What's The Most Durable Hardwood? Here's The Truth.

Cami Nicoll • July 9, 2025

When it comes to choosing hardwood flooring, durability matters — especially if you’ve got kids running around, pets zooming across the room, or heavy furniture that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

So let’s get into it:
What’s the most durable hardwood floor you can get?


1. Hickory – Tougher Than Your Average Plank

If you’re looking for serious durability, hickory is hard to beat. Literally. It's one of the hardest domestic hardwoods available in the U.S. and stands up to scratches, dents, and foot traffic like a champ. With its natural color variations and bold grain, it’s also just… beautiful.

Why we like it:

  • Dense and highly shock-resistant
  • Great for high-traffic homes
  • Unique, rustic look

2. White Oak – Classic + Strong

White oak is one of our top picks for families and everyday living. It has a Janka hardness rating of 1360 (translation: it can handle life) and has tighter grain patterns that help mask scratches.

Why it’s a crowd favorite:

  • Water-resistant (compared to red oak)
  • Versatile for both modern and traditional homes
  • Takes stain really well

3. Maple – Subtle but Mighty

Maple might look soft with its smooth, clean grain—but it’s surprisingly strong. It’s a go-to for basketball courts, so yeah… it can handle your living room.

Best for:

  • Minimalist, modern interiors
  • Homes with lots of foot traffic
  • People who want light-toned, low-grain floors

4. Brazilian Cherry – The Exotic Powerhouse

Want something extra? Brazilian cherry (also known as Jatoba) is a super-dense exotic hardwood. It’s one of the hardest woods out there, but it also darkens over time, so it’s best for those who like richer, deeper tones.

Note:

  • Incredibly durable
  • More color change over time
  • Often pricier

Final Thoughts

If you’re focused on durability, go for high-density species like hickory or white oak. But remember—hardwood isn’t just about strength. Your lifestyle, design style, and maintenance habits all play a role too.

Still unsure what to choose? We're here to help. Let’s find the right fit for your space and your day-to-day life.