Best Hardwood Flooring Options for Metro Detroit Homes

Metro Detroit homeowners rely on Al Havner & Sons Hardwood Floors to navigate Michigan’s challenging climate and select the best wood species for lasting beauty and performance.

Choosing the Best Hardwood Species for Michigan Homes

From Royal Oak and Birmingham to Ann Arbor and Troy, Metro Detroit residents face wide temperature swings and seasonal humidity. The right hardwood species can withstand winter dryness, summer moisture, and heavy foot traffic at campus events near Wayne State University or family outings along the Detroit Riverwalk. At Al Havner & Sons, our 5th-generation craftsmen combine award-winning installations with Michigan-specialized expertise to guide you through every step of selecting, installing, and finishing your floors.

Oak: The Classic Choice for Stability and Versatility

• Red Oak offers a warm, traditional look with good hardness (1,290 on the Janka scale), making it ideal for dining rooms near Campus Martius Park or living spaces overlooking Belle Isle.
• White Oak provides superior moisture resistance and dimensional stability, perfect for kitchens in Bloomfield Hills or foyer areas by the Henry Ford Museum.

Learn more about our complete range of hardwood floor types and find the perfect match for your Detroit-area home.

Maple and Hickory: Superior Hardness for High-Traffic Areas

• Hard Maple boasts a Janka rating of 1,450, making it a top pick for busy family rooms in Dearborn Heights or playrooms near Northville’s Heritage Park.
• Hickory excels at 1,820 Janka, absorbing heavy wear in entryways, hallways, and Staircase Flooring projects where durability is critical.

Our veteran-trained team ensures precision installation and on-site sanding to achieve a flawless finish, even on stair risers and treads.

Exotic Woods: Brazilian Cherry and Walnut for a Luxurious Touch

• Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) delivers a deep red hue and a Janka hardness of 2,350—ideal for upscale dining rooms in Troy or wine cellars in Farmington Hills.
• American Black Walnut features rich chocolate tones and a moderate 1,010 Janka rating, adding elegance to home offices near the Detroit Institute of Arts.

While exotics offer stunning aesthetics, they require expert acclimation and installation—trust our award-winning crews to handle every detail.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood: Making the Right Investment

Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles and humidity spikes make engineered hardwood an attractive alternative to solid planks. Engineered floors feature a hardwood veneer over a layered core, reducing expansion and contraction in neighborhoods like Sterling Heights, Auburn Hills, and Farmington.

Understanding Construction and Installation

• Solid Hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and can be sanded multiple times—ideal for homeowners near Birmingham’s Shain Park seeking long-term refinishing.
• Engineered Hardwood uses cross-layered plywood beneath a hardwood top layer, enhancing stability in high-moisture areas like basements by the Detroit River.

Explore our Installation Services near Dearborn Heights and Grosse Pointe to see how we tailor each project to your sub-floor type and layout.

Performance in Metro Detroit’s Winter

Winter in Metro Detroit can drop humidity below 30%, causing solid boards to shrink and gap. Engineered planks resist this movement, delivering a tighter fit through the North American International Auto Show season and winter festivals in Belle Isle. Our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee ensures your floors remain beautiful year-round.

Finishes and Maintenance: Protecting Your Floors Year-Round

On-Site Custom Finishing for Seamless Results

Al Havner & Sons offers on-site sanding and finishing that matches your décor—matte, semi-gloss, or high gloss. Our state-of-the-art dust containment system and VOC-compliant finishes keep your Grosse Pointe or Livonia home clean and healthy during refinishing.

Seasonal Care: Summer Humidity and Winter Dryness

• Summer: Maintain indoor humidity between 35–55% to prevent cupping. Use humidifiers for dry spells and air conditioning during peak Detroit Jazz Festival heat.
• Winter: Increase humidity with whole-house humidifiers to minimize shrinkage. Wipe snow and salt off floors after trips through downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius Park.
• Cleaning: Sweep daily and use pH-neutral cleaners. Avoid steam mops that can damage wood fibers.

Special Projects: Stairs, Emergency Repairs, and Bundled Services

Hardwood Flooring for Stairs: Style and Safety

Our staircase specialists transform plain steps into architectural highlights. In Royal Oak and Birmingham homes, we integrate nosing, risers, and custom treads that meet code requirements and enhance resale value.

Emergency & On-Call Services for Urgent Repairs

Got water damage after a burst pipe in Novi or sudden storm damage near the Detroit Riverwalk? Our weekend availability and rapid response team handle emergency floor repair in Dearborn Heights and beyond. Contact us immediately to stop warping and staining.

Bundled Discounts and Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

• Free Discounts for Bundled Services: Combine installation, refinishing, and stair projects for cost savings.
• Veteran-Trained Team: Rigorous in-house training ensures consistent quality across 40+ service areas, including Ann Arbor, Canton, and Sterling Heights.
• Award-Winning Installations: Winner of two National Wood Flooring Association “Floor of the Year” contests.
• 5th-Generation Family Business: Decades of craftsmanship passed down—your floors reflect our legacy.

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

Whether you’re updating a Victorian home near the Henry Ford Museum or outfitting a modern loft in downtown Detroit, our Michigan-specialized expertise ensures durable results. From Bloomfield Hills to South Lyon, homeowners appreciate our attention to detail, premium materials, and commitment to precision. Let us guide you through species selection, finish options, and maintenance plans tailored to our unique climate.

See our recent projects along the Detroit Riverwalk, at Miller-Wood Park in Royal Oak, or in a Tudor-style residence near Northville’s Mill Race Village. For a free consultation, explore our full list of services or contact us today. Experience the difference of a family-owned, award-winning team dedicated to your long-lasting satisfaction.