Wood Flooring Types | Technical Properties of Hardwoods & Softwoods

Other Names: Hymenolobium excelsum, Para Angelim, Rocky Deck, Apitong, Brazilian Keruing, Angel's Heart
Description: Angelim Pedra, or Angel's Heart, varies from tan to yellow with dark red and brown vertical striping. For its beauty and durability, Angelim Pedra is a great combination of the two, boasting a Janka hardness rating of 1,720. It is also very resistant to dry-wood termites. Even with its beauty and durability, Angelim Pedra is very affordable, far surpassing the beauty of many hardwoods with a much larger price tag.
Janka Hardness: 1,720 pounds
Strength (MOR): 18,255 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 2,050 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 690
Tangential Shrinkage: 7.1 %
Radial Shrinkage: 4.4 %

Other Names: Shorea guiso, Red Balau, Alan Batu, Selangan Batu, Mangaris, Membatu.
Description: Meranti Batu / Red Balau resembles the rich classic look of Genuine Mahogany. Batu / Red Balau heartwood ranges from a medium red to a deep red / brown and often has resin canals with white contents in concentric lines on end surfaces produce a warm and visually striking effect; the texture of Batu / Red Balau is moderately fine and grain is typically interlocked.
Janka Hardness: 2,100 pounds
Strength (MOR): 18,400 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 2,560 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 850
Tangential Shrinkage: 8.8 %
Radial Shrinkage: 6.3 %

Other Names: California Redwood
Description: California Redwood
Janka Hardness: 450 pounds
Strength (MOR): 8,950 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,220 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 450
Tangential Shrinkage: 4.7 %
Radial Shrinkage: 2.4 %

Other Names: Erisma uncinatum, Mahogany, Jaboty, Quarubarana, Mureillo, Cedrinho, Mureillo
Description: Cambara is a medium density wood from South America. More than just resilient, Cambara's medium luster and light reddish-brown heartwood make it a beautiful choice. Virtually knot-free, Cambara's close, straight grain gives it a pleasing uniform appearance. Cambara's natural durability often makes it a frequent choice for deckingl. With its agreeable tones, Cambara makes for a very decoratively versatile paneling or ceiling able to accompany a variety of colors schemes and furnishing styles.
Janka Hardness: 860 pounds
Strength (MOR): 12,800 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,640 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 650
Tangential Shrinkage: 9.1 %
Radial Shrinkage: 4.2 %

Other Names: Dipterix odorata, Southern Chestnut, Brazilian Teak
Description: Cumaru, commonly called Brazilian Chestnut, is a tough and dense wood imported from Brazil that has an irregular, somewhat interlocked grain and wavy, course texture. Because of its density, it is very resistant to termites and decay. Cumaru's heartwood is a medium brown with distinctive tan shades that compliment one another in with tonal warmth to create a relaxing feeling that's great to come home to.
Janka Hardness: 3,200 pounds
Strength (MOR): 24,800 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 3,050 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 1,080
Tangential Shrinkage: 8.4 %
Radial Shrinkage: 5.4 %

Other Names: Shorea negrosensis, Aprit, Aruas, Babanganon, Philippine mahogany, Dark red seraya, Red lauan, Tampalasaha
Description: Dark red meranti (DRM) is found in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is a very popular wood among architects and designers because if its high luster and good machining properties. In Europe, DRM has long been used for the production of sophisticated joinery products, such as doors, window frames, and doors. DRM sports a great mixture of yellow, white, and red tones creating a very warming combination of colors.
Janka Hardness: 780 pounds
Strength (MOR): 12,700 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,770 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 730
Tangential Shrinkage: 6.6 %
Radial Shrinkage: 3.4 %

