What is Janka Hardness?

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The Janka hardness test is a measure of the hardness of wood. It’s an important metric in the lumber industry, used to determine the durability and strength of different types of wood. Here’s a brief overview of what it involves and what it signifies:

  1. Test Method: The Janka hardness test measures the force required to embed a 0.444-inch (11.28 mm) diameter steel ball into the wood to half its diameter. This test is one of the best measures of the ability of a wood species to withstand denting and wear. It’s also a good indicator of how hard a wood is to saw or nail.
  2. Units of Measurement: The Janka hardness is usually expressed in pounds-force (lbf) in the United States. It can also be measured in kilonewtons (kN) or in kilograms-force (kgf) depending on the region.
  3. Applications: This test is particularly useful in flooring applications. Woods with higher Janka hardness ratings are more suitable for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas or in commercial buildings, because they are more resistant to scratches and dents.
  4. Variability: The Janka hardness can vary based on the direction of the grain. For most accurate results, it is tested both on the side (horizontal or radial) and on the end (vertical or axial) of the plank.
  5. Examples: Some examples of Janka hardness values are: Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) is one of the hardest at around 3,680 lbf, while a common domestic wood like White Oak is around 1,360 lbf, and a softer wood like Pine ranges from 380 to 420 lbf.

The Janka hardness scale provides a quantitative measure of the relative hardness of various wood species, which is valuable for flooring, cabinetry, furniture making, and any application where the hardness and durability of the wood are important considerations.

Janka Hardness Chart

Below you’ll find a janka hardness chart that lists some of the most popular wood species starting with the hardest first and softest last.

  1. Lignum Vitae 4390 lbf
  2. Snakewood  3800 lbf
  3. Brazilian Ebony 3400 lbf
  4. Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) 3680 lbf
  5. African Blackwood 3670 lbf
  6. Katalox 3660 lbf
  7. Kingwood 3340 lbf
  8. Cumaru 3330 lbf
  9. Pau Santo 3280 lbf
  10. Macassar Ebony 3220 lbf
  11. Brazilian Redwood 3190 lbf
  12. Angelim Pedra (Brazilian Apitong) 3160 lbf
  13. Gaboon Ebony 3080 lbf
  14. Cocobolo 2960 lbf
  15. Bloodwood 2900 lbf
  16. Brazilian Chestnut (Sucupira) 2700 lbf
  17. Hormingo 2700 lbf
  18. Brazilian Cherry 2690 lbf
  19. Tamarind 2690 lbf
  20. Live Oak 2680 lbf
  21. Greenheart 2530 lbf
  22. Marblewood 2530 lbf
  23. Purpleheart 2520 lbf
  24. Tulipwood 2500 lbf
  25. Indian Rosewood 2440 lbf
  26. Australian Beefwood 2420 lbf
  27. Bubinga 2410 lbf
  28. Chechen 2400 lbf
  29. Sucupira 2380 lbf
  30. Banyan 2340 lbf
  31. Mora Yellow 2300 lbf
  32. Persimmon 2300 lbf
  33. Honduran Rosewood 2200 lbf
  34. Santos Mahogany 2200 lbf
  35. Tigerwood 2170 lbf
  36. Eucalyptus 2150 lbf
  37. Black Palm 2020 lbf
  38. Bocote 2010 lbf
  39. Bubinga 1980 lbf
  40. Guajavira 1980 lbf
  41. Padauk 1970 lbf
  42. Ziricote 1970 lbf
  43. Wenge 1930 lbf
  44. Amendoim 1912 lbf
  45. Hickory 1880 lbf
  46. Zebrawood 1830 lbf
  47. Pecan 1820 lbf
  48. Yellowheart 1790 lbf
  49. Tatajuba 1720 lbf
  50. Bilwara 1630 lbf
  51. Red Balau 1600 lbf
  52. Yellow Balau 1600 lbf
  53. Canarywood 1520 lbf
  54. Red Canary 1520 lbf
  55. Hard Maple 1450 lbf
  56. Birdseye Maple 1450 lbf
  57. Apitong (Keruing) 1390 lbf
  58. Australian Cypress 1375 lbf
  59. Bishopwood 1370 lbf
  60. Sapele 1360 lbf
  61. White Oak 1350 lbf
  62. Ash 1320 lbf
  63. Beech 1300 lbf
  64. European Beech 1300 lbf
  65. Red Oak 1290 lbf
  66. Birch 1260 lbf
  67. Red Grandis 1260 lbf
  68. Florida Maple 1240 lbf
  69. Andiroba 1220 lbf
  70. Garapa 1210 lbf
  71. Laurel Oak 1210 lbf
  72. Redheart 1210 lbf
  73. Makore 1200 lbf
  74. Anigre 1110 lbf
  75. Tauari 1100 lbf
  76. African Mahogany 1070 lbf
  77. Teak 1070 lbf
  78. Bolivian Walnut 1020 lbf
  79. Peruvian Walnut 1010 lbf
  80. Walnut 1010 lbf
  81. Anigre 1000 lbf
  82. Chinaberry 990 lbf
  83. Imbuia 970 lbf
  84. Camphor 950 lbf
  85. Cherry 950 lbf
  86. Andiroba 940 lbf
  87. Cuban Mahogany 930 lbf
  88. Aromatic Cedar 900 lbf
  89. Florida Cedar 900 lbf
  90. Monkey Pod 900 lbf
  91. Longleaf Pine 870 lbf
  92. Lacewood 840 lbf
  93. South American Mahogany 800 lbf
  94. American Sycamore 770 lbf
  95. Soft Maple 700 lbf
  96. Ambrosia Maple 700 lbf
  97. Southern Yellow Pine 690 lbf
  98. Norfolk Island Pine 650 lbf
  99. Spanish Cedar 600 lbf
  100. Alder 590 lbf
  101. Poplar 540 lbf
  102. Cypress 510 lbf
  103. Butternut 490 lbf
  104. Obeche 490 lbf
  105. Basswood 410 lbf

You Can Find Related Articles Here:

  1. What is Janka Hardness and Why is it Important for your Floor?
  2. Hardwood vs. Softwood: What’s the difference?
  3. Hardest Wood Flooring Options
  4. New Shipment of Domestic Hardwoods Available in Our Sarasota, FL Factory!
  5. Brazilian Walnut Flooring

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