Expert: Dave Coil - 3/28/2004

Question
Dave,

Can you tell me if there is noticable difference in hard maple and yellow birch for wood flooring?  These are the two woods that my wife and I have selected for our wood floors, but I see yellow birch has a lower hardness rating.  Also, do you know if cherry is a softer wood?  Black cherry has a softer rating, but I don't see anything for just cherry.

I know all hard wood floors will dent and show sratches.  I just didn't want to buy a flooring where I have to take my shoes off when I enter the room because the floors will be dented.

Thanks!

Answer
There are some general misconceptions.  Hardwoods refer mostly to the idea that it is a traffic typical wood.  Unlike fir, cypress, poplar, spruce etc.  Pine is a hardwood.  Mahogany has soft and hard species.  Maple is one of the hardest along with hickory.  The surface/finish applied is the key.  Polyurethanes are too soft for a flooring surface...but they sell it alot.   Lacquer is harder and shellac is harder still.  The ease of application makes the poly more desireable.  Maple is a bit whiter than the birch, if color matters.  The best method is a raw wood installation and a "site" finish.  The right crew can make the difference.