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When selecting hardwood flooring options for busy households, it’s important to consider durability, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear. Households with pets, young children, and lots of activity require flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic and potential damage. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular wood species selections for busy households and discuss the importance of the Janka rating when choosing beautiful hardwood flooring.

Scratch-Resistant Hardwood Flooring – The Best Options

  • Oak

Oak is one of the most popular hardwood flooring options for busy households due to its durability, resistance to wear and tear, and affordability. It’s available in red and white varieties and has a Janka rating of 1290, making it a tough and long-lasting option for households that experience heavy traffic. Oak is also relatively easy to maintain and can be refinished multiple times to restore its beauty.

  • Hickory

Due to its hardness and timeless presence, Hickory is another popular scratch-resistant hardwood flooring option for busy households. It has a Janka rating of 1820, making it one of the toughest and most durable hardwoods available. Hickory’s distinctive grain pattern and color variations add character to any space. Hickory can be more expensive than other hardwood options, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.

  • Maple

Maple has a distinctive, rich color and a Janka rating of 1450, making it a tough and long-lasting option for households that experience heavy traffic. Maple is also relatively easy to maintain and can be refinished multiple times to restore its original beauty. However, it’s important to note that maple can be more susceptible to scratching than some of our other recommendations, so it may not be the best choice for households with large pets or lots of foot traffic.


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  • Brazilian Cherry

Brazilian cherry, also known as jatoba, is a popular hardwood flooring option for busy households due to its extreme hardness and durability. It has a Janka rating of 2350, making it one of the toughest and most durable hardwoods ever discovered. Brazilian cherry has a rich, reddish-brown color that can add warmth and charm to any room. Almost all homeowners can appreciate the aesthetics and presence of cherry hardwood flooring

  • Bamboo

Bamboo is a popular hardwood flooring option for busy households due to its hardness and sustainability. Its Janka rating of 1380 makes it a tough and long-lasting option for households that experience heavy traffic. Bamboo is cost-effective and relatively easy to maintain; it can be refinished multiple times and treated with wood floor stain.

Scratch-Resistant Hardwood Flooring – The Janka Scale

The Janka rating measures a wood’s hardness and resistance to wear and tear. It measures the force required to embed a steel ball into the wood to half its diameter. The higher the Janka rating, the tougher and more durable the wood. When selecting hardwood flooring options for busy households, it’s important to consider the Janka rating and select tougher hardwoods with higher ratings. Of course, professionals will be able to consult you on this.

Ultimately, the best hardwood floor installation for busy households will depend on individual preferences, lifestyle, and budget. It’s important to consult with a flooring professional to determine the best hardwood flooring option for your specific needs. 

To learn more about wood flooring options, contact us today.