The Janka hardness test is a standard test used to determine the hardness of wood. It measures the force required to embed a small steel ball into the wood to half its diameter. This measurement indicates the wood’s resistance to denting and wear, which is essential in determining its suitability for various applications.
For example, if a species of wood has a high rating on the Janka scale, it is considered hard and durable, making it ideal for flooring, furniture, and decking. On the other hand, if a species of wood has a low rating on the Janka scale, it is considered to be a soft and relatively weak wood, which may not be suitable for applications that require strength and durability.
It is important to note that the Janka hardness test only measures one aspect of a wood’s properties and does not consider other important factors such as stability, workability, and appearance. As such, it is recommended to use the Janka scale in combination with other tests and evaluations when making decisions about the suitability of wood for different applications.
Overall, the Janka hardness scale is a valuable tool for determining the hardness and durability of various types of wood and is widely used by lumber suppliers, builders, and manufacturers.
| Species | Force (pounds-force) | Force (newtons) |
| Australian Buloke | 5,060 lbf | 22,500 N |
| Schinopsis brasiliensis, Quebracho, Barauna, Chamacoco | 4,800 lbf | 21,000 N |
| Schinopsis balansae, Quebracho Colorado, Red Quebracho | 4,570 lbf | 20,300 N |
| Lignum vitae, Guayacan, Pockholz | 4,500 lbf | 20,000 N |
| Piptadenia Macrocarpa, Curupay, Angico Preto, Brazilian Tiger Mahogany | 3,840 lbf | 17,100 N |
| Snakewood, Letterhout, Piratinera Guinensis | 3,800 lbf | 17,000 N |
| Brazilian Olivewood | 3,700 lbf | 16,000 N |
| Brazilian Ebony | 3,700 lbf | 16,000 N |
| Ipê, Brazilian Walnut, Handroanthus lapacho | 3,684 lbf | 16,390 N |
| African Pearwood, Moabi | 3,680 lbf | 16,400 N |
| Grey Ironbark | 3,664 lbf | 16,300 N |
| Bolivian Cherry | 3,650 lbf | 16,200 N |
| Lapacho | 3,640 lbf | 16,200 N |
| Sucupira, Brazilian Chestnut, Tiete Chestnut | 3,417 lbf | 15,200 N |
| Kingwood | 3,340 lbf | 14,900 N |
| Dipteryx, Cumaru, Brazilian Teak | 3,330 lbf | 14,800 N |
| Ironwood | 3,260 lbf | 14,500 N |
| Ebony | 3,220 lbf | 14,300 N |
| Massaranduba, Brazilian Redwood, Paraju | 3,190 lbf | 14,200 N |
| Yvyraro | 3,040 lbf | 13,500 N |
| Strand Woven Bamboo | 3,000 lbf | 13,000 N |
| Cocobolo | 2,960 lbf | 13,200 N |
| Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens) | 2,900 lbf | 13,000 N |
| Boxwood | 2,840 lbf | 12,600 N |
| Red Mahogany, Turpentine | 2,697 lbf | 12,000 N |
| Live Oak | 2,680 lbf | 11,900 N |
| Southern Chestnut | 2,670 lbf | 11,900 N |
| Spotted Gum | 2,473 lbf | 11,000 N |
| Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba | 2,350 lbf | 10,500 N |
| Mesquite | 2,345 lbf | 10,430 N |
| Golden Teak | 2,330 lbf | 10,400 N |
| Guatambú, Kyrandy, Balfourodendron riedelianum | 2,240 lbf | 10,000 N |
| Santos Mahogany, Bocote, Cabreuva, Honduran Rosewood | 2,200 lbf | 9,800 N |
| Pradoo | 2,170 lbf | 9,700 N |