Wood density and hardness
Wood density influences timber classification and scheduling for appropriate use. This table gives information about the relationship between timber hardness and density.
*The data used are for air-dry density, that is, the wood at 12% moisture content, which is the average equilibrium moisture content for internal environments in Queensland.
| Density* range | Hardness | Remarks about high-wear applications |
|
< 480 kg/m3 |
Very soft |
Very poor resistance to indentation - covered flooring only. |
|
485–560.kg/m3 |
Soft |
Poor resistance to indentation - light traffic floors only (bedrooms). |
|
565–800.kg/m3 |
Firm |
Suitable for domestic flooring. |
|
805–960.kg/m3 |
Hard |
Excellent resistance to indentation and wear; suitable for feature floors, step treads, bench tops. |
|
> 965 kg/m3 |
Very hard |
Excellent resistance to indentation and wear; suitable for feature floors, step treads, bench tops; some species are difficult to work and require sharp tools. |