Red oak is the most common wood flooring option today. Its warm tones range in color from creamy pink and golden red to rusty brown. It also is known for having visible graining and color variations from plank to plank.
Oak is one of the most popular woods you'll see in the USA. In fact, it's probably what you think of when you think of hardwood flooring. As with teak, however, there are actually two different types of oak that are commonly used for flooring.
Softwoods like pine and cedar should generally be avoided for flooring due to their susceptibility to damage and wear over time. Opting for hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry is a better choice for flooring projects as they offer greater durability and longevity.
#1 Common Grade - Character Grade:
#1 Common grade hardwood flooring is the most popular and widely used grade in the US market. This grade of wood has more visible knots, mineral streaks, and color variations than clear or select grade, giving it a more natural and slightly rustic look.
Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.
Natural Color, Textures and Rustic Charm
Reclaimed wood flooring is at the forefront of this trend, as it not only showcases the beauty of natural wood but also embodies a commitment to sustainability. This desire to connect to nature has also led to an appreciation for natural textures in wood flooring.
Hickory (1,820) is the hardest domestic wood species available. Its natural grain patterns do an excellent job hiding scratches and dents, so it's perfect for homes with kids and pets. Many manufacturers choose hickory specifically for their most durable flooring lines.
Apply “The Rule of Three” to Home Flooring
This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.
Zebra Wood
This is probably the most expensive hardwood floors in the world. It is an exotic wood with an appearance that resembles the striping of a zebra. The zebra wood was a favorite choice among the rich – it was used inside luxury cars such as Mercedes Benz, but also in Prada's flagship store in Manhattan.
Typically, solid hardwood flooring is between 5/16 and ¾ inches thick. Those are pretty standard thicknesses that serve most needs. Engineered hardwood can come in different thicknesses but generally, it's about the same offerings as solid hardwood.
Prime grade or AB-grade wood flooring is the highest quality of hardwood flooring that you can find.
If you're on a budget or simply looking for maximum levels of practicality, then an LVT can be a fantastic choice. If you have a slightly larger budget and looking for real quality, it is well worth investing in solid wood or engineered wood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring, owing to the use of supplemental materials, is the more affordable option between the two. Conversely, the use of 100% authentic wood in solid wood flooring makes it the pricier choice.
White Oak Plank Flooring
White oak is one of the more durable domestic hardwoods available. On the Janka scale, white oak is rated at 1360, behind only hickory and maple. But durability is more than just hardness. White oak accepts finishes and stains quite well, which further protect it.
Many home experts agree that the floor color should be darker than the walls. The rule generally applies because lighter walls and a dark floor make the room seem larger. Most homeowners prefer a spacious looking interior. However, the rule can change with low ceilings.
Buy the amount of flooring needed, plus another 20-percent. This number is comprised of the 100-percent of flooring needed to cover the area, plus as much as 15-percent to account for installation wastage and 5-percent to account for defective materials.
The key to staggering the seams of your floor is mixing up the lengths of the planks you use. This is easy if your wood flooring comes in different sizes. If it doesn't, you'll have to cut planks to create your stagger effect. The first board of each row will set the foundation for your stagger pattern.
Wider boards are usually used for flooring because they better reflect the design and patterns of the wood. Although hickory wood is harder than many other kinds of wood, a major drawback is that it is very prone to swelling.
The Best Time of Year to Buy Flooring
In fact, it's usually right around the New Year. Unlike cars, boats, and appliances that change models every year, flooring prices drop around the New Year because that is when demand is at its lowest and warehouses are willing to make deals to move product.
Conclusion: What Flooring is Best Value for Money
For the best balance of affordability, durability, and looks, consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These fall in the mid-range price point, costing $3 to $7 per square foot. For the absolute lowest price, sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles are unbeatable at $.
Pale Brown and Medium Brown are the epitomes of timeless hardwood floor color. These shades offer warmth and versatility, blending seamlessly with various decor styles and color palettes.
If you enjoy lighter flooring, white oak and white maple are two of the best choices for a neutral color that won't go out of style anytime soon. If darker tones are more your type, walnut and cherry woods are both classic looks, according to Washco for Martha Stewart.