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Nashville, TN, is a city rich with history, and often, the most valuable part of an older home is the floor beneath your feet. In homes established before World War II, the hardwood floors installed were typically solid, thick, and sourced from local, durable species. Identifying these woods is the first crucial step in our refinishing process, ensuring we treat your floor with the specific care—and products—it requires.
At Corlew and Perry, providing premiere services since 1927, our history is tied to the very floors of Greater Nashville. Our experts, like Charles Armour with his 49 years of experience, can instantly identify the species, age, and grain pattern, allowing us to perfectly restore your aged, abused, or damaged hardwood.
The Most Common Historic Nashville Wood Species
1. Oak (Red Oak & White Oak)
Oak is, without a doubt, the King of American hardwoods and the most common floor found in Nashville homes, both historic and modern.
Red Oak: Characterized by its porous, open grain and warm, slightly reddish tone. It takes stain exceptionally well and its prominent grain pattern helps hide minor dents and scratches.
White Oak: Features a tighter, less visible grain and a cooler, more neutral tone (often brownish-gray). White Oak is harder than Red Oak and is highly prized today for its ability to achieve modern, lighter stains (which pair beautifully with products like Bona or Pallman finishes).
2. Maple
Maple floors are typically seen in homes seeking a cleaner, more uniform appearance.
Characteristics: Maple has a very fine, subtle, and straight grain. Its inherent lightness makes it popular for natural or light-colored finishes. It is dense and hard, offering excellent durability.
Refinishing Note: Due to its density and tight grain, Maple can sometimes be difficult to stain evenly, which is why professional expertise is essential to prevent blotchiness when applying darker colors from lines like Duraseal or Minwax.
3. Southern Yellow Pine / Heart Pine
In the oldest homes, especially those built in the early 20th century, you may encounter pine, specifically Heart Pine.
Characteristics: Heart Pine is the dense, slow-growth center of the pine log. It is softer than oak, giving it a rustic, worn character full of unique knots and rich amber tones that deepen with age.
Refinishing Note: While softer, these old pine floors often possess an incredible charm. Our team understands how to sand softer woods carefully and applies specialized finishes to maximize protection and showcase their unique character.
Why Identification Matters for Restoration
The wood species dictates the sanding process, the stain penetration, and the type of finish required. Our hardwood floor refinishing service ensures that the product selected (including stains and sealers) is perfectly compatible with your home's unique wood. We don't just restore floors; we preserve the historic integrity of your home.
Do you have historic hardwood floors in your Nashville home that need attention? Call Corlew and Perry today to request your free estimate. Our skilled project specialists will identify your wood species and create a custom refinishing plan that is second to none!
