Species selection determines colour range, hardness, dimensional stability and long-term availability. It is a technical decision as much as an aesthetic one.
01Common commercial species
European Oak — the dominant commercial species, wide colour range through staining and reactive treatments, stable in engineered construction, secure long-term supply. American Oak — similar hardness, tighter colour range, slightly different grain character. Ash — pale substrate, accepts stain well, softer than oak. Walnut and other feature species — narrower supply, higher rate, typically used in defined feature areas rather than full floors.
Availability matters at specification stage. A species tied to constrained supply — regional endemics, protected sources, single-mill runs — creates programme risk on staged draws and re-orders. The specification should confirm long-term availability alongside performance.