Hardwood Flooring Hardness Scale Explained
- Published By: District Floor Depot
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Hardwood floors are rated on a scale by their hardness. A flooring product’s hardness determines its durability and resistance to scratches and scuffs. In this brief guide, we want to explain to our customers how the hardness scale works, and how a wood species’ hardness should impact your final purchase decision.
Red Oak is the benchmark by which all other species are compared. With a hardness rating of 1290, it strikes a perfect balance between standing up to daily wear and being easy to work with. Floors with higher hardness ratings will be more resistant to scratches and dents. It’s important to note that a wood’s species is not the only factor that contributes to the product’s durability. The Janka rating does not take into account other factors that affect the hardness of the floor such as finishes and manufacturing processes.
What is the Hardness Scale?
The most common scale used in the industry is called the Janka wood hardness scale. It is a universal system used by hardwood retailers and manufacturers to define the hardness of any particular wood species. A wood’s hardness is determined by the amount of force needed to drive a .444 inch diameter steel ball to a depth of half the ball’s diameter. The amount of force this takes, measured in pounds-force (ibf), becomes that species hardness rating. The higher the rating, the harder the floor.
Red Oak is the benchmark by which all other species are compared. With a hardness rating of 1290, it strikes a perfect balance between standing up to daily wear and being easy to work with. Floors with higher hardness ratings will be more resistant to scratches and dents. It’s important to note that a wood’s species is not the only factor that contributes to the product’s durability. The Janka rating does not take into account other factors that affect the hardness of the floor such as finishes and manufacturing processes.