Janka hardness test

The Janka hardness test gives a rating based on the relative hardness of most of the popular species of wood. The test involves measuring the amount of force required to push a 0.444 inch steel ball exactly half way into the wood surface. It also gives a good indication of how easy or hard it will be to saw and work with the wood.

This test was devised by the National Wood Flooring Association and is a very good and reliable method for comparing the hardness of different wood species. However, it should be used only as a general guide because many factors can affect the hardness of a particular tree, including age, whether it is heartwood or sapwood, the type of wood finish applied, the geographical location etc.

The table below shows the Janka test results for typical samples of wood species - the higher the rating, the harder the wood species.

The test gives an indication of the ability of a wood floor to withstand excessive wear and denting. However, the floorboard construction and protective finish applied are also major factors in resistance to wear, durability and ease of maintenance.

Janka results for typical samples:
Species	Rating
Douglas Fir	660
Shortleaf Southern Yellow Pine	690
Longleaf Southern Yellow Pine	870
Black Cherry	950
Teak	1000
Black Walnut	1010
Heart Pine	1225
Yellow Birch	1260
Red Oak (Northern)	1290
American Beech	1300
Ash	1320
White Oak	1360
Australian Cypress	1375
Hard Maple	1450
Wenge	1620
African Pedauk	1725
Hickory	1820
Pecan	1820
Purpleheart	1860
Jarrah	1910
Merbau	1925
Santos Mahogany	2200
Mesquite	2345
Brazilian Cherry	2350

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