What is a hardness rating?

The hardness of timber can be determined by many different scientific tests. The most common of which is the Brinell test.



Again, the hardness can be broken down into two simple sections. Softwood which typically grows quickly like Pine, Spruce, and Birch etc and is not generally used for finished flooring, and Hardwood such as Oak, Maple, and Walnut etc, which is. We have to bear in mind that all wood, no matter how it performs on any scientific test, will mark, dent and scratch over time.

In our opinion don’t get too hung up on the hardness of timber as it should not predetermine your choice of flooring type as all real wood flooring, both solid and engineered, will last for generations. For a single human lifetime the hardness of the floor is really not an issue and should not sway your decision away from a particular tone or look you prefer.