Janka Hardness Scale

Janka Hardness Scale

December 31, 2017
Janka Scale
Janka Scale

Wood products have exquisite natural beauty and unique effects that tell complex stories over hundreds of years. Understanding the