Janka Hardness Test

Janka Hardness TestThe Janka scale rates the relative hardness of wood. Below are listed some of the most popular choices in wood flooring and included some more exotic species for your reference and comparison.

The higher the number the harder the wood. These ratings were determined using the Janka Hardness Test which measures the side hardness measure of the force required to embed a .444 inch steel ball to half its diameter into the wood. This is one of the best measures of the ability of wood species to withstand denting and wear. It is also a good indicator of how hard a species is to saw or nail.

This should only be used as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring. Depending on where the wood is harvested the results may vary. Plank construction and finish are also important factors when determining the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor.

The Janka Hardness Scale rating has become the industry standard for determining whether a given wood is suitable for flooring material. Red Oak, which has a Janka rating of 1290, is the industry benchmark for comparing the relative hardness of different wood species.

The majority of hardwoods and many softwoods are durable enough to withstand normal flooring use - especially with proper installation and finishing. However, no matter the Janka rating, all wood will dent or mar with a hard enough impact.

Janka Rating

Wood Species  (Hardest to Softest)

3684

Brazilian Walnut /Ipe

3220

Ebony

2350

Brazilian Cherry /Jatoba

2345

Mesquite

2200

Santos Mahogany

1940

Cameron

1925

Merbau

1860

Purpleheart

1850

Tigerwood

1820

Hickory and Pecan

1780

Rosewood

1725

African Padauk

1700

Locust

1630

Wenge

1630

Red Pine

1575

Zebrawood

1570

True Pine

1470

Sweet Birch

1450

Hard / Sugar Maple

1390

Kentucky Coffee Tree

1380

Natural Bamboo

1375

Australian Cypress

1360

White Oak

1320

White Ash

1300

American Beech

1290

Northern Red Oak

1280

Caribbean Heart Pine

1260

Yellow Birch

 1225

Yellow Heart Pine

1180

Carbonized Bamboo

1136

Cocobolo

1010

American Walnut

1000

Teak

950

American Cherry

950

Soft and Ambrosia Maple

910

Paper Birch

900

Cedar

870

Southern Yellow Pine (Longleaf)

860

American Red Elm

840

Lacewood

790

Cumaru

770

Sycamore

690

S.Yellow Pine (Loblolly & Shortleaf)

660

Douglas Fir

630

Sassafras

590

Larch

570

Cypress, Southern

540

Chestnut

540

Poplar

500

Hemlock

420

White Pine

410

Basswood

380

Eastern White Pine

Janka Hardness Chart