White Oak and Red Oak woods are probably best known for their color and intense graining patterns. Quarter sawn and cross cut oak display a distinct vivid grain pattern including interesting wavy and concentric circle patterns as well as unique rays emanating from the center of the sapwood. Older, reclaimed oak has a better grain pattern than new oak wood. Reclaimed oak will also sometimes have worm holes or other types of patina and texture that is desirable in some application.
Chestnut Flooring, reclaimed from old buildings and houses.
Here is another blog on the topic:
http://useit2x.wordpress.com/
http://www.squidoo.com/eco-friendly-wood-flooring
