Hardwood Flooring Wood Hardness Chart

Hardwood Flooring Wood Hardness Chart: Essential Aspects

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, beauty, and versatility. However, with so many different types of hardwood available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your home. One important factor to consider is wood hardness, which affects the durability and longevity of your floor.

The Janka Hardness Test is the industry standard for measuring wood hardness. It determines the force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball halfway into the wood. The higher the Janka rating, the harder the wood.

Wood Hardness Chart

Here is a general wood hardness chart for common hardwood flooring species:

Very Hard: Janka rating over 1500
- Ipe
- Ironwood
- Brazilian Walnut
Hard: Janka rating 1000-1500
- White Oak
- Red Oak
- Maple
- Hickory
Medium: Janka rating 700-1000
- Birch
- Walnut
- Cherry
- Ash
Soft: Janka rating below 700
- Pine
- Fir
- Spruce

Factors to Consider

When choosing a hardwood flooring species, it is important to consider the following factors in addition to wood hardness:

Foot traffic: The amount of foot traffic your floor will receive will affect how quickly it wears.
Moisture: Some hardwood species are more resistant to moisture than others.
Scratches and dents: Harder woods are less likely to scratch or dent.
Style: The color, grain, and texture of the wood will affect the overall appearance of your floor.

Conclusion

The Janka Hardness Test provides a valuable tool for evaluating the durability of different hardwood species. By considering the factors discussed above, you can choose a hardwood flooring that is both beautiful and long-lasting.