Janka Hardness Chart Flooring

Janka hardness ratings of wood species.

Janka hardness chart flooring.

Throughout the wood flooring industry the janka hardness chart is recognized as the main source for questions related to the density and relative hardness of both domestic species as well as exotic wood species from around the world. 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 chart was created as a result of the janka hardness test the janka test measures the hardness of wood so that wood species can be compared to one another. 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.

To learn the basic hardness of different common woods used in flooring check the chart below. It measures the force required to embed an 11 28 millimetres 0 444 in diameter steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. Relative hardness of wood flooring species. 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 type of construction and finish also play an important role in the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor. The janka chart is commonly used in the flooring industry to compare hardwood flooring types.