10 Hardwood Varieties You Need to Know!

Classic, timeless, and effortlessly stylish, hardwood flooring is a must-have for adding character and personality to any space. From local favourites like maple and red oak to deep-toned exotic options, the choices are endless. Each variety tells a story with its unique grain, texture, and ability to transform a room’s ambiance.

Whether you’re after a modern, rustic, or sophisticated vibe, there’s a hardwood that fits the bill. Let’s dive into 10 of the most sought-after hardwood varieties and what makes them a standout choice.

1. Maple

A local crowd-pleaser, maple is light and fresh, ranging from pale beige to creamy yellow. Its fine, uniform grain gives it a clean, polished look—perfect for both classic and contemporary spaces. Incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, maple does have one quirk: it’s light-sensitive. Over time, its soft hue may develop natural colour variations. It shines in long, wide planks, and whether you go for a matte or satin finish, you’ll love its bright, airy look.

2. Red Oak

Red oak is the go-to for those looking for warmth and texture. With rich hues from light to medium red and a bold, open grain, it lays the perfect foundation for traditional, rustic, or farmhouse-style interiors. Built to handle heavy foot traffic, this hardwood might deepen in tone over time. A natural matte or semi-gloss satin finish will highlight its striking grain patterns beautifully.

3. White Oak

Sleek, modern, and effortlessly elegant, white oak is a premium pick. Its soft beige-to-pale-grey tones make it a dream for Scandinavian-inspired interiors, and it looks stunning in herringbone or chevron patterns. A matte or natural oil satin finish enhances its refined grain. Less common (and a bit pricier) than red oak, American white oak is highly stable and extra resistant to moisture. Over time, it takes on a warm golden hue, adding even more character.

4. Ash

Ash is the hidden gem of hardwoods—light-toned with warm honey-golden undertones and a wavy, fine grain that adds subtle texture. It works wonders in bright, minimalist spaces and is best showcased in medium-width, long planks. While ash is a solid, stable choice, it’s slightly more prone to scratches than oak.

5. Acacia

For those who love a bold, high-contrast look, acacia delivers. With deep brown hues and occasional reddish streaks, this exotic hardwood from Asia and South America has a rustic, one-of-a-kind character. Its irregular grain patterns make every plank unique. Best used in wide planks with an oiled or matte finish, acacia is rock-solid and scratch-resistant, though it can be tricky to colour-match due to its naturally varied tones.

6. Birch (Yellow Birch)

Also known as yellow birch, this hardwood brings warm, earthy tones from beige to reddish-brown. Its fine, uniform grain has subtle curly or wavy patterns, making it a great fit for traditional and classic interiors. It shines in narrow to medium-width planks with a glossy or satin finish. Not the toughest on the block, but it ages gracefully, developing a rich patina over time.

7. Black Walnut

If you’re after a high-end, sophisticated look, black walnut is a showstopper. Imported mainly from the U.S., its deep brown tones with hints of purple and black grow richer with time. The fine, tight grain and naturally glossy finish give it a luxurious feel. Whether you choose a satin oil or wax finish, black walnut is undeniably stylish and scratch-resistant—though it comes with a heftier price tag.

8. Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)

Jatoba is a powerhouse—one of the hardest exotic hardwoods out there. Its deep red-to-brown tones and slightly wavy grain give it a sleek, polished appearance. Imported from South America, it’s bold and sophisticated, perfect for modern spaces. Twice as hard as oak, it’s ultra-durable and highly resistant to wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for busy kitchens and living rooms. Keep in mind that it’s on the expensive side and can darken over time.

9. Tigerwood (Gonçalo Alves)

Want flooring with a serious personality? Meet tigerwood. This striking exotic hardwood from South America features bold orange-to-brown tones with dramatic black streaks—hence the name. A fantastic choice for contemporary spaces or areas with high foot traffic, tigerwood is exceptionally wear- and moisture-resistant. A satin oil or varnish finish enhances its vibrant colours, though it may darken with age.

10. Hickory

Hickory doesn’t mess around—it’s one of the toughest domestic hardwoods, sourced from the U.S. and southern Canada. Incredibly durable but a bit of a challenge to install due to its density, it’s ideal for high-traffic spaces. Its bold, irregular grain and colour variation—from light to dark—give it a naturally rustic, eye-catching appeal. Whether in a country-style home or an industrial loft, hickory looks stunning in wide planks with a matte or satin oil finish to highlight its wild, untamed grain.

If you’re after durability, stability, and accessibility, local hardwoods like maple, oak, ash, walnut, birch, and hickory are solid choices. Prefer something more exotic? Acacia, jatoba, and tigerwood bring a luxurious edge, unique aesthetics, and exceptional toughness—though they come with a higher price tag and may darken over time.

Still trying to decide? For expert guidance and personalised advice, visit the specialists at Déco Surfaces in-store and find the perfect hardwood to match your style.

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