8 to $14 per square foot

Pros:

Cons:

• More expensive material
• Not as widely available

Ash

Ash is often compared to oak hardwood flooring because of its durability and look. This material is, however, slightly lighter in color with a more pronounced grain. Like walnut, ash is not as widely available which can make it a bit more expensive than oak.

Cost: $7 to $9 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Very light, coastal color

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive material
• Not as widely available

Mahogany

Mahogany is arguably the most beautiful of the hardwood flooring options. It has a deep color and intricate grain that fits more formal and traditional spaces. The material is very durable and even water-resistant but comes at a higher cost.

Cost: $10 to $18 per square foot

Pros:

• Very durable
• Moisture-resistant
• One-of-a-kind grain and color

Cons:

Bamboo

Bamboo is technically a grass and not wood, but it competes with other hardwoods when it comes to durability and design. This natural material is light in color and resistant to moisture. Keep in mind that the quality varies between suppliers as it is a manufactured material.

Cost: $2 to $10 per square foot

Pros:

• Durable
• Moisture-resistant

Cons: