What Is the Most Durable Hardwood Flooring?

Are you looking for durable hardwood flooring?

Not only do hardwood floors make a beautiful feature in your home, but they can also increase your home’s value by 5%! It’s no wonder they’re a popular choice.

But choosing flooring also needs to be a practical decision; looks aren’t everything. You need flooring that can stand up to the wear and tear of your family’s daily routine.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for our guide to the most durable hardwood flooring.

Oak

Oak is one of the most common types of flooring used in US homes. Its Janka rating sits around 1300 (Red Oak is 1290 and White Oak is 1360). This is the middle of the range when it comes to wood hardness.

That’s not to say it’s a weak wood by any means. The reason Oak is an industry staple for flooring is it’s durable enough for almost anything. If you’re looking for reliability and durability in your wood flooring, you can’t go far wrong with Oak.

Hickory

If you’re looking for durable domestic hardwood, you won’t beat Hickory. Its Janka rating sits at around 1820, making it one of the best flooring for living room areas.

It’s as unique as it is beautiful with its patterns and grains, sporting a lot of color and character. You get the looks and reliability with Hickory. If you’re looking for a unique personality in your flooring, this is the choice for you.

Santos Mahogany

For those looking for durable flooring in an exotic hardwood look at Santos Mahogany. It’s one of the most common exotic hardwoods in use for US flooring and rates 2200 on the Janka scale.

It’s a highly durable hardwood species that features a rich deep red color and tight grain. In most cases, Hickory is enough but for rooms with very high traffic, Santos Mahogany is a better choice.

Maple

Maple flooring you’ll often see used for basketball courts and gyms. This is due to its shock-absorbing properties and contemporary uniform appearance. It’s also durable with a Janka rating of 1450.

It’s also a popular choice in homes due to its light, creamy colors, gorgeous finish, and delicate grains. If you’re going for a temporary design and want function as well as form, consider Maple.

Ebony

On the Janka rating Ebony racks up an impressive score of a whopping 3220! It’s not only one of the best for durability, it’s also the only hardwood in the world with a jet black natural color.

These qualities make Ebony a little too popular though, and the wood is now threatened. It’s very difficult to get enough of it to cover an entire floor these days, and it’ll be pricy if you do find it. If you can afford ethically sourced Ebony it’ll be one of the most durable flooring out there.

Teak

Of the different types of flooring, Teak is another wood with an impressive Janka score of 2330. This wood is also imbued with tons of natural oils and resins. The advantage this gives is a glossy look even without a finish.

It also provides water resistance too, so you’ll often see it used on boats. It’s a little on the pricey side, but it’s great for a porch or a mudroom for a little extra protection from the elements.

Most Durable Hardwood Flooring That’s Right For You

So, there you have it! Now you know your options for the most durable hardwood flooring, you’re sure to find the right fit for you.

Durability when it comes to hardwood flooring is important. It’s an investment in your home and you want it to stand the test of time for generations to come. But your home is also the place where your creativity and personality can shine. Make sure you pick an option that will function but also have the look you want.

If you found this article helpful be sure to check out our other blog posts today!