Janka Hardness Scale
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Janka hardness shows the density of hardwood floors
The Janka hardness scale will inform you of the density of hardwoods and can be used as a tool to help you decide what species of hardwood will best suite you and your family. The janka scale below shows the density or hardness of multiple species of hardwood from hardest to softest if you start at the top and go down. When selecting a hardwood floor, it is always our advice to use the janka hardness scale as a contributing factor in your decision making process. If you have a busy household or choose to entertain, a denser and thicker hardwood should be the choice for you. If you purchase a hardwood on the soft side of the Janka scale, it may have the appearance you desire, but unfortunately it may not be able to withstand the daily use that your household or business experiences. The other down fall of a softer hardwood floor is the dents and dings. The only way to remove dings, dents and gouges in hardwood floors is to have your floors sanded so a new surface is created. Once that process has been completed, you can stain and finish the floors.
Basic questions concerning the decision making process on which hardwood(s) to buy?
- Look-Color, grain, variation in appearance.
- Hardness or density of the wood species itself.
- Durability-Resistance to dings and dents.
- Cost-of course.
- Warranty in the finish coat.
As you can see, the Brazilan species like Brazilian walnut, Brazilian cherry, Cumaru, Santos Mahogany are of the more denser species of hardwood.