Janka Wood Hardness Scale​: Understand & Compare Wood Hardness For Your Project

The Janka wood hardness scale measures the hardness and durability of a given wood species. It’s an excellent reference to ensure you’re purchasing the right wood for what you’re working on.

The higher the Janka rating, the greater the durability. Homeowners, woodworkers, and designers can use this scale when selecting wood so they achieve the best possible results, regardless of their project.

What Is the Janka Hardness Test?

The most common method for measuring the hardness of wood is called the Janka Hardness Test. This test measures the force needed to embed a 0.444 inch steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. The US measurement for the Janka Hardness Test is in pounds of force. The higher the number designated to the wood the “harder” the wood is considered to be. While this is a common test, the results from test to test may vary. We have to keep in mind that every tree grows differently depending on its location, environment, and circumstances.

What Do The Numbers in the Scale Mean?

The Janka wood hardness scale numbers show how resilient a wood is to wear and tear. Higher ratings mean greater durability and ensure whatever you’re building will withstand high or even daily use.

Softer woods won’t perform nearly as well in high-traffic scenarios, but they still have their benefits in certain projects. For instance, these woods can be easier to handle and less expensive to acquire. Where on the hardness scale your chosen wood falls can help you determine its real-life usefulness.

Why Does Janka Hardness Matter?

Janka hardness matters in many ways, and why it’s relevant depends on the application. In flooring, higher Janka ratings mean better resistance to scratches and dents. It’s also best to choose woods with higher ratings for certain furniture and cabinetry if you value longevity.

If you’re comparing hardwoods and softwoods, hardwoods usually provide better performance. But regardless of your project, knowing the Janka rating helps you balance the hardness with other elements to ensure you’re investing in a wood that suits your individual project’s needs.

Factors That Influence Janka Ratings

The wood species and grain orientation will be what impact the Janka rating most. Wood cut with the grain usually has better resistance to denting than wood cut across the grain.

Where and how the wood was stored can also influence its hardness. Humidity and moisture levels can make a wood softer, while properly dried wood will maintain its strength. Other treatment methods, like kiln drying, can actually improve a wood’s hardness since it lowers the moisture content.

How to Use the Janka Scale to Choose the Right Wood

The Janka hardness test is an excellent way to determine a wood’s strength, but how can you actually use it? Here are some tips to help you decipher the numbers and select a wood that suits your use case.

Tips for Homeowners

The first thing to do is consider the foot traffic in your home. In high-traffic areas like hallways, you’ll get the best results from wood with a Janka rating of 1200 or higher, such as oak or maple.

However, while hardness is important, you should always consider it with other aspects. For instance, it’s important to take into account how well the wood matches your home’s decor or how much work it will be to maintain.

Tips for Woodworkers and Contractors

Start by determining your project’s specific requirements. Furniture or projects that see daily use will benefit from wood with higher Janka ratings for longevity.

Harder woods are generally more durable, but they’re also often harder to work with, depending on the design. You may want a softer wood for projects requiring more intricate handling.

The last consideration should be your budget. Weigh the cost of the wood against the project's needs to strike a good balance between price and effectiveness.

Tips for Designers

Designers can use the Janka scale to ensure the wood will withstand its intended use. For instance, you might select a higher-rated wood for something like a kitchen island that will see a lot of action.

You can also combine different woods. Pairing a harder wood for structural elements with a softer one for decoration can be an excellent way to get both the form and function your project needs.

Practical Tips

If a wood that’s high on the Janka scale is out of your budget, research to see whether there are woods with similar ratings that aren’t as expensive. You can also prioritize using harder woods only in high-use areas to help you manage your budget without compromising quality.

What Are the Strongest Woods We Offer at Osborne Wood Products?

Of all of the common wood types used at Osborne Wood Products the hardest wood type is hickory. Hickory has a Janka Hardness of 1820 pounds-force. This shows that hickory may withstand denting and wear better than any of the other wood types offered (better than those with a lower Janka Rating).

The next hardest of the woods commonly used is hard maple. Hard maple has a Janka Hardness of 1450 pounds-force.

Janka Hardness Scale Comparison Chart

In the chart below, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison of popular wood species ranked by their Janka hardness score. Whether you’re selecting wood for table legs, kitchen island legs, or decorative corbels, this guide ensures you’ll make an informed decision based on both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Take a look to see where your favorite wood species rank:

(Click on the chart below for an expanded version)

The Importance of the Choosing the Right Wood Durability for Your Project

Choosing the right wood species is essential for any project, and understanding the Janka Wood Hardness Scale can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for durability, aesthetic appeal, or a balance of both, this guide provides a solid foundation for selecting the perfect wood.

Explore more about different wood species and their characteristics for your next woodworking project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking to learn more about the Janka wood hardness scale and how you can use it to select the right materials? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help point you in the right direction.