Wood Hardness Ratings: Choosing the Most Durable Wood Flooring
When choosing wooden flooring, durability is one of the most important factors to consider. A floor needs to cope with everyday foot traffic, furniture movement, pets, and long-term wear, while still looking good years down the track.
Understanding wood hardness ratings and the timber hardness scale can help you make a more informed decision and select a floor that truly stands the test of time.
What Is the Timber Hardness Scale? (Janka Rating)
The timber hardness scale is commonly measured using the Janka hardness test. This test measures the force required to press a steel ball halfway into a piece of timber. The higher the Janka rating, the more resistant the wood is to dents, scratches, and general wear.
For wooden flooring buyers, that means:
- Higher ratings usually mean better resistance to everyday impacts.
- Lower ratings can still perform well in low-use areas.
- No wood is completely immune — every timber can dent if enough force is applied.
While hardness is important, remember that finish type, board thickness, and installation also affect how well a floor stands up over time.
Durable Wooden Flooring Options You Can Buy
Durable Engineered Floors – Recommended
Kährs Life Wide Plank Flooring
Kährs Life Narrow Plank Flooring
Kährs flooring is one of the most respected names in engineered wood floors worldwide. The range available from The Wooden Floor Company in Auckland includes premium, prefinished timber that combines real wood beauty with advanced performance built in Sweden.
- The Kährs Life range offers real wood grain with a high-performance lacquer finish, designed to cope with everyday life while resisting wear and impact.
- Engineered construction gives stability in varying humidity levels and means these floors are less prone to expanding and contracting than solid timber alone.
- Available in a variety of colours and formats to suit both modern and classic interiors.
Why this matters: Kährs flooring performs well in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and hallways, while still offering the premium look of timber.
European-Inspired Hardwood – Stylish and Robust
EuroPlank Wooden Flooring (range available through The Wooden Floor Company) are engineered wood floors inspired by European design and crafted for long-lasting performance.
- Premium engineered boards available in a range of species such as oak, teak and merbau, giving you both durability and designer appeal.
- Suitable for busy homes – including kitchens, living areas and hallways – with moisture resistance improved by the factory-applied finish.
- A broad selection of colours and textures helps you match your interior scheme.
Why this matters: EuroPlank gives you European-style engineered timber that performs well under foot traffic and offers longevity with minimal maintenance.
How Hard Should Your Wood Floor Be?
While the highest Janka ratings in the world can exceed 4,000, these extremely hard timbers are often very difficult to work with and not always the best choice for home use.
For most residential spaces, a floor with a Janka rating of around 1,000 or higher is ideal. It strikes a balance between durability under everyday use and practicality for installation and maintenance.
Alongside hardness, consider:
- Finish – factory-applied lacquers like those on Kährs and EuroPlank add surface protection.
- Installation method – engineered floors are more stable in moisture fluctuations.
- Aesthetic preferences – colour, grain, and plank width will influence your space.
Tips for Choosing the Right Floor
- Think about traffic levels: More foot traffic calls for harder wood and stronger finishes.
- Pets and kids: Durable surfaces like engineered boards with strong lacquer finishes will cope better with claws and toys.
- Underfloor heating: Many engineered floors, including Kährs Life, can be compatible – check specific product specs.
- Maintenance: Regular sweeping and a lightly damp mop keeps timber looking its best.
If you’d like help selecting the right wood floor for your home, we can provide personalised recommendations and arrange to view samples in our Auckland showroom. Contact us to discuss your project or get a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most durable wood flooring often comes from high-performance engineered timber, such as the Kährs Life range available from The Wooden Floor Company, which combines real wood with tough finishes designed for daily wear. Others like EuroPlank engineered flooring also offer strong long-lasting performance.
Not always. Extremely hard woods can be difficult and costly to install. Balanced options – such as those with Janka ratings of around 1,000 or higher – tend to offer the best combination of durability and practicality for most homes.
Aim for a timber with a Janka rating above 1,000 for everyday residential use. Always pair this with a strong factory finish for optimal performance.
Engineered wood is generally more stable in moisture and temperature changes, and finishes applied in the factory – like those on Kährs and EuroPlank – can enhance durability and longevity versus on-site finished solid timber.
Get Expert Advice on Engineered Wood Flooring
Choosing the right engineered wood floor makes all the difference. Our hardwood flooring experts can help you select the best option for your home and ensure it is installed and maintained correctly.
Contact The Wooden Floor Company today to explore your options and arrange a consultation.
