Janka Hardness Scale Organized by Wood Flooring Species

Brazilian Walnut, Ipe, Lapacho Flooring	3680
Cumaru Flooring	3540
Ebony Flooring	3220
Brazilian Redwood Flooring	3190
Angelim Pedra Flooring	3040
Turpentine Flooring	2967
Conduru Bloodwood Flooring	2900
Red Mahogany Flooring	2697
Spotted Gum Flooring	2473
Brazilian Cherry Jatoba Flooring	2350
Santos Mahogany Flooring	2200
Bocote Flooring	2200
Pradoo Flooring	2170
Brushbox Flooring	2135
Karri Flooring	2030
Sydney Blue Gum Flooring	2023
Bubinga Flooring	1980
Tallowwood Flooring	1933
Cameron Flooring	1930
Amendoim Brazilian Oak Flooring	1912
Jarrah Flooring	1910
Purpleheart Flooring	1860
Tigerwood Flooring	1850
Hickory Pecan Flooring	1820
Afzelia, Doussie Flooring	1810
Rosewood Flooring	1780
Merbau Flooring	1712
Kempas Flooring	1710
Wenge Flooring	1630
Timborana Flooring	1570
Hard Maple Flooring	1450
Australian Cypress Flooring	1375
White Oak Flooring	1360
White Ash Flooring	1320
American Beech Flooring	1300
Red Oak Flooring	1290
Caribbean Heart Pine Flooring	1280
Cocobolo Flooring	1136
Teak Flooring	1000
Cherry Flooring	950
Cedar Flooring	900

Definitions and Frequently Asked Questions

The grade of an installation site is determined by the relative elevation of the subfloor compared to the ground level around the house. On grade is the most standard grade, representing a subfloor of elevation at or very close to ground level. With this in mind, above grade then is the elevated status of a subfloor, such as a second floor or attic in which the installation site is significantly above the surrounding ground level. Below grade usually refers to a basement, sometimes specifically with a concrete subfloor.

To determine where your floor can be installed, you would refer to the manufacturer's recommendations. Usually, engineered hardwood floors are compatible with any of the three grades, while solid hardwood floors are only for use on or above grade. The reasoning behind this recommendation is that basements are extremely moisture retentive.

Solid hardwood floors, while being durable and attractive, are not as fundamentally stable as an engineered hardwood floor. Thus, they are vulnerable to moisture related issues that will cup and damage solid wood floors below grade. Manufacturer warranties will almost always be voided if a solid hardwood product is installed below grade.

"Which room should I install my hardwood floor in?"
A question like this is subjective; in truth, so long as compliance with the manufacturer's warranty and recommendation for the grade in which a floor should be installed, it is truly a matter of preference. However, for the sake of convenience, we will go over a few options for the area of your hardwood flooring installation site.

Probably the most popular choice for a hardwood flooring installation is the largest room in the house, which usually is the front room (also referred to often as the living room) or den. This is usually the room that "greets" anyone who walks in, and is preferred to present an atmosphere.

The next most popular choice is a bedroom, where a personal touch is preferred for comfortable relaxing periods. The right floor can set the mood for a comfortable book read before bed, or relay a sense of peace.

Dining rooms are a fine choice for hardwood flooring, especially if company for dinner is something that occurs often. A conversation over a fine meal about the wonderful new floor can liven up any dish.

Another significant option is a hallway, such as one leading from or to a bedroom or dining room. Connecting two rooms with a beautiful floor has the ability to impart a sense of travel that can really deliver someone into a new room the right way.