Hardness
Definition of Hardness
Hardness is the ability of a flooring material to resist scratches, dents, and deformation. It determines the durability and longevity of a flooring material.
Hardness can be measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranges from 1 to 10. According to the Mohs scale, materials with a Mohs hardness of 1 are the softest and are more susceptible to damage, while those with hardness of 10 are the hardest and best for areas with high foot traffic.
Below is a table comparing the hardness of different flooring materials.
| Flooring Type | Mohs Hardness Level |
| Hardwood flooring | 4–5 |
| Vinyl and carpet flooring | 2–3 |
| Porcelain tile flooring | 7–9 |
| Ceramic tile flooring | 7–9 |
Example of Hardness in a Sentence
“The hardness of your floor covering inevitably determines how long your floors will serve you.”
Synonyms:
- Firmness
- Solidity
Related Terms: