Hardwood Janka Rating Scale

The scale used in the table is pounds force.

Hardwood janka rating scale.

Janka wood hardness scale. Although not exact the scale is a good reference for which hardwood can better withstand denting and wear when compared with another wood species. A common use of janka hardness ratings is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring. In laymans terms it is a way to measure a woods resistance to denting.

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. The janka test measures the amount of force required to embed a 0 444 steel ball into the wood to half of its diameter. Woods with a higher rating are harder than woods with a lower rating. Janka hardness ratings of wood species.

The janka scale is used to determine the relative hardness of particular domestic or exotic wood species. The janka chart is commonly used in the flooring industry to compare hardwood flooring types. The higher the janka rating the more dent and wear resistant a particular wood is. It is important to remember that the testing process used in the janka scale is an impact test not a test of scratching scuffing or any other wear and tear that flooring experiences.

The janka hardness scale determines the hardness of a particular type of wood over another. The janka rating is a measure of the amount of force required to push a 444 diameter steel ball half way into a piece of wood.