The relative hardness of wood species is measured using what is called a Janka Hardness Rating. This test measures the force needed to embed a steel ball (.444 inch in diameter) to half its diameter in the piece of wood being tested, with the rating measured in pounds of force per square inch. So with this rating system, the higher the number the harder the wood.
Wood hardness is important since one of the key considerations in selecting the species of wood floor your floor should be how much resistance the wood has to scratches and indentations. For example, if you have a dog with long nails then scratching the floor is a consideration and you should select a species with a higher rating such as hickory, maple, oak or ash.
Janka Hardness Rating
(Highest to Lowest)
2350 - Brazilian Cherry
2345 - Mesquite
2200 - Santos Mahogany
1820 - Hickory
1820 - Pecan
1450 - Hard Maple
1360 - White Oak
1320 - Ash
1300 - American Beech
1290 - Red Oak(Northern)
1260 - Yellow Birch
1225 - Heart Pine
1010 - Black Walnut
1000 - Teak
950 - Black Cherry
870 - Southern Yellow Pine (long leaf)
690 - Southern Yellow Pine (short leaf)
660 - Douglas Fir
380 - White Pine
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