Whether it’s the timeless look of oak, the shine of classic maple or the richness of dark walnut, everyone loves hardwood floors. However, it’s a big decision to remove all the carpeting, which is never more than a temporary option, and install flooring that could outlast the house itself. Old houses and cabins around the world are uninhabitable, but their hardwood floors are being reclaimed and recycled. The floor you are considering installing is one that you will likely live with for a long time.

You may have thought that once you settled on walnut, the rest was up to your contractor. Not even closed! There are dozens of other details waiting for your attention. Will you go with a natural look or will you add a stain? What color? How about the pattern? Do you want a classic linear look with all planks the same size and facing the same direction or are you more of the creative type and have some kind of design in mind? Are you aware of the difference it makes whether the lumber is quartersawn or sawn? Do you even have an idea what that means?

Yes, there are many things to think about. However, one of the most important is how the flooring you choose will look in your home. Every home is different. Some are show pieces and choices can be based on what is most aesthetically pleasing. Others are action-packed living spaces for modern families. They need to be able to withstand a lot of use and abuse.

The durability of the floors is determined by the hardness of the wood. This is why many consider the Brazilian walnut instead of the American or black walnut found in the US and Canada. The wood has a hardness rating based on the Janka scale. Without getting too technical, different species are tested to calculate the amount of force it takes to embed a steel ball almost half an inch into the face of a plank. American walnut is considered to have a medium rating and is listed at 1010. Red oak has a slightly higher rating of 1290 and white oak is 1360. Brazilian walnut has a hardness rating that compares to concrete. It falls at 3684 on the Janka scale.

Not surprisingly, Brazilian walnut is more expensive, and while virtually indestructible, many feel it lacks the look and character of its northern cousin. Consequently, it is often used for commercial construction where a high-end appearance is needed.

Another factor that cannot be ruled out is that there is a greater potential for environmental damage. Illegal logging operations in the South American rainforests are taking a heavy toll. While responsible and ethical logging companies do exist, you cannot simply assume that is the case without proper research.