While there are many factors to consider when choosing hardwood flooring, the durability of a particular hardwood is definitely one factor to consider. The harder a wood is the more durable it tends to be. A very popular choice in wood flooring is Northern Red Oak, so popular that it has become the benchmark in measuring and comparing the hardness of wood flooring.

The hardness of wood is measured with the Janka Hardness test. The Janka Hardness test measures the force needed to embed a .444 inch steel ball to half its diameter in a piece of wood. The higher the number the harder the wood. Although this is one of the best methods to measure the ability of wood species to withstand indentations, it should be used only as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring. The construction and finish also play an important role in the durability of wood floors.

Brazil Walnut - Ipe 3684
Brazil Teak - Cumaru 3540
Ebony 3220
Brazil Redwood - Paraju 3190
Bloodwood 2900
Red Mahogany 2697
Spotted Gum 2473
Brazil Cherry - Jatoba 2350
Mesquite 2345
Santos Mahogany - Cabreuva 2200
Brushbox 2135
Karri 2030
Sydney Blue Gum 2023
Bubinga 1980
Merbau 1925
Brazil Oak - Amendoim 1912
Jarrah 1910
Purpleheart 1860
Tigerwood - Goncalo Alves 1850
Hickory - Pecan 1820
Doussie 1810
African Padouk 1725
Kempas 1710
Wenge 1630
Sapele - Sapelli 1510
Hard Maple - Sugar Maple
Australian Cypress 1375
White Oak 1360
Tasmanian Oak 1350
Ash 1320
American Beech 1300
Red Oak (Northern) 1290
Yellow Birch 1260
Heart Pine 1225
Black Walnut 1010
Teak 1000
American Cherry 950
Southern Yellow Pine 870
Douglas Fir 660