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Redwood is considered a Softwood because it is a gymnosperm BUT Redwood for flooring is considered a hardwood and it is considered the median. Using the Janka scale, redwood is 1290 and used as a comparative standard. Brazilian Cherry is considered an exotic hardwood with a Janka of 2350 or roughly 80% harder than Redwood. Now becareful when generically using the term "Redwood" as other species like Brazilian Redwood are rated as 3190. Redwood became the median as it is the most readily available hardwoods (Softwood,potato-po-tat-o). Hardwood, scientifically is determined to be any wood from a broadleaf tree and considered angiosperms (reproduce by flowers). Asking if a species is a hardwood for the purpose of selecting a hardwood floor is the not the correct method. Many people confuse the scientific vs the flooring definition of hardwood. From a marketing perspective using "Softwood" would not be enticing, unless you fall frequently and think it won't hurt as much when you land. You should be asking how durable and resilient a species is to your application. Children and pets in the home, or a clumsy handyman, may determine if the hardwood is "practical."

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9y ago

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