Which hardwood species is best for your home?

Explore this guide to learn about oak, hickory, Brazilian cherry, and more.

Start your flooring project today!

Hardwood floors remain one of the most sought-after flooring options for homeowners. And for good reason—they’re durable, elegant, and timeless. Hardwood adds warmth, character, and value to your home. With proper maintenance, hardwood floors can last a lifetime, growing more beautiful with age.  However, choosing the right hardwood species can feel overwhelming with so many options available.


If you’re trying to decide between traditional or exotic hardwood flooring, this guide is here to make the decision easier. We’ll explore the most common hardwood floor species, highlighting their unique qualities, benefits, and what makes each one stand out. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect hardwood species for your home.


Traditional Hardwood Floor Species

Traditional hardwoods are timeless, easily accessible, and versatile. These species offer durability and classic styles that are ideal for any home.

1. Red Oak
Red oak is the most popular hardwood species—and for good reason. Its warm tones range from creamy pinks and golden reds to rustic browns. Red oak is known for its visible graining and color variation, making it perfect for homeowners who value character in their flooring. It’s also versatile enough to complement diverse styles, from classic to contemporary.

Best suited for:  Living rooms and spaces with moderate foot traffic.


2. White Oak
White oak is a "harder" wood, well-suited for high-traffic areas. Its grain patterns tend to be smoother yet maintain subtle variations in color and texture. This durability and versatility make white oak a popular choice for both minimalist and rustic décor styles.


Best suited for:  Entryways, kitchens, and other busy areas of the home.


3. Hickory
If you’re seeking a hardwood with distinct character and unmatched durability, hickory might be your best bet. Known for its shock resistance and density, hickory’s natural contrast—a mix of creamy whites and rich browns—creates a stunning visual. This species also retains stains exceptionally well, offering a wide range of color customization to match your décor.

Best suited for: Active households or spaces prone to wear and tear.


4. Ash

Ash is a bold and unique choice. Its graining can appear straight, wavy, or curly, adding dynamic movement to your floor. The color ranges from pale white to medium brown, which works well in both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Best suited for: Creating visually exciting yet sophisticated spaces.

5. American Cherry
American cherry flooring is softer but boasts unmatched elegance. Its natural graining and varying reddish hues bring warmth to any room. Over time, its color deepens, creating a rich patina that homeowners love.

Best suited for: Formal spaces like dining rooms or areas with lighter foot traffic.

6. Maple
Maple is one of the hardest domestic wood species, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its creamy white base color and subtle graining lend a clean, understated look to your home. Think of maple as beautiful, strong, and wonderfully versatile.

Best suited for: Busy family spaces and multipurpose rooms.


7. Walnut (American/Black Walnut)
Known for its rich brown tones and fine graining, walnut adds warmth and luxury to any home. However, it’s softer than other hardwoods, making it better suited for low-traffic areas.

Best suited for: Home offices, bedrooms, or low-traffic spaces.


Exotic Hardwood Floor Species


Exotic hardwoods bring unique patterns, colors, and durability that can elevate your home’s aesthetic. These species often stand out for their striking appearance and impressive longevity.


1. Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba)
Brazilian cherry is a top choice for exotic hardwood flooring—and for good reason. Its reddish and brown tones, often interspersed with lighter streaks, create a breathtaking contrast. However, keep in mind that Brazilian cherry can change color when exposed to sunlight, giving your floor a unique evolving quality.

Best suited for:  Spaces with natural light that highlight its dynamic hues.


2. Santos Mahogany
Similar to Brazilian cherry, Santos Mahogany offers beautiful color variation—from medium browns and oranges to darker shades. Its warm, tonal differences add sophistication while being slightly more understated than Brazilian cherry.


Best suited for:  Living spaces that balance elegance with comfort.


3. Tigerwood
True to its name, tigerwood features dramatic dark striping that contrasts with a golden or medium brown base. It’s often installed in wider planks to emphasize its bold personality, making it a stunning focal point.


Best suited for:  Stylish spaces like lounges, dining rooms, or entertainment areas.


4. Brazilian Teak
Renowned for its hardness, Brazilian teak (Cumaru) is built to last. Its varying tones of tan, medium brown, and red give it a natural look. Over time, exposure to light will even out these variations, creating a more unified appearance.


