Hardness

Real wood

Different wood species naturally have different degrees of hardness.

The ‘Brinell Hardness Scale’ is the way in which the hardness of wood is measured and quantified.

The Brinell test is conducted by placing a steel ball on the wood that is being tested and applying a set force to the ball. The diameter of the indentation made in the wood is then measured and the Brinell hardness is calculated based upon this measurement.

As a rule, the higher the Brinell hardness number, the better the wood's ability to withstand impacts and scratches. This should not necessarily be taken as an indication of the overall durability however, since the harder the wood the more brittle it may be in comparison to a softer, more flexible wood.

The Brinell scale only shows how likely a wood is to be subject to indentations.

Linnea 7

Kährs developed this floor with amazing qualities.

Despite its thin top layer it is as hard and durable as many wood imitations, such as laminate floors, and is both economical and extremely easy to install.

LVT (Amtico / Karndean) – Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are extremely tough and, unlike real wood or laminate, vinyl flooring will not chip, splinter or crack. However, it can dent with heavy impact and scuff with normal day to day wear and tear.

Typically vinyl is one of the most resistant floor coverings available for domestic usage.

Laminate

When compared to real wood floors, laminate floors are more resistant to impact damage which would cause indenting.

The plastic coat provides the scratch resistant surface in much the same way as a lacquered wooden floor. Therefore both wood and laminate floors are similar in terms of scratch resistance, but a laminate will typically indent less.