Janka Wood Floor Hardness Scale

To learn the basic hardness of different common woods used in flooring check the chart below.

Janka wood floor hardness scale.

The industry standard for hardness the hardness of a wood is rated on an industry wide standard known as the janka test. The janka hardness scale determines the hardness of a particular type of wood over another. The test measures the force required to push a steel ball with a diameter of 11 28 millimeters 0 444 inches into the wood to a depth of half the ball s diameter. A common use of janka hardness ratings is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring.

The janka hardness test was conducted by measuring the amount of force necessary to embed a 444 inch steel ball into side of the wood up to one half of its diameter to determine its hardness rating which is then recorded on the janka hardness scale. The type of construction and finish also play an important role in the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor. The janka scale is used to determine the relative hardness of particular domestic or exotic wood species. It is also a good indicator of how hard a.

It measures the force required to embed an 11 28 millimetres 0 444 in diameter steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. Although this janka hardness test is one of the best methods to measure the ability of wood species to withstand indentations it should be used only as a general guide when comparing various species of wood flooring. The scale was invented in 1906 by gabriel janka an austrian wood researcher and standardized in 1927 by the american society for testing and materials depending on the room where the flooring will be installed a certain level of hardness may make it a more desirable choice. The janka hardness test from the austrian born emigrant gabriel janka 1864 1932 measures the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear.

There may be variations of more or less than 20 on the scale since this is a scientific test. The janka test is a measure of the hardness of wood. Woods with a higher rating are harder than woods with a lower rating. This test is one of the best measures of the ability of a wood specie to withstand denting and wear.

The scale used in the table is pounds force. The janka test measures the force required to embed a 444 inch steel ball into the wood by half its diameter. Janka hardness ratings of wood species.