The Ultimate Guide to Real Hardwood Floors: Exploring Steller Floors' Premium Species
Check out Steller Floors' six premium American hardwood species in American Oak, Cherry, Hickory, Hard Maple, White Oak and Walnut. Each offers unique beauty and durability with a revolutionary floating floor system for easy installation and maintenance.
When choosing the perfect hardwood floor, the wood species you select sets the foundation for your entire space. At Steller Floors, we've carefully curated six exceptional American hardwood species, each precision-milled in our Tyrone, PA facility and engineered to work flawlessly with our revolutionary floating floor system.
What sets our floors apart is our commitment to quality - every plank is crafted from genuine solid hardwood, not engineered wood or veneer. Each piece is prefinished with UV-cured polyurethane and aluminum oxide hardeners in a satin sheen, then sealed with paraffin wax for superior liquid protection. This commercial-grade, low-VOC finish ensures your floor is designed to last a lifetime. Plus, our innovative patented system allows you to remove any single plank using just a suction cup, making repairs or style updates remarkably simple.
Let's explore each unique option and discover which one might be perfect for your home.
American Oak: Timeless Beauty Meets Exceptional Value
American Oak, often called Red Oak, remains our most popular choice among homeowners - and for good reason. Starting at just $14 per square foot with shipping included, it delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality. The wood features a pronounced grain pattern with stunning cathedral marks, creating a natural interplay of light and dark areas throughout each plank.
What makes our American Oak special:
- Versatile sandy blonde to peach undertones
- Excellent stain absorption while maintaining grain definition
- Superior durability for high-traffic areas
- 32 custom stain options to match any design vision
- Perfect for achieving the sought-after white oak look at a better price point
- Ideal for both traditional and contemporary spaces
Hard Maple: Modern Sophistication
For those seeking a more contemporary aesthetic, our Hard Maple offers an elegant solution. Sourced from the same trees that produce maple syrup, this species brings a unique brightness and subtle grain pattern that's perfect for modern interiors. The wood's natural iridescence creates a gentle shimmer that adds depth without overwhelming the space.
Notable characteristics:
- Clean, uniform appearance perfect for minimalist designs
- Subtle grain patterns that complement modern décor
- Exclusive Napa finish option for a marble-like effect
- Exceptional stability with our floating floor system
- Natural iridescent qualities that catch the light
- Premium package available at $17/sq ft including shipping
Hickory: Unmatched Strength and Character
As our hardest wood species, Hickory stands as a testament to both strength and beauty. Each plank tells its own story through dramatic grain variations and color contrasts, making every floor truly unique. While traditionally associated with rustic designs, our Nashville whitewash finish transforms this robust wood into a surprisingly modern statement piece.
What sets Hickory apart:
- Highest hardness rating in our collection
- Dramatic grain patterns with striking variation
- Excellent for high-traffic areas and active households
- Natural color variations within each plank
- Available in both traditional and whitewashed finishes
- Perfect for homeowners seeking maximum durability
White Oak: Refined Elegance
White Oak continues to lead design trends in 2025, offering a sophisticated neutral palette that designers and homeowners love. Distinguished by its browner, sandier tones compared to Red Oak, White Oak responds uniquely to our finishing processes, especially our whitewash treatments that can create an exclusive bluish hue unattainable with other species.
Key features:
- Natural brown-sandy undertones
- Unique reaction to whitewashing techniques
- Excellent stability and durability
- Perfect for statement floors
- Trending in modern home design
- Premium appearance with distinctive character
American Walnut: The Height of Luxury
For those seeking the extraordinary, our American Walnut delivers unparalleled sophistication. As our premium offering, Walnut showcases rich, dark tones and dramatic grain patterns that create instant impact in any space. Even with just a clear finish, this species exhibits a captivating "fire sheen" that adds depth and character to your floor.
Premium characteristics:
- Natural dark brown coloring requiring no stain
- Striking grain patterns with natural fire sheen
- Luxurious appearance perfect for upscale spaces
- Softer wood ideal for low-traffic areas
- Easy maintenance with our suction cup repair system
- Our most prestigious flooring option
American Cherry: Warm Sophistication
American Cherry brings a unique warmth and classic elegance to any space. With its subtle grain patterns and natural ruddier tones, Cherry offers a distinctive look that ages beautifully over time. The wood's natural shimmer, similar to Walnut but with its own unique character, creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for traditional homes.
Distinguished features:
- Classic ruddy tones that deepen with age
- Subtle grain patterns with natural shimmer
- Perfect for traditional and transitional spaces
- Beautiful aging properties
- Excellent with clear finish options
- Ideal for creating warm, inviting environments
Installation and Support
Every Steller Floors purchase includes our patented floating installation system, requiring no nails or glue. Our floors install easily over most subfloors, including concrete and radiant heat systems. We provide comprehensive support including:
- Free installation training
- Design consultation
- Video tutorials
- Live installation support
- 24/7 customer service
- Professional installation through our Steller Partners Program
Ready to explore our premium hardwood collection? Contact us at 1-800-955-7671 or visit our showroom in Tyrone, PA. Our team is ready to help you choose the perfect species for your space.