Neither wood is universally "better"; the right choice depends on your project's aesthetic and functional needs. Maple is harder and features a sleek, modern, nearly grain-free look. Oak is slightly softer but more rustic, forgiving with scratches, and takes stains exceptionally well.
Cost Comparison
The price of oak and maple are similar but can vary based on the type of project, quality of lumber, and your local supply. Generally speaking, oak tends to be slightly more expensive than maple due to its higher demand in various industries.
Oak wood is celebrated for its strength and timeless look, but it has notable drawbacks: high upfront costs, extreme weight, and a tendency to warp or crack in humid conditions. Its dense, coarse grain can also make it difficult to cut and finish without professional tools.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
Flooring trends prioritize grounding warmth and natural beauty. Dominant styles include wide-plank light oak, intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron, low-sheen matte textures, and the practical durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
Joanna Gaines is known for her signature "modern farmhouse" aesthetic, relying on light wide-plank wood, vintage checkerboard tile, patterned cement, and earthy volcanic ash. She frequently uses durable, high-quality flooring materials that blend old-world character with family-friendly functionality.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
White oak is durable, timeless, and versatile. Its warm, natural look works in both modern and classic kitchens. White oak wood is also one of the most popular hardwoods for cabinetry in 2025.
Healthiest Flooring Types Compared
The phrase "number 1 wood" typically refers to either a driver (the 1-wood in a golf set designed for the longest distance), a premium lumber grade (#1 Common or #1 Grade lumber), or an unfinished wooden cutout used for arts, crafts, and decor.
Ash is the best alternative to oak, often called "poor man's oak" for its similar open-grain structure, strength, and lower cost. It is highly stable and easily stained to mimic oak’s appearance. Other cost-effective options that can mimic oak's tone include maple, alder, and beech, or veneers for cabinets.
Maple cabinets are making a strong comeback. Moving away from the 1990s yellow-toned finishes, today's designers are embracing natural maple's light, clean aesthetic, making it a popular choice for Scandinavian, transitional, and minimalist kitchens that prioritize warmth and organic beauty.
For designers and homeowners alike, luxury wood flooring is synonymous with one phrase: White Oak. White Oak flooring is a timeless choice that brings warmth and character to any space.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.
Flooring trends prioritize grounding warmth and natural beauty. Dominant styles include wide-plank light oak, intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron, low-sheen matte textures, and the practical durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
The wrong flooring choice can make a room look off and cause maintenance and cleaning issues. Designers say one of the worst flooring options is luxury vinyl planking for its upkeep and poor quality. Other flooring choices to avoid include mosaic tile, dark wood floors, and shiny wood flooring.
Dark Flooring
Dark-stained floors create a dramatic backdrop that allows furniture to stand out against the rich, velvety darkness. Additionally, the dark color absorbs and reflects light, adding depth and visual interest to the space throughout the home.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
Yes, dark wood floors are making a strong comeback in 2026, shifting away from the pale oak trends of previous years toward warmer, deeper, and more dramatic tones. Rich espresso, chocolate brown, and near-black stains are popular for creating a grounded, sophisticated, and luxurious atmosphere in modern interiors.
Joanna Gaines has not been diagnosed with a life-threatening or terminal illness; her primary health struggles involve a chronic back injury from high school that required two major microdiscectomy surgeries, most recently in December 2022 to treat herniated discs.
Do builders use luxury vinyl in high end homes? Hardwood flooring is typically the most popular choice for high end homes. However, some extremely discerning customers request vinyl, particularly if they have children, due to its increased durability.
Joanna and Chip Gaines' eldest son, Drake, is now a college junior, balancing life as a baseball player at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Drake has developed a passion for cooking protein-packed meals with his girlfriend.