Hardwood Hardness
Below is a list of relative hardness for numerous wood species  used in flooring. The higher the number the harder the wood. These ratings were determined using the Janka Hardness Test. This should only be used as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring. Depending on where the wood is harvested the results may vary + or -. Plank construction and finish are also important factors when determining the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor.
Relative Hardness of Selected Wood Flooring Species
(Ranked by Janka hardness rating)
| |
WOOD SPECIES |
|
RATING |
|
| |
Walnut, Brazilian |
|
3680 |
|
| |
Teak, Brazilian |
|
3540 |
|
| |
Purpleheart |
|
2890 |
|
| |
Cherry, Brazilian (jatoba) |
|
2820 |
|
| |
Bubinga |
|
2690 |
|
| |
Gum, spotted |
|
2473 |
|
| |
Mesquite |
|
2345 |
|
| |
Mahogany, santos |
|
2200 |
|
| |
Gum, Sydney blue |
|
2023 |
|
| |
Merbau |
|
1925 |
|
| |
Jarrah |
|
1910 |
|
| |
Hickory/pecan |
|
1820 |
|
| |
Padauk |
|
1725 |
|
| |
Wenge |
|
1630 |
|
| |
Maple, Brazilian |
|
1500 |
|
| |
Sapele |
|
1500 |
|
| |
Maple, hard |
|
1450 |
|
| |
Cypress, Australian |
|
1375 |
|
| |
Oak, white |
|
1360 |
|
| |
Oak, Tasmanian |
|
1350 |
|
| |
Ash, white |
|
1320 |
|
| |
Beech |
|
1300 |
|
| |
Oak, Northern red |
|
1290 |
|
| |
Birch |
|
1260 |
|
| |
Iroko |
|
1260 |
|
| |
Pine, heart (antique) |
|
1225 |
|
| |
Teak, Thai/Burmese |
|
1078 |
|
| |
Walnut, American black |
|
1010 |
|
| |
Cherry, black |
|
950 |
|
| |
Pine, Southern yellow (longleaf) |
|
870 |
|
| |
Pine, Southern yellow (loblolly/shorlteaf) |
|
690 |
|
| |
Douglas fir |
|
660 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
Source: National Wood Flooring Association |
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