5 Different Types of Hardwood Floors & Their Characteristics

Hardwood floors bring natural warmth, timeless beauty, and value to any home or commercial space. From rustic oak to contemporary walnut, the types of hardwood floors you choose can transform a room’s entire character — whether you’re going for minimalist Scandinavian design or rich traditional charm.

In this guide, we’ll explore different types of hardwood flooring, their characteristics, and how to choose the best wood species for your style and lifestyle.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

When most people think of hardwood flooring, they picture solid hardwood floors — single pieces of real wood cut from a specific wood species. But there are actually two main categories: solid and engineered hardwood flooring.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

• Made from a single plank of solid wood (like oak, walnut, or cherry).
  
• Extremely durable and can be refinished multiple times.
  
• Sensitive to moisture, humidity, and temperature changes — may warp or cup over time.
  
• A great option for living rooms, bedrooms, and areas with consistent indoor climates.
  

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

• Composed of several thin wood layers compressed together with resin and polymers.
  
• Topped with a real hardwood veneer for the same look as solid floors.
  
• More dimensionally stable, making it less prone to expansion and contraction.
  
• Can be installed over concrete, tile, or plywood subfloors, making it versatile for almost any room.
  
• Typically more affordable than solid hardwood floors and ideal for areas exposed to moderate humidity.
  

Whether you choose solid hardwood or engineered wood floors, select the right wood species for your desired look and durability needs.

Popular Hardwood Floor Species

Each hardwood species offers unique color tones, grain patterns, and performance benefits. Below are some of the most popular species used in wood flooring today.

Cherry

Known for its reddish-brown hue, Cherry wood adds warmth and sophistication to any room.

• Softer than other hardwoods, so it’s more prone to dents and scratches.
  
• Its color deepens over time with direct sunlight exposure.
  
• Ideal for low-traffic areas or spaces where aesthetic appeal takes priority.

Red and White Oak

Oak flooring remains one of the most durable and popular flooring options.

• Red oak has a natural reddish tone, while white oak offers light golden-brown or beige shades.
  
• Both are easy to sand and refinish, giving homeowners flexibility with stains and finishes.
  
• Works well in high-traffic rooms and adds long-lasting value to your home.
  

Design Tip: Achieve an antique look with a darker wood stain or WOCA’s plant-based oils to enhance the wood’s natural beauty.

Walnut

Black Walnut is a timeless, luxurious choice known for its rich chocolate-brown color and striking grain pattern.

• Slightly softer than oak but naturally resistant to wear.
  
• Its light sapwood adds contrast and visual interest.
  
• Perfect for living rooms or bedrooms where you want to make a statement.
  

Pro Tip: Enhance and protect Walnut floors with WOCA Diamond Oil Active in Natural for a smooth, low-sheen finish.

Hickory

Hickory flooring is among the hardest and most durable wood species available.

• Features warm tan to reddish-brown hues with distinctive, swirling grain variations.
  
• Excellent for high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways.
  
• Offers a rustic yet contemporary appeal, blending perfectly with both traditional and modern decor styles.

Cork

Although not technically a hardwood, cork flooring has become a favorite sustainable flooring option.

• Made from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree.
  
• Offers a soft, cushioned feel underfoot that’s great for kitchens or playrooms.
  
• Resistant to scratches and furniture dents, lasting up to 40 years with proper care.
  
• Provides natural sound and thermal insulation for added comfort.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Floor for Your Home

When comparing the different types of hardwood flooring, consider:

• Room location: Kitchens and bathrooms may need engineered wood for added moisture resistance.
  
• Traffic level: Choose durable species like Oak or Hickory for heavy foot traffic areas.
  
• Style preference: Walnut or Cherry can bring warmth and elegance, while Oak provides a neutral foundation for any design.
  
• Maintenance needs: Regular cleaning and oil treatments extend the life and shine of your floors.
  

Care and Maintenance Tips

Regardless of the wood species you select, proper care keeps your floors beautiful for decades.

• Sweep and clean wood floors regularly using WOCA Natural Soap or Intensive Wood Cleaner.
  
• Avoid soaking the surface; instead, use a damp mop for routine cleaning.
  
• Reapply oil finishes as needed to protect the grain and preserve color variations.
  
• Keep furniture pads under chairs and tables to prevent scratches.
  

Keep Your Hardwood Floors Beautiful with WOCA

No matter what type of hardwood flooring you choose — solid, engineered, or eco-friendly cork — WOCA Denmark helps you protect your investment naturally.

Our interior wood care products, including Diamond Oil Active, Natural Soap, and Maintenance Oil, are designed to enhance durability, highlight natural beauty, and safeguard your wood floors against wear, stains, and moisture damage.

Ready to enhance your floors? Shop WOCA Interior Wood Care Products today and discover how to maintain the shine, resilience, and beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.