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Dimensional Stability Test

Dimensional Stability Test - Hardwood Species Chart

  • There are several Hardwood flooring species to choose from, each with their own unique qualities and aspects. It’s important to know the dimensional stability of your next hardwood flooring, in order for you to accurately decide which style and species is best for you. This information is used specifically by individuals who live in areas of high moisture and humidity, for this test illustrates the Hardwood’s resistance to those specific conditions. These conditions can cause your hardwood to contract and expand, which will eventually ruin your Hardwood Installation.

So what is The Hardwood Dimensional Stability Test?

  • The Hardwood Dimensional Stability Test is an analysis that determines how much a certain wood species is resistant to moisture and how well it can retain its original form in those conditions. The score of each wood species represents the percentage (%) of tangential shrinkage that occurs from moisture content within the hardwood.
  • Remember: All hardwood floors species shrink and expand with moisture and humidity change. The Dimensional Stability test shows the stability levels, along with the amount of shrinkage (and expansion) which may occur in conditions of moisture and humidity.

The Hardwood Dimensional Stability Scale

  • For your convenience, we have provided you with a complete Hardwood dimensional stability scale with all of the Hardwood species you can find here on Academy Floor.com, along with their dimensional stability score.
  • These numbers only reflect the dimensional stability of Solid Hardwood Flooring Species. Engineered and Bamboo Hardwood Floors have a much higher dimensional stability, thanks to the moisture resistant techniques that are used during the construction and manufacturing of these Hardwoods. Laminate Flooring is also not listed in the Hardwood Dimensional Stability Scale, since it remains constant through the manufacturing and construction process.
  • Every Hardwood species contains a link to its Species Page, where you will find more useful information, pictures and facts on that specific hardwood species.

Rule of Thumb: Lower Scores are Always Better

Hard Wood Species
Wood Botanical Name
Wood Dimensional Stability Test Score
Merbau Wood Dimensional Stability
Intsia spp.
4.6
Santos Mahogany Wood Dimensional Stability
Myroxylon, balsamum
6.2
Black Cherry Wood Dimensional Stability
Prunus serotina.
7.1
Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) Wood Dimensional Stability
Dipteryx odorata, Tonka Bean
7.6
American Black Walnut Wood Dimensional Stability
Juglans nigra.
7.8
Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) Wood Dimensional Stability
Hymenaea courbaril
8.5
Northern Red Oak Wood Dimensional Stability
Quercus spp.
8.6
Hickory Pecan Wood Dimensional Stability
Carya illinoinensis
8.9
Birch Wood Dimensional Stability
Betula spp.
9.5
Maple Wood Dimensional Stability
Acer saccharum
9.9
White Oak Wood Dimensional Stability
Quercus spp.
10.5