Janka Hardness Chart Flooring

Relative hardness of wood flooring species.

Janka hardness chart flooring.

The janka hardness scale determines the hardness of a particular type of wood over another. Janka hardness ratings of wood species. To learn the basic hardness of different common woods used in flooring check the chart below. 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.

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 type of construction and finish also play an important role in the durability and ease of maintenance of any wood floor. A common use of janka hardness ratings is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring. 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 chart is commonly used in the flooring industry to compare hardwood flooring types. 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.