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Wood Types and Characteristics

WOOD CHARACTERISTICS                                                                                                  WOOD TYPES

Bellow are listed the relative hardness for numerous wood species used in flooring. These rating were done using the Janka Hardness Test, which measures 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 if any wood floor .

WOOD SPECIES                                                       JANKA HARDNESS RATING

 

 Douqlas Fir
Southern Yellow Pine (Shortleaf)
Southern Yellow Pine (Longleaf)
Black Cherry
Teak
Black Walnut
Heart Pine
Yellow Birch
Red Oak (Northern)
American Beech
Ash
White Oak
Australian Cypress
Hard Maple
Wenge
African Pedauk
Hickory
Pecan
Purpleheart
Jarrah
Merbau
Santos Mahogany
Mesquite
Brazilian Cherry

   660
   690
   870
   950
1000
1010
1225
1260
1290
1300
1320
1360
1375
1450
1620
1725
1820
1820
1860
1910
1925
2200
2345
2820

 

WOOD COMPARISON CHART
WOOD STRENGTHS DESIGN STYLE COLOR RANGE STAINABILITY DURABILITY
Australian Cypress Sometimes used as a substitute for heart/longleaf pine Rustic, casual Wide variation;
golden tones; high knot content		 Typically not stained; natural color 6% harder than red oak
Bamboo Considered a "green product"; is a grass, not a tree; plants regenerate quickly Contemporary or modern often used where minimal grin or pattern is desired Comes as a light cream or caramel color Accepts stain well Similar to oak in hardness
Brazilian Cherry Extremely durable Traditional to contemporary Deep red/orange/brown tones; minimal knots; tight straight grain Accepts stain well; darkens with exposure to light; dominant red toes return 82% harder than red oak
Domestic Cherry Beautiful delicate grain with character Formal/traditional for select grades; casual/rustic for character grades Golden/honey tones; wide color variation common within a plank Difficult to stain evenly; darkens with exposure to light 26% softer than red oak
Hickory Popular substitute for oak, walnut or mesquite; delicate grain with lots of character Casual or rustic Beige/tan; wide color variation within a plank Accepts stain well; color stable 41% harder than red oak
Sugar Maple Minimal grain, extremely tight color range in highest grades Contemporary, minimalist or modern; used where minimal grain or pattern is desired Creamy white in highest grade; wide variation in lower grades Difficult to stain evenly; ambers slightly with exposure to light 12% harder than red oak
Mesquite The most stable and one of the most durable woods; exquisite character Casual or rustic for character grades;traditional /formal for select grades Deep reddish brown or mahogany Accepts stain well; natural mahogany tones are dominant; darkens with exposure to light 82% harder than red oak
Oak The standard or basic floor material for years Grade and grain pattern can be manipulated to be formal or casual Red oak is slightly pink; white oak is beige/tan Accepts stain very well; color possibilities are almost endless Oak is typically used as the benchmark for hardness


 

 

 

 

 

 



 


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