Not all hardwood has the same strength levels, so determine if you need extra durability. Hickory, pecan, hard maple, and white oak are the toughest, with white ash, beech, red oak, yellow birch, green ash, and black walnut closely following. Mahogany and cherry are a little softer but still durable, and exotics (harvested in locations like Brazil, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Africa) are always very hard. Your best bet is to examine the Janka hardness scale and look for something rating at least 1200 if you have extra durability needs, but this is not to discount the softer hardwoods, like pine; they are just as beautiful when placed in a proper setting.
Hardwood flooring experts at Choice Floors will also give you a
quality installation, whether it's the more complicated tongue and groove or a simple floating floor. Visit us in any of our showroom locations: Billings, MT; Colorado Springs, Crested Butte, CO; Grand Rapids, MI; and Cedar Rapids, IA. Be sure to ask for your free hardwood flooring estimate!