Recording Studio Building in Virginia Beach

White Oak

Highly durable (Janka hardness - 1,350)
Ideal for high-traffic areas.
White Oak is lighter brown with a subtler, grayish-brown grain.
Cost: $5–$15 per sqft.
Widely available
Staining with various finishes

Red Oak

Highly durable (Janka hardness - 1,200)
Ideal for high-traffic areas.
Red Oak has a warm, reddish tone with prominent grain
Cost: $4–$12 per sqft.,
Widely available
Staining with various warmer finishes

Walnut

Fairly hard (Janka hardness: 1,010),
Less ideal for high-traffic areas but suitable for bedrooms, offices, or livingrooms
Rich, dark brown to blackish tones with a straight grain, offering a luxurious, elegant look
Cost: $5–$15 per sqft.
Usually Available
Stains a variety of dark brown shades

Maple

Extreamly hard (Janka hardness: 1,450), resistant to dents, suitable for busy households.
Ideal for high-traffic areas.
Light, creamy color with a smooth, uniform grain and subtle swirls; less pronounced than oak.
Cost: $4–$12 per sqft.
Widely available
Takes stain unevenly due to tight grain, best left natural or with light finishes

Hickory

Durability: Extremely hard (Janka hardness: 1,820)
Excellent for heavy wear and pet-friendly homes
Bold, varied grain with dramatic color variations (light tan to reddish-brown), rustic charm
Cost: $4–$12 per sqft.
Usually available
Busy grain may not suit minimalist designs

Cherry

Moderately hard (Janka hardness: 950),
Best for low-traffic areas like dining rooms and bedrooms
Warm, reddish-brown hue that darkens with age, with a smooth, fine grain for a refined look
Cost: $5–$14 per sqft
Widely available
Tends to take stains unevenly due to tight grain, so is best left natural or with light finishes

Ash

Durability: Hard (Janka hardness: 1,320),
Hardness is comparable to oak, however vulnerable to moisture if not sealed properly.
Light, creamy tones with pronounced grain similar to oak, offering a clean, modern aesthetic.
Cost: $3–$10 per sqft.
Availability: Less common
Stains a variety of dark brown shades

Mahogany

Durability: Relatively soft (Janka hardness: 800–900), but there are harder varieties
Better for low-traffic areas due to softer nature
Deep reddish-brown with a straight, fine grain, exuding luxury and warmth
Cost: $8–$18 per sq. ft. due to exotic sourcing
Availability: Rare
Takes stain wonderfully resulting in warmer, darker browns with red hues.

Bamboo

Technically a grass, often classified as hardwood
Durability: Varies (Janka hardness: 1,380–3,000, depending on strand-woven vs. traditional)
Light to medium tones with a linear grain or distinctive knuckle pattern, eco-friendly appeal.
Cost: $3–$10 per sq. ft. however, quality varies widely.
Uncommon

Birch

Durability: Moderately hard (Janka hardness: 1,260)
suitable for moderate-traffic areas.
Light, pale yellow to reddish-brown tones with a fine, wavy grain, similar to maple but with more color variation.
Cost: $3–$9 per sq. ft.
Moderately Common
Versatile staining options

Exotic Hardwoods (e.g., Brazilian Cherry, Teak, Ipe)

Durability: Extremely hard (Janka hardness: Brazilian Cherry 2,350, Teak 1,070, Ipe 3,680),
Brazilian Cherry and Ipe are ideal for high-traffic or humid areas.
Vibrant colors (reds, deep browns) with unique, intricate grains.
Cost: Premium ($8–$20+ per sq. ft.), higher due to import costs and sustainability concerns.
Rare, only few sources
Luxurious statement