Wood Species

• Some species of wood are more scratch resistant and hard than others. The Janka Ball Rating System assigns a number to each common flooring species to help you evaluate how hard it is. Brazilian Cherry is the hardest, most scratch-resistant variety, followed closely by Mesquite and Santos Mahogany. Among the easiest to scratch are Douglas fir, southern yellow pine and black walnut.
  
  

Finish

• The finish you select for your wood floors will have a significant impact on how much they scratch and how easily those scratches are to see. In general, shinier floors will show more imperfections, so choose a matte finish if possible. Many manufacturers now offer hand-scraped plank floors that are designed to look imperfect. These floors are a good option if you're concerned about scratching and denting.
  
  

Laminate

• If you like the look of wood floors but are concerned about scratch resistance, choose laminate floors. They resist fading and scratching better than natural wood and are easier to maintain. Laminate floors are also more budget friendly. However, they will not add to the resale value of your home, are more difficult to repair and cannot be refinished.
  
  

Prefinished or Unfinished

• You'll need to decide whether to buy prefinished or unfinished floors. Prefinished floors are more scratch resistant than the alternative because the finish is applied in the factory and often comes with a warranty. However, prefinished wood floors cannot simply be recoated if they become scratched; they must be sanded and refinished to restore their beauty.