Other Names: Pseudotsuga menziesii, Blue Douglas-fir, British Columbia pine, British Colubian pine, Coast Douglas-fir, Colorado Douglas-fir, Colorado Pino real, Colorado real, Columbian Pine, Douglas spruce, Inland Douglas-fir, Interior Douglas-fir, Oregon Douglas-fir, Oregon pine, Puget Sound pine, Red fir, Rocky Mountain Douglas-fir, Yellow fir
Description: Douglas Fir has the highest strength to weight ratio of any wood species. Primarily found in the western US and Canada, Douglas Fir is frequently use for dimension lumber in lower grades, and for interior finish work in upper grades. Douglas Fir clears are renowned for their strength, durability, and ability to stand up to the elements. In addition to its strength, Douglas Fir has rich coloring with the heartwood aging to a dark tan-red color and the sap wood remaining light tan. Vertical grain, clear Douglas Fir is widely considered to be one of the finest materials available for trim, mouldings, doors, windows, exposed beams, ceilings and paneling. Douglas Fir CVG flooring has been used throughout the US since the 1800's and is often found in classic historic homes.
Janka Hardness: 710 pounds
Strength (MOR): 12,400 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,950 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 530
Tangential Shrinkage: 7.6 %
Radial Shrinkage: 4.8 %

Other Names: Apuleia leiocarpa, Grapia, Almendrillo Amarillo, Muirajuba, Cobre, Ana, Ana caspi, Gateado, Mapurite, Garapa Gold
Description: Garapa is a South American wood with yellow to brown-yellow heartwood. Garapa decking has a medium luster, an interlocked grain, and a fine texture that accentuates the wood's rich gold and brown tones. The wood is also rated with a solid Janka hardness rating of 1,700, about 25% harder than Red Oak. Rated as durable and resistant to fungi and insects, Garapa exterior decking is an attractive and versatile option that is as resilient as it is beautiful.
Janka Hardness: 1,700 pounds
Strength (MOR): 18,100 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,835 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 830
Tangential Shrinkage: 10.0 %
Radial Shrinkage: 6.5 %

Other Names: Swietenia macrophylla, Honduran Mahogany, Mogno, Caoba, Acajou, Aguano, Mara
Description: Genuine mahogany is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. It has been highly valued for its woodworking qualities and natural rich red-brown beauty since traders first began shipping it to Europe in the 16th Century. It is a highly stable wood, extremely durable, easy to work with and a first choice of craftsmen for flooring, furniture, wall and ceiling paneling and high-end cabinetry. This is the original and true Mahogany wood.
Janka Hardness: 800 pounds
Strength (MOR): 11,460 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,450 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 650
Tangential Shrinkage: 4.1 %
Radial Shrinkage: 2.5 %

Other Names: Handroanthus spp, formerly Tabebuia spp, Brazilian Ebony, Brazilian Walnut, Ironwood, Irontree, Tajibo, Guayacan, Lapacho, Arcwood, Extreme Ipe, ExtremeIpe
Description: Ipe is an incredibly durable wood. Its dense cell structure serves as a natural deterrent to insects, decay, and molds. Because of this natural resilience Ipe is often the first choice for decking because of its almost unparalleled ability to stand up to the elements. More than just durable, Ipe is also very pleasing to the eye. Its heartwood is light to dark olive brown with contrasting yellowish-grey or grey brown tones accompanying it. With a Class A fire rating, Ipe occupies the same class of fire-retardant materials as steel. For durability, safety, and beauty, Ipe makes an excellent choice.
Janka Hardness: 3,680 pounds
Strength (MOR): 25,400 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 3,140 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 1,050
Tangential Shrinkage: 8.0 %
Radial Shrinkage: 6.6 %

Other Names: Manilkara bidentata, Chicozapote, Ausubo, Nispero, Beefwood, Bolletri, Balata Rouge, Paraju, Bulletwood
Description: Brazilian Redwood, also known as Massaranduba, is a gorgeous and durable hardwood whose durability makes it a frequent choice not only for flooring but decking as well. The naturally beautiful heartwood can range from light to dark brownish-red, with a grain that can be straight, somewhat wavy, or interlocked. Brazilian Redwood is also very easy to maintain, and it's Janka hardness rating of 3,190 ensures that it will stand up just as well against impacts in the short term as it will against decay in the long term.
Janka Hardness: 3,190 pounds
Strength (MOR): 29,200 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 3,450 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 1,000
Tangential Shrinkage: 9.4 %
Radial Shrinkage: 6.3 %

Other Names: Kwila, Ipil, Malacca Teak, Mirabow, Moluccan Ironwood
Description: Merbau is a beautiful exotic hardwood that grows in the forests of Southeast Asia as well as throughout the South Pacific region. When freshly cut the color of the wood is yellow to orangish-brown, but upon exposure will darken to a rich dark brown to reddish-brown color much like Brazilian Cherry. One unique characteristic of Merbau is the yellow flecks, or mineral deposits, which can be seen in many of the pieces. These flecks will become more subtle over time, but when initially finished the wood appears to be flecked with gold.
Janka Hardness: 1,840 pounds
Strength (MOR): 20,700 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 2,465 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 750
Tangential Shrinkage: 4.6 %
Radial Shrinkage: 2.7 %

Other Names: Peltogyne spp, Amaranth, Nazareno, Pau Roxo, Bois Violet, Barabou
Description: The breathtaking coloring that has made Purpleheart world famous occurs when its freshly cut brown heartwood is exposed to the air, rapidly turning deep purple. Over time, prolonged exposure to light causes the heartwood to slowly transition from purple to a rich, dark brownish-purple shade. Purpleheart also possesses complimentary tones that can range from pale pink to whitish-grey. Purpleheart is very popular not only because of its amazing color, but also for its high level of durability. This wood serves as stunning decorative accent to any room and is sure to catch the admiring eye of any visitor.
Janka Hardness: 1,860 pounds
Strength (MOR): 21,300 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 2,420 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 1,050
Tangential Shrinkage: 6.1 %
Radial Shrinkage: 3.2 %

Other Names: Quercus spp, American red oak, Black oak, Canadian red oak, Gray oak, Northern red oak, Southern red oak, Scarlet oak, Spanish oak
Description: The red-tinged brown heartwood and white tones of Red Oak creates a subtle but resonant contrast that makes this wood uniquely enjoyable. A consistent grain adds to the grace of the overall presentation of the wood. All of these elements make Red Oak a colorfully multifaceted yet understated beauty that, much like White Oak, is aesthetically complimentary to any style of home.
Janka Hardness: 1,290 pounds
Strength (MOR): 14,300 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,850 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 780
Tangential Shrinkage: 8.6 %
Radial Shrinkage: 4.0 %

Other Names: Astronium fraxinifolium, Muiracatiara, Cuta Tigre, Bois de Zebre, Bossona, Goncalo Alves, Mura, Kingwood, Urunday-para, Zebrawood, Zorrowood
Description: Tigerwood is a highly distinctive exotic wood with vibrant reddish-brown tones and prominent black striping that varies in thickness from fine strokes to thick contours. Its interlocked grain is also wavy and irregular, complimenting the wood’s dynamic appearance. Tigerwood is ranked among the more durable hardwoods with a Janka hardness rating of 1850, making Tigerwood a visually striking floor that lasts.
Janka Hardness: 1,850 pounds
Strength (MOR): 20,120 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 2,390 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 930
Tangential Shrinkage: 7.6 %
Radial Shrinkage: 4.0 %

Other Names: Thuja plicata, Cypress, Oregon Cedar, Giant Cedar, Arborvitae, British Columbia cedar, Canoe cedar, Pacific red cedar, Shinglewood, Giant arborvitae
Description: Western Red Cedar is a popular softwood that sports cozy colors ranging from soft burnt sienna to creamy yellows. These tones give the wood a very rustic feel that makes it seem as if it specifically created to reflect the warm glow of a nearby fireplace. Western Red Cedar is also known for having an even and fine grain. Great for creating a cozy country look, Western Red Cedar is sure to add a feeling of warmth and comfort to any room.
Janka Hardness: 350 pounds
Strength (MOR): 7,500 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,110 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 410
Tangential Shrinkage: 5.0 %
Radial Shrinkage: 2.4 %

Other Names: Quercus spp, Arizona oak, Stave oak, white oak, Swamp white oak, Brewer oak, Garry oak, Oregon oak, California white oak, Valley oak, Valley white oak,
Description: White Oak is full of light tones that give a crisp, clean feel. It has long been a versatile standard in homes across the U.S. because of its universally complimentary combination of deep grayish-brown heartwood and pale white tones. White Oak is also known for its durability, strength, and resistance to wear, serving as planking for boats and even mine timbers. This elegant wood’s amazing decorative flexibility makes it an outstanding floor for all settings and occasions. White Oak comes in a variety of colors and stains to suit any decor.
Janka Hardness: 1,360 pounds
Strength (MOR): 15,200 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 1,780 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 900
Tangential Shrinkage: 7.2 %
Radial Shrinkage: 4.2 %