Picking a hardwood species and finish affects how the floor looks, wears, and how much upkeep it needs.
Red and white oak are the most common choices in Northeast Ohio — hard, take stain evenly, and easy to match later. Maple is harder but shows scratches more visibly. Walnut is softer and darker, more formal but dents more easily.
Plain-sawn boards show the classic "cathedral" grain and are the most budget-friendly. Rift and quarter-sawn cost more but show straighter grain and move less with humidity changes.
Matte and satin finishes hide dust and small scratches better than high-gloss, which is why most homes we work in choose them.
Bring us photos of floors you like — it's the fastest way to narrow down species, stain, and sheen together.
