Hardwood Hardness Rating Chart

Wood Species Relative Hardness Table

Below are listed the relative hardness for numerous wood species used in flooring.  These ratings were done using the Janka Hardness Test, which measure the force needed to embed a .444 inch steel ball to half it's 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 as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring.  The construction and finish also play an important role in the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor.

WOOD SPECIES                                        RATING
Douglas Fir                                                       660
Southern Yellow Pine (shortleaf)                     690
Southern Yellow Pine (longleaf)                      870
Black Cherry                                                    950
Teak                                                                1000
Black Walnut                                                   1010
Heart Pine                                                       1225
Yellow Birch                                                    1260
Red Oak (Northern)                                          1290
American Beech                                              1300
Ash                                                                  1320
White Oak                                                       1360
Australian Cypress                                           1375
Hard Maple                                                      1450
Wenge                                                             1620
African Pedauk                                                1725
Bamboo                                                           1800
Hickory                                                            1820
Pecan                                                              1820
Purpleheart                                                     1860
Jarrah                                                              1910
Merbau                                                            1925
Tigerwood                                                       2160
Santos Mahogany                                            2200
Mesquite                                                          2345
Brazilian Cherry                                               2350
Brazilian Teak                                                  3540