Best suited for:  Active households and high-traffic areas where durability is essential.


5. Brazilian Walnut (Ipe)
Brazilian walnut is one of the hardest wood species available. Its deep brown tones and varied graining patterns exude luxury and elegance. This wood resists wear and warping, making it perfect for demanding environments.

Best suited for: High-traffic areas and homeowners seeking a refined, sophisticated look.


How to Choose the Perfect Hardwood Species

Choosing the right hardwood flooring depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and the specific needs of your space. Ask yourself these questions before deciding:


What's my home’s style? Opt for a species that complements your décor.

What’s the traffic like? High-traffic areas may require harder, more durable woods like hickory or Brazilian teak.

What’s my color preference? Decide whether you prefer bold contrasts, uniform coloring, or rich hues.

Do I want a traditional or exotic look? Traditional woods like oak and ash offer timeless appeal, while exotic woods like tigerwood or Brazilian walnut deliver a more unique aesthetic.

Elevate Your Home with Expert Flooring Assistance

Hardwood flooring is an investment that adds lasting value and beauty to your home. Whether you lean toward traditional or exotic species, this guide highlights just a few of the many options available to help you get started.

If you’re ready to transform your space, Avista Hardwood Flooring is here to help. From design consultations to expert installation, our team guides you every step along the way.  Call and book an appointment today to find your dream flooring. Your perfect floor awaits!




Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring – Which is Right for You?

When it comes to upgrading your floors, vinyl and laminate are two popular options that homeowners often consider. They both offer durability, stylish designs, and affordability, but understanding their differences can help you choose the best flooring for your needs.

This guide breaks down the key features of vinyl and laminate flooring, including their materials, styles, maintenance, and durability. By the end, you'll have everything you need to make the right decision for your space.

What is Vinyl Flooring and Laminate Flooring?

At first glance, vinyl and laminate may seem similar, but their differences lie in the materials and construction. Each has unique advantages depending on your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences.


Vinyl flooring is a synthetic, waterproof product made up of multiple compressed layers. It’s ultra-durable and versatile, available in different formats like flexible planks, semi-flexible planks, rigid core planks, and even peel-and-stick tiles.


Key Highlights:


1. Completely waterproof for use in any room, including bathrooms and laundry spaces.
2. Made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), with stabilizers to resist degradation and ensure longevity.
3. Designed with a decorative layer that mimics wood, stone, or tile.


Laminate flooring closely replicates the look of natural hardwood or stone but is primarily made of wood or stone composites. It’s a sustainable choice that’s recyclable and eco-friendly, offering more natural looks and textures.

Key highlights:

1. Composed of four durable layers, including high-density fiberboard (HDF) for stability and a wear layer for scratch resistance.
2. Provides a wide array of styles, colors, and finishes, often resembling high-end materials.
3. Higher resale value compared to vinyl flooring.


To understand the benefits of each option, it’s essential to explore their material makeup and the process behind their construction.

Vinyl Flooring Composition

Vinyl flooring typically features at least four layers:

1. Backing Layer: Provides stability and sometimes includes a built-in underlayment.
2. Core Layer: Made from PVC for strength and flexibility.
3. Decorative Layer: Printed imagery that mimics materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic.
4. Wear Layer: Offers protection against scratches and UV damage, ensuring longevity.


Vinyl is praised for its waterproof nature and versatile installation methods, including interlocking systems, glue-down applications, and peel-and-stick options.


Laminate Flooring Composition

Laminate flooring is constructed with layered materials:

1. Backing Layer: Adds stability and protects the flooring from moisture.
2. Core Layer: Features HDF for strength and resistance to indentations.
3. Decorative Layer: A high-resolution printed photograph that simulates wood or stone’s natural look.
4. Wear Layer: A transparent, tough coating that prevents scratches and adds durability.


Laminate is primarily installed using interlocking systems, making it an ideal DIY project for homeowners.


Appearance and Style


Both vinyl and laminate flooring are designed to enhance your home's aesthetics, but they offer different styles and finishes.


Vinyl has come a long way from its early beginnings, with luxury vinyl planks (LVP) now offering highly realistic designs. The thicker the core, the deeper the embossing, giving it a more authentic wood or stone texture.

While budget-friendly vinyl may lack the premium look, advanced options rival even the most expensive materials in appearance.


Laminate flooring is crafted for homeowners seeking breathtaking designs and rich textures. High-quality laminate often closely resembles hardwood or stone with options like:

1. Wood species (oak, cherry, maple, etc.)
2. Hand-scraped textures for a rustic feel
3. Tile or stone patterns in various colors


Laminate tends to offer more aesthetically pleasing results than vinyl, making it ideal for high-traffic living spaces or rooms needing a more polished look.


Durability & Maintenance

Durability is critical when choosing flooring for busy or messy households. Both vinyl and laminate are tough, but they differ in maintenance and resistance to water.

Vinyl Flooring

Durability: Perfect for homes with kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic, vinyl stands up to scratches and dents. Its waterproof construction makes it unbeatable for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.

Maintenance: Vinyl flooring is low-maintenance. Sweep away debris regularly, use a damp microfiber mop for cleaning, and opt for vinyl-safe commercial cleaners for deeper cleans.


Laminate Flooring

Durability: Laminate is highly scratch-resistant and great for busy areas. However, it is not entirely waterproof, so spills must be wiped promptly to prevent damage. For added moisture resistance, consider waterproof laminate flooring.

Maintenance: Laminate is also easy to clean. Use a dry microfiber mop for daily cleaning and spot clean spills with mild cleaners. Avoid abrasive tools, excessive water, or products like oil-based cleaners that can damage its surface.

Choosing Between Vinyl and Laminate Flooring

Ultimately, deciding between vinyl and laminate comes down to personal needs.
Here’s how to decide -

Choose Vinyl If:

1. You need waterproof flooring for areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or basements.
2. Easy maintenance and durability are top priorities.
3. You prefer flexible installation options (e.g., glue-down or peel-and-stick).

Choose Laminate If:

1. You want more realistic textures and high-end designs, especially in living spaces.
2. Sustainability and eco-friendliness matter to you.
3. Having a higher resale value is important.


Start Your Flooring Project Today! No matter which flooring you choose, investing in quality installation ensures your floors last for years to come. At Avista Hardwood Flooring, our expert vinyl and laminate floor installers are ready to bring your dream floors to life.


Shop the finest selection of vinyl and laminate flooring today and consult our professional flooring contractors in Nassau County. Contact us now to schedule your installation and bring timeless style and durability to your home!




Preserving Beauty and Value: Hardwood Floor Refinishing on Long Island

Hardwood flooring is a hallmark of refined interiors, prized for both its resilience and timeless style. For Long Island homeowners, maintaining the integrity and beauty of hardwood floors is not just a matter of pride, but a solid investment in the value of their property. At some point, cleaning and polishing alone won’t suffice, and refinishing your wood floors becomes essential. This comprehensive guide will explain when and why you should refinish your hardwood floors, factors that determine frequency, the long-term benefits, and why professional expertise is key for achieving superior results on Long Island.


Why Refinishing Is Essential for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors, constructed to endure decades of use, naturally undergo wear and tear. Daily cleaning and periodic polishing are crucial for maintaining their appearance, but over time, persistent foot traffic, environmental factors, and surface damage can cause your floors to fade, scratch, or lose their luster. Refinishing saves flooring from irreversible deterioration and restores its original appeal. More importantly, it preserves the substantial financial and environmental value of your investment.

Typical Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Wondering if your floor needs attention? Look for these common signs:

1. Visible Surface Scratches: Especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.
2. Loss of Shine: Polishing no longer revives the gleam.
3. Stains and Discoloration: Spills and sunlight may lighten or darken areas permanently.
4. Splintering or Warping: These may signal deeper damage beyond routine cleaning.
5. Water Damage: White spots or cloudy finishes can indicate moisture penetration.


A professional assessment, such as one offered by Avista Hardwood Flooring, will help you determine the best course of action.


How Often Should Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?


One of the most common questions homeowners on Long Island ask is, “How often should I refinish my hardwood floors?” The answer varies, as refinishing frequency depends on several unique factors:

1. Foot Traffic and Daily Use
Areas of your home that see frequent movement (living rooms, entries, kitchens) require more frequent refinishing, sometimes every 7-10 years. Bedrooms or offices, used less often, may only need refinishing every 10-15 years.

2. Maintenance and Cleaning Habits
Regular sweeping, dusting, and gentle cleaning with wood-safe products extend the lifespan of your finish. Using the proper floor cleaners and avoiding excessive water helps protect wood from damage between refinishing.

3. Type of Hardwood and Finish
Softer woods like pine may show signs of wear faster than durable options such as oak or maple. The finish type also matters; polyurethane finishes endure longer than natural oils or waxes.

4. Environmental Conditions
Long Island’s seasonal humidity swings can impact hardwood integrity. Maintaining optimal indoor humidity (between 35% and 55%) can minimize expansion and contraction, reducing the likelihood of cracks and splits.

5. Accidents and Unplanned Damage
Moving furniture, dropping heavy objects, or pet claws can all contribute to floor damage that accelerates the need for refinishing.


The Refinishing Process: What’s Involved?

Refinishing hardwood flooring is a multi-step process best performed by an experienced contractor. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Inspection & Preparation
An expert, like the team at Avista Hardwood Flooring, first inspects the floor to check thickness, type, and any underlying issues.

Step 2: Sanding
The team sands the floor down to bare wood, removing the old finish and surface imperfections. This phase is critical; uneven or excessive sanding can damage the floor’s structure.

Step 3: Repairs
After sanding, technicians address minor repairs, such as filling gaps or replacing damaged planks.

Step 4: Staining
You may opt for a new color or to enhance the wood’s natural grain with traditional or custom stains. An experienced contractor can help you visualize and choose the best hue to suit your décor.

Step 5: Finishing
A fresh finish protects the wood and provides the desired sheen, whether matte, satin, or gloss. Quality products ensure durability and longevity.

Step 6: Curing and Cleanup
After application, floors require time to cure. During this phase, foot traffic and furniture placement should be limited. Finally, your contractor will clean and restore the space, leaving you with pristine floors.


The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Refinishing

Homeowners sometimes hesitate to invest in refinishing, concerned about cost or inconvenience. However, comparing the expense of periodic refinishing to the immense cost of complete replacement, it becomes clear why experts recommend this maintenance as a smart investment.

Refinishing vs. Replacement

Refinishing: Typically extends a floor’s lifespan by decades, costing significantly less than installing new hardwood. Most floors can be refinished 4-6 times, depending on thickness.

Replacement: Requires demolition, subfloor work, material purchase, and professional installation, often costing 4-5 times more than refinishing.

Boosts Home Value
Real estate data consistently shows hardwood floors increase property resale value. Well-maintained flooring is a major selling point for buyers, especially on Long Island where aesthetic standards are high.

Sustainability Matters
Refinishing is inherently eco-friendly. By renewing existing wood floors instead of replacing them, you reduce waste and consumption, supporting a greener approach to home care.

Why Avista Hardwood Flooring Is Long Island’s Top Choice

Partnering with a trusted local expert is key to achieving success. Avista Hardwood Flooring brings decades of experience and technical expertise, helping Long Island homeowners revive and modernize their hardwood floors with minimal disruption. The team assists with every decision, from selecting stains that suit your lifestyle to applying finishes that hold up against high humidity and heavy use.

Avista’s dustless refinishing technology, clear communication, and attention to detail set the standard for excellence on Long Island. When you choose Avista, you’re investing in skilled craftsmanship designed to protect your flooring investment for years to come.

Take the Next Step Toward Beautiful Floors

Hardwood floor refinishing on Long Island offers clear value, impressive results, and long-term peace of mind. If you’re noticing dullness, scratches, or general wear on your hardwood, consider scheduling a professional evaluation. Regular refinishing preserves both the beauty and the structural integrity of your floors, boosts property value, and offers an environmentally conscious alternative to replacement.

If you’d like to discuss your options, color choices, or the refinishing process in more detail, connect with the team at Avista Hardwood Flooring. Their expertise ensures your project moves from start to finish with precision, transparency, and stunning final results.