Relative Stability of Selected Wood Flooring Species
(Ranked by percentage of tangential shrinkage from green to ovendry moisture content)
Source: National Wood Flooring Association
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
Grade Levels
Knowing where the floor will be installed is essential. Before choosing a floor, it is important to determine if the room is above, on or below ground level.
Engineered flooring can be used in most areas in the home including rooms below, on or above ground level.
Solid wood floors are only recommended for above ground-level installations and must be nailed-down to a wood subfloor. These floors perform better in humidity-controlled environments.
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.