Ebony is a generic reference to a dense, black wood. While it is popularly believed to originate in Africa, the best-know ebony is thought to be Diospyros ebenum, indigenous to India and Sri Lanka. Some species are also native to Africa which are not as dense as the sub–continental Asian equivalent. Ebony hardwood is one of the hardest known woods with a rating of 3220 on the Janka hardness scale. It is twice as hard as hard maple and also has a density more than water for which reason it sinks. Ebony hardwood is highly resistant to termite attacks.

The sapwood of freshly cut ebony is pink in color which darkens to a pale red-brown. But the heartwood is a consistent jet black or blackish–brown, sometimes with streaks. Ebony when used for flooring is one of the few woods where the dark color does not change with time. The texture of ebony hardwood floors is very fine with grains that range from straight to somewhat interlocked and at times even moderately curly. The ebony flooring is lustrous often with a metallic appearance.

Ebony flooring is a durable hardwood that is somewhat difficult to work with, even with machines. Pre–drilling is recommended for nails and screws. Care should be exercised when working with ebony as the dust is a known cause of dermatitis. Ebony hardwood floors are an expensive flooring option in comparison with most other hardwoods.