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The Hardness Scale: How Different Wood Species Rank on the Janka Test

Writer: Brandon KrauseBrandon Krause

Updated: Mar 5

Ever wonder how hard your hardwood really is? The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of wood to dents and wear. Here’s what you need to know about how various species rank and what that means for your floors.


Understanding Janka:

The Janka test gives you a numerical value representing how much force is needed to embed a steel ball into the wood. Woods like Brazilian walnut (Ipe) and hickory score very high, meaning they’re built to withstand heavy use.


Janka Hardness Scale
The Janka hardness scale
What This Means for You:

A higher Janka rating typically indicates better durability, which is crucial for high-traffic areas or homes with active families and pets. It’s a helpful metric when comparing different species for your next flooring project.

 
 
 

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