There is a common phrase that states that a person or thing is a product of its environment. When it comes to the wood used in hardwood flooring, there’s truth to that statement right from where the tree is grown.

Certain species grow in cold, dry climates with short growing seasons, and others in wet, humid environments.

For instance, if you take white oak- the most common species for flooring in North America- you’ll find plenty of differentiation in appearance and stability based on where the tree grew. In the northern forests of areas like Michigan or Wisconsin, there are slower-growth trees which produce a tighter grain pattern. This tighter grain allows for more directional stability, aka less movement. Additionally, due to the soil composition and presence (or lack thereof) of certain minerals, you’ll also find more uniform appearances.

When it comes to white oak lumber that is harvested in southern states such as Georgia or Alabama, the wood is exposed to significantly longer growing seasons. Grain is less tight, and opens up to exposure of minerals and nutrients that give it more extreme color variation.

At Muscanell, we source our lumber from reputable, sustainably managed lumber mills in in the northern and Appalachian regions, ensuring our hardwood floors combine a beautiful, tight-grain appearance and long-lasting, high-quality performance.