If you're in the USA, species like White Oak, Maple and White Ash can be great cost-effective options for a real hardwood floor as they are domestic trees and don't have to be imported.

The hardest wood used for flooring is Ipe, also known as Lapacho, but it is very rare and expensive. The hardest wood commonly used for flooring is Hickory, which has a rating of 1820 on the Janka wood hardness chart.

Vinyl plank flooring is designed to look like hardwood planks, stone, or other natural materials—but requires a substantially lower cost investment: Typically $3 to $5 less per square foot.

Durability. Hardwood floors have a longer lifespan, but they must be carefully maintained. In terms of day-to-day use, vinyl is more durable although it is susceptible to cuts and scratches. Dust, dirt particles, high heels, and pet claws can damage hardwood floors.