Each different type of wood has different strengths, different colors, and different styles of graining. Before you decide for sure on one over another, try to look at as many options as you can. In order to help you, I've assembled a lowdown on each of the major types of hardwoods used in flooring (and even a few more exotic ones). I've added a pictures (or I'm in the process of finding a picture) for each type along with a short description. I hope something is of help: