When you’re shopping for timber flooring, there are usually two major features to look at before making a purchase: price, and durability.

Although there’s no “one size fits all” hardwood floor, every home needs a durable floor. While all hardwood timber is known for being hard-wearing and beautiful, there’s a few hardwood species that are exceptionally durable.

There are two “categories” of timber to choose from: domestic wood or exotic wood. Let’s take a look at both.

Domestic Wood

Affordable and durable, domestic hardwood will give you a beautiful, long-lasting floor at a reasonable budget.

1. Red Oak

Red oak scores a rating of 1290 on the Janka Hardness Scale and is arguably the most popular species in the domestic hardwood category. The color scale found in red oak planks range from light, reddish-pink to earthy shades of brown. Because of how soft it is, red oak floors are best in homes with minimal foot traffic.

2. White Oak

The Janka hardness rating for this timber species is 1360, which is slightly more than its Red Oak counterpart. The natural colors of this species range from light gold to deep brown, and it’s worth noting that White Oak planks are noticeably more water resistant than Red Oak. Because of its durability and ability to withstand (minimal) amounts of water, White Oak is a great option for large families – especially those living in humid climates.

3. Maple

Maple has a Janka Hardness Rating of 1450 and comes in a variety of light color shades. Although maple is slightly hard to stain, it’s extremely durable. In fact, many bowling alleys and basketball courts are made with maple timber flooring, for a clear indicator at how effective it would be for homes and businesses with high foot traffic.

4. Hickory

Hickory is one of the hardest domestic woods, with an impressive Janka hardness rating of 1820. It comes in many natural color variations ranging from blonde to chocolate. Its incredible durability makes hickory a great option for homes with pets, young children, or lots of guests.

Exotic Wood

Exotic woods have a unique appearance and are known to be significantly more durable than domestic timbers – as a result of their high demand, most exotic hardwoods are much more expensive than their domestic counterparts.

1. Brazilian Cherry

An extremely durable timber, Brazilian Cherry has earned a Janka Hardness Rating of 2820.Available in vast color variations, Brazilian Cherry is the most popular exotic wood species – despite the elevated cost.

2. Mahogany

This is the second most popular exotic wood choice, and is only slightly softer than Brazilian Cherry with a Janka Hardness Rating of 2200. Although Mahogany also comes in a variety of colors, its tones are slightly more neutral compared to the features of Brazilian Cherry.

3. Brazilian Teak

The Brazilian Teak is an extremely hard, durable timber, with a Janka hardness rating of 3540. The colors range from a sophisticated dark, reddish-brown to tan. Thanks to its durability and easy-to-match colors, this timber a great option for commercial and residential areas alike.

4. Brazilian Walnut

The Janka hardness rating for Brazilian Walnut is a whopping 3680, making it the hardest and most dense of all the woods we’ve discussed. The colors in this ultra-hard timber range from light blonde to deep brown. Its extreme durability makes it a perfect choice for commercial buildings with lots of foot traffic, such as restaurants, sports complexes, and kitchens.

Exotic woods are typically harder than domestic woods, however they’re often significantly more expensive. As you begin to shop for new hardwood flooring, start your search by setting a budget, considering the level of abuse your floor will take, and doing research on the timber species that eventually catches your eye, Although the woods we’ve listed are quite popular, they represent just a few of the many hardwood options you can choose from. We hope it’s obvious that the best wood for your hardwood floors will depend on your lifestyle and budget – if you need help picking the right floor for your home or business, contact us today at 1300 962 2837.

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