What does species mean in product specifications?

Species identifies the biological type of wood (or other natural material) used in a product, often listed by common name and sometimes by botanical name.

Why do some products list a botanical name?

Botanical names reduce ambiguity because common names can refer to different species depending on region or manufacturer labeling.

What is face species vs core species?

Face species refers to the visible surface layer, while core species refers to the underlying structural layers. They can be different, especially in layered constructions.

Does species tell you how durable a floor will be?

Species can relate to certain physical properties, but overall durability depends on the full construction, finish/top layer, and how the product is made.

Species Spec Explained Common Name vs Botanical • Face vs Core • What “Species” Actually Means

“Species” is a common spec for products made from natural materials (especially wood). This page explains how species is listed on spec sheets, why common names can be confusing, and how species relates to appearance and basic physical properties. Reference-only: no product recommendations.

Quick answer

Species identifies the type of natural material used (commonly wood species), typically listed by a common name (like “oak”) and sometimes a botanical name. Species can influence appearance and some physical properties, but it does not fully describe overall performance without considering construction and surface/finish.

How Species Is Listed Explainers FAQ

How “species” Commonly Appears on Spec Sheets

Different manufacturers list species differently. The most useful listings reduce ambiguity and clarify what layer the species refers to.

Listing Style	Example	What it Tells You	Common Confusion
Common Name Only	“Oak”	General family/group label	May not specify red/white or exact species
Common Name + Subtype	“White Oak”	More specific identity	Still may not name the exact botanical species
Botanical Name	Quercus (genus), or a full species name	Most precise naming method	Often unfamiliar to consumers
Face Species vs Core Species	“Face: Oak / Core: Multi-ply”	Clarifies visible layer vs structural layers	Some listings only name the visible layer
“Species Blend” / Mixed	“Mixed hardwoods”	Multiple species may be used	Performance and appearance may vary within a lot

Quick Explainers

Why Common Names Can Be Misleading

Common names are not always precise. The same name can be used for different species in different regions, and different names can be used for the same species. That’s why some manufacturers include botanical names or more specific descriptors.

Face Species vs Core Species

In layered products, the face layer is the visible surface material, while the core provides structure. A product can list a premium face species while using a different material underneath, which is why “face vs core” clarity matters.

How Species Relates to Physical Properties

Species can correlate with measurable properties such as density or hardness, but real-world performance depends on the full system: surface/finish, construction method, and manufacturing tolerances. Treat species as one input, not a complete quality score.

FAQ

Is “oak” one species? ⌄

“Oak” is a broad label. It may refer to many related species. More specific listings (like “white oak”) reduce ambiguity, and botanical naming is the most precise.

Does the species name tell you the exact appearance? ⌄

Not exactly. Species influences typical grain and color tendencies, but appearance also depends on cut, grading, and finishing.

Is botanical naming always necessary? ⌄

Not always, but it helps when common naming is inconsistent or when a buyer needs precise identification. If a common name is vague, additional detail is useful.

Is species the same as hardness? ⌄

No. Species and hardness are related concepts, but hardness is a measurable property and species is an identifier. The same species can vary, and performance depends on construction and finish too.