This might be dumb question, but I'll ask anyway. I'm a DIY type considering hardwoord installation for 80% of my main floor.

I hear people say this species scratches easily and that species doesn't.

But wondering though that "scratches" don't have anything to do with the type of wood, but quality of the finish, doesn't it?

Dents on the other hand would seem related to the density of the wood and would be related to the type of wood.

Can someone confirm? Thanks.

Your right on. The majority of homeowners don't realize that. Finish is on the surface. Scratching is surface related. I have seen tough finishes on soft species.