06/04/2026
HARDWOOD FLOORING GUIDE: THE BEST WOOD SPECIES FOR ILLINOIS HOMES
If you’re considering hardwood floor installation, hardwood floor refinishing, or replacing old flooring, understanding the differences between wood species can help you make the right investment for your home.
At A Plus Hardwood Floors Inc., we install and refinish hardwood floors throughout Palatine, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Inverness, Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, Deer Park, Kildeer, Northbrook, Glenview, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Wauconda, Grayslake, Crystal Lake, Cary, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, McHenry, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, and surrounding Illinois communities.
MOST POPULAR HARDWOOD FLOOR SPECIES
WHITE OAK HARDWOOD FLOORS
White Oak is currently one of the most requested hardwood flooring species for both traditional and modern homes.
Pros:
✔ Excellent durability and stability
✔ Beautiful grain pattern
✔ Accepts stain colors exceptionally well
✔ Available in natural, light, medium, and dark finishes
✔ Ideal for modern, farmhouse, and contemporary designs
Cons:
✘ Higher material cost than Red Oak
✘ More noticeable grain pattern than Maple
RED OAK HARDWOOD FLOORS
Red Oak has been one of America’s most popular hardwood flooring species for decades.
Pros:
✔ Excellent value
✔ Readily available
✔ Easy to repair and refinish
✔ Traditional hardwood floor appearance
Cons:
✘ More red and pink undertones
✘ Slightly softer than White Oak
✘ More seasonal movement than White Oak
HICKORY HARDWOOD FLOORS
Hickory is one of the hardest domestic hardwood species available.
Pros:
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Great for active households
✔ Excellent resistance to dents and wear
✔ Distinctive rustic character
Cons:
✘ Significant color variation
✘ More difficult to install and sand
✘ Not ideal for homeowners seeking a uniform appearance
MAPLE HARDWOOD FLOORS
Maple flooring offers a clean, modern appearance and exceptional hardness.
Pros:
✔ Smooth grain pattern
✔ Contemporary look
✔ Highly durable
✔ Popular in luxury homes
Cons:
✘ More difficult to stain evenly
✘ Color matching repairs can be challenging
AMERICAN CHERRY HARDWOOD FLOORS
Cherry flooring provides warmth, elegance, and timeless beauty.
Pros:
✔ Rich natural color
✔ Elegant appearance
✔ Ages beautifully
Cons:
✘ Softer than Oak and Hickory
✘ More susceptible to dents
✘ Darkens naturally with age and sunlight
ACACIA HARDWOOD FLOORS
Acacia flooring has become increasingly popular because of its dramatic grain patterns and exotic appearance.
Pros:
✔ Unique character
✔ Excellent durability
✔ Distinctive appearance
✔ Highly resistant to everyday wear
Cons:
✘ Significant natural color variation
✘ Future repairs may not blend perfectly
✘ Product quality varies by manufacturer
WHY HARDWOOD FLOOR ACCLIMATION IS IMPORTANT
One of the most overlooked parts of a successful hardwood floor installation is acclimation.
Hardwood flooring should typically acclimate inside the home for approximately 5–7 days before installation. Wood naturally expands and contracts as humidity and temperature change.
Improper acclimation can lead to:
• Gaps between boards
• Cupping
• Crowning
• Buckling
• Excessive movement
Before installation, moisture levels in the flooring, subfloor, and home environment should be properly evaluated.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR FINISH
Whether your floors are finished with Bona Traffic HD, waterborne polyurethane, or another professional-grade finish, proper maintenance will significantly extend the life of your investment.
Recommended:
✔ Vacuum or sweep regularly
✔ Use felt furniture protectors
✔ Maintain indoor humidity between 35% and 55%
✔ Clean with hardwood-floor-approved cleaners
✔ Place mats at exterior entrances
Avoid:
✘ Steam mops
✘ Excess water
✘ Vinegar-based cleaners
✘ Murphy’s Oil Soap
✘ Dragging furniture across the floor
HOW LONG DO HARDWOOD FLOORS LAST?
A professionally installed hardwood floor can last 50 to 100 years or more when properly maintained. Unlike carpet, laminate, or vinyl flooring, real hardwood floors can often be sanded and refinished multiple times, making them one of the most valuable long-term investments for your home.
Looking for hardwood floor installation, hardwood floor refinishing, hardwood floor sanding, stain color changes, stair refinishing, or hardwood floor repairs in Palatine, Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, Long Grove, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Crystal Lake, Cary, Algonquin, or surrounding areas?
A Plus Hardwood Floors Inc. specializes in:
• Hardwood Floor Installation
• Hardwood Floor Refinishing
• Hardwood Floor Sanding
• Hardwood Floor Staining
• Stair Tread Refinishing
• Hardwood Floor Repairs
• Custom Stain Color Matching
• Prefinished and Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Call A Plus Hardwood Floors Inc.
(224) 602-5151
What hardwood species do you currently have in your home?