Best Hardwood Flooring Species for Metro Detroit Homes

For homeowners across Metro Detroit, Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring brings 5th-generation family craftsmanship and award-winning installations to every project, selecting the ideal wood species to thrive in Michigan’s humid summers and freezing winters.

Choosing the Best Hardwood Species for Metro Detroit’s Climate

Metro Detroit’s climate poses unique challenges for hardwood floors. From the humidity spikes along the Detroit Riverwalk in summer to sub-zero temperatures near Belle Isle in winter, proper species selection is critical. At Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring, our Michigan-specialized expertise ensures your floors remain stable year-round. Whether you live in Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Troy, Ferndale or Birmingham—or enjoy events like Detroit River Days, Motor City Pride, or the Ann Arbor Art Fair—your floors will look stunning through every season.

Top 5 Hardwood Species for Michigan Homes

• White Oak: Highly durable and less prone to gapping, White Oak performs well near the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle. Its tight grain handles humidity swings elegantly.
• Hard Maple: With a fine, uniform appearance, Hard Maple resists dents and moisture. Ideal for family rooms in Troy or kitchens near Eastern Market in downtown Detroit.
• Hickory: The hardest domestic species, Hickory offers dramatic color variation and superior wear resistance—perfect for high-traffic levels at the Detroit Institute of Arts or near the Renaissance Center.
• Red Oak: A classic choice, Red Oak balances affordability and performance. Its wide availability makes it popular in Ann Arbor north of the University of Michigan campus.
• American Walnut: Known for rich, dark tones, Walnut adds luxury to living rooms in Birmingham or den areas overlooking the Rouge River. While slightly softer, it’s perfect for low-traffic zones.

Installation & Finishing for Long-Lasting Performance

Choosing the right species is just the first step. Proper installation and finishing protect your investment. At Al Havner & Sons, our veteran-trained team masters both hardwood floor installation services and on-site custom finishing to deliver seamless results. Our Michigan-specialized expertise addresses:

• Subfloor Preparation: Ensuring level, dry foundations to prevent cupping or buckling.
• Sanding & Staining: Combining durable stains with preferred sheen levels for homes in Royal Oak, Madison Heights, or Ferndale.
• Protective Finishes: Applying water-based or oil-based polyurethane tailored to climate demands and foot traffic.
• Engineered vs. Solid Wood Mastery: Advising on engineered planks near high-moisture areas like bathrooms overlooking the Detroit River and solid wood in living spaces.

Bundled services save you money—combine installation and refinishing for exclusive discounts. Plus, with award-winning staff and two “Floor of the Year” honors from the National Wood Flooring Association, you’re guaranteed meticulous craftsmanship.

Maintaining Your Hardwood Floors Through Detroit Seasons

Even the toughest species require regular care. Our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee ensures we’re on call for emergencies—weekends included. Whether you need an emergency repair in Dearborn Heights or routine upkeep in Sterling Heights, follow these tips:

• Humidity Control: Use humidifiers in winter near Bloomfield Hills to avoid excessive shrinkage, and dehumidifiers in summer to prevent cupping around landmarks like the Henry Ford Museum.
• Area Rugs & Pads: Place pads under furniture legs at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum entryway and runners along high-traffic corridors in Troy Summer Concert Series venues.
• Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum weekly to remove grit from sidewalks at the Detroit Riverfront and debris from pathways near Cranbrook Gardens.
• Seasonal Inspections: Schedule a spring check-up before the Motor City Pride festival and a fall tune-up ahead of the Rochester Hometown Christmas market.

For on-call service or a free, no-obligation quote, schedule online or call (248) 549-4640 today.

Why Al Havner & Sons is Metro Detroit’s Trusted Hardwood Flooring Partner

• 5th-Generation Family Business: Decades of craftsmanship passed down to every installer.
• Award-Winning Installations: Winners of 2 National Wood Flooring Association “Floor of the Year” contests.
• Michigan-Specialized Expertise: Deep knowledge of local humidity, temperature swings, and seasonal events.
• On-Site Custom Finishing: Sanding, staining, and sealing where you live—no prefab shortcuts.
• Emergency & On-Call Services: Weekend availability for urgent projects across Ferndale, Berkley, Grosse Pointe, and beyond.
• Bundled Service Discounts: Save when combining installation, refinishing, and stair installation.
• Solid & Engineered Wood Mastery: Expert guidance on the right material for kitchens, living rooms, and staircases.
• Serving 40+ Metro Detroit Cities: From Ann Arbor and Canton to Warren and Southfield.
• Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: Premium materials, precision installation, and lasting results.

Ready to select the perfect wood species for your Metro Detroit home? Explore our types of hardwood floors or contact us now to book an appointment. Your floors deserve the best—trust Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Flooring to deliver beauty, durability, and peace of mind.