What Is the Most Durable Hardwood Flooring Available?

Hardwood flooring is known for its durability and for standing up against all sorts of different scratches and stains—but did you know that some hardwood floors are more durable than others?

Each type of wood is rated on the Janka hardness scale, which measures the force needed to roll a steel ball halfway through a piece of hardwood. The higher the Janka rating, the more durable a hardwood floor is.

This post will cover the most durable types of wood so you can have an easier time choosing the right hardwood floor for your home:

• Oak: Oak is the most common type of hardwood species used in American flooring. It has a Janka rating of about 1300, placing it in the middle of the scale. That’s not to say it’s weak, though—oak can withstand anything you throw its way.
• Hickory: With a Janka rating of 1820, hickory is the hardest domestically-grown hardwood species. In addition to its durability, many homeowners choose hickory because of its striking colors and grain patterns.
• Santos mahogany: This hardwood species is known for its deep red color and tight grain. It’s a common choice for homeowners with pets and kids because it has a Janka rating of 2200.
• Maple: Maple’s creamy color and light grains make it popular in contemporary designs. Because it has a Janka rating of 1450, most basketball courts are made of this durable hardwood floor.
• Ebony: Because it’s so rare, you may never actually encounter ebony hardwood. In addition to its jet-black appearance, this durable hardwood floor is sought after for its incredibly high Janka rating of 3220.
• Teak: Teak wood is naturally water resistant, which is why it’s often used on boats. Along with standing up to water spills in your kitchen, its Janka rating of 2330 means it’ll hold up against scratches from pets, kids and anything in between.
• Brazilian teak: Also known as cumaru, Brazilian teak boasts a Janka rating of 3540. Along with its incredibly high rating, this is one of the most affordable imported hardwood species.
• Ash: Ash floors are getting harder to come by these days because they’re threatened by the emerald ash borer beetle. If you’re able to source them, you’ll love ash’s 1320 Janka rating.
• Brazilian cherry: You won’t have to worry about beetles or any other insects threatening Brazilian cherry—this species is resistant to termites and all sorts of different pests. It also boasts a Janka rating of 2350.
• Tigerwood: Tigerwood gets its name from the grain stripes that look similar to a Bengal tiger. Along with its unique appearance, tigerwood is desired for its 2250 Janka rating.

Protect your floors with an area rug

Even the most durable hardwood floor needs a little extra protection, and your best bet is protecting them with a high-quality area rug. If it’s time to have your area rugs cleaned, hire our team at Valley Carpet Cleaning. Reach out to us today to learn about our cleaning specials.

Categorised in: Floor Cleaning

This post was written by Writer