WOOD SPECIES MATTERS.
CHOOSE WISELY.
Hardwood, whether solid or engineered, is a timeless flooring material that remains popular with homeowners. However, no two species are the same and for consumers, it is important to set realistic expectations about how wood will perform. Distinct qualities make some species perfect for busy families while others, require extra measures to keep the floors in perfect condition. Read on if you like to research before you purchase. If not, don’t worry Anchor Floors and More specialists are here to help.
Brazilian Cherry
Hardwood Rating: 2350 lbs
In reality, Brazilian cherry is not a member of the cherry family but is instead a legume species, Hymenaea courbaril, also known as jatoba, locust, or courbaril. As the common name implies, Brazilian cherry (Jatoba) does come from the rainforests of Brazil. It is an extremely hard wood, with a Janka hardwood rating of 2350 (white oak has a Janka rating of 1360). The Jatoba trees typically grow 100 to 130 feet high.
As a Flooring Material
This red or salmon colored wood darkens with age. Solid hardwood planks are difficult to install except by professionals, but engineered wood varieties are available, which can be easier for DIYers. It is extremely durable and can be used in both commercial and residential applications.
Hardwood Rating: 1820 lbs
Hickory is a dense, highly resistant wood. It is coarse with a straight grain. It ranges in color tone from dark brown to blond beige, even changing slightly to a golden hue. Hickory features knots that accentuate the natural character. It is generally found from along the eastern coast of North America. Hickory trees can reach up to 121 ft (37 m) in height.
As a Flooring Material
Untreated hickory has quite a strong color contrast, from a gorgeously deep brown heartwood to a creamy white sapwood. It’s distinct, fairly dense grain is more prominent than maple flooring but not as strong as oak. However, hickory can look overly busy if you opt for narrow planks. Planks width of 5” and above tend to give a more unified overall appearance. One of hickory flooring’s top qualities is its Jenka ranking of 1820 – that’s quite a lot harder than red oak which has a ranking of 1290. If you have kids and pets, then hickory in an excellent choice. Hickory is extremely durable and much less prone to dents than the softer hardwoods such as maple or walnut flooring.
Hickory
Maple
Hardwood Rating: 1450 lbs
Maple is considered quite hard and less prone to dents. With its delicate grain and creamy-blonde tones, is popular in Scandinavian and Mid-century modern decor. There are 13 species of maple trees predominately found in North America. Hardwood maples can grow to a height of 120 ft. (37 m).
As a Flooring Material
Maple flooring has a Jenka hardness ranking of 1450 which is a good bit harder than oak flooring, the industry standard for hardwood. This means it is very durable, however, if maple flooring isn’t coated with a polyurethane it can scratch and its smooth grain makes scratches seem more visible. Be aware there are two broad terms categories of maple: hard and soft maple. Hard maple trees are the Sugar and Black maples. Soft maple trees are the Silver, Red, Boxelder and Bigleaf maples. These four species of maples should not be used for flooring. Overall maple is a sound flooring choice for most active households; nevertheless, we advise that you ensure your maple floors are properly sealed and that you invest in area rugs and runners for high traffic areas such as hallways to keep your flooring at its best.
Hardwood Rating: 1300 lbs
Mahogany (Sapele and African) is a fine-textured wood with an interwoven or wavy grain. Its color is consistent and rich throughout the entire thickness of the wood, which helps to hide wear marks. Mahogany trees grow from the Ivory Coast to Cameroon, and eastwards to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and reach heights of 150 to 200 ft. (45 to 60 m).
As a Flooring Material
In terms of hardness, mahogany has a Janka rating of 1300, slightly higher than red oak. One thing to note, there are numerous species of mahogany and the Janka rating can vary from 4000 to 800. Over the years, African (Sapele) mahogany has become the most available and affordable substitute. Today it is the most widely used wood called “mahogany”. It has a similar look to South American mahogany and even though it is more brittle it has acceptable working properties. Like oak flooring, mahogany is durable and can be used in busy households. The fine texture may make scratches more noticeable and there for the floor should be properly sealed.
Mahogany
White Oak
Hardwood Rating: 1360 lbs
Oak flooring is the most popular and most widely available hardwood flooring in the United States. It is full of character and easy to stain as well as strong and stable. White oak flooring has a yellowish tone and a less busy aspect to its grain. Oak flooring has a timeless, classic feel to it, which makes it a great investment as it can be adapted over time to suit changing décor.
As a Flooring Material
In terms of hardness, red oak (Janka rating of 1290) is the industry standard, meaning that you’ll hear comparisons of hardwoods as being less hard or harder than red oak. With a Janka rating of 1360, white oak is slightly harder than red oak, but there’s not that much in it. Both types of oak flooring are known for being durable and good options for busy households with lots of traffic. Another bonus for busy households, the inherent patterns of the grain in red oak make it a better choice as the patterns will hide scratch and dent marks more. In terms of durability, it’s worth pointing out that only white oak is resistant to rot.
Hardwood Rating: 1360 lbs
Oak flooring is the most popular and most widely available hardwood flooring in the United States. It is full of character and easy to stain as well as strong and stable. White oak flooring has a yellowish tone and a less busy aspect to its grain. Oak flooring has a timeless, classic feel to it, which makes it a great investment as it can be adapted over time to suit changing décor.
As a Flooring Material
In terms of hardness, red oak (Janka rating of 1290) is the industry standard, meaning that you’ll hear comparisons of hardwoods as being less hard or harder than red oak. With a Janka rating of 1360, white oak is slightly harder than red oak, but there’s not that much in it. Both types of oak flooring are known for being durable and good options for busy households with lots of traffic. Another bonus for busy households, the inherent patterns of the grain in red oak make it a better choice as the patterns will hide scratch and dent marks more. In terms of durability, it’s worth pointing out that only white oak is resistant to rot.
Red Oak
Birch
Hardwood Rating: 1360 lbs
Birch has clear annual rings. When it is sawn into flooring the rings look like soft waves. Some species of birch such as yellow birch have straighter grain with a relatively even texture. Birch wood is very light in color from creamy white to yellowish white. wees are abundant around the world. There are 29 species
As a Flooring Material
In terms of hardness, red oak (Janka rating of 1290) is the industry standard, meaning that you’ll hear comparisons of hardwoods as being less hard or harder than red oak. With a Janka rating of 1360, white oak is slightly harder than red oak, but there’s not that much in it. Both types of oak flooring are known for being durable and good options for busy households with lots of traffic. Another bonus for busy households, the inherent patterns of the grain in red oak make it a better choice as the patterns will hide scratch and dent marks more. In terms of durability, it’s worth pointing out that only white oak is resistant to rot.
Hardwood Rating: 1010 lbs
Walnut has been used as a flooring material for centuries in America, Europe, and Asia. It is mostly chosen for its wonderfully deep, rich brown tones that give a space an elegant feel. Whilst not as dark a wood as mahogany, walnut floors should definitely be in the running if you’re a fan of darker toned hardwood. Walnut trees are found predominately in the eastern United States and growing to 120 ft.
As a Flooring Material
When it comes to hardness, there different types of walnut and hardness levels. American Walnut and Black Walnut floors are on the lower end of the hardwood Janka scale with a rating of 1010. Brazilian walnut, on the other hand, has a rating of 3684. This means that American Walnut flooring will scratch and dent more easily and you will need to consider measures to maintain your flooring in a good condition. In most cases keeping sharp heeled shoes off the floor and adding area rugs in high traffic areas will suffice as protection for most households. Solid walnut floors may require sanding and refinishing every 3 – 5 years.