Hello all! I really need help. So I just got my floors refinished and added new hardwoods to part of my house. The house was built in 1940’s. The contractor thought it was maple but once he put that down and stained it, it was very obvious it’s the wrong wood. Now he has no idea and we are stuck finishing the house until he finds out. He tore an older piece out, and asked around and concluded it was American Cherry. I don’t think it is... I asked the previous owner and they said they were pretty sure it is birch, but the contractor said he doesn’t see it. Just trying to get a second opinion and see if there is any way to eliminate any one piece of wood. Thanks guys.

I can’t seem to add a picture....

This is the best reference about identification of wood species that I know of.

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-arti ... ion-guide/

cherry is one of the softish 'hardwoods', where birch is often/usually pretty hard. I'm not sure how one could be taken for the other. Ask someone at a local cabinet shop, they should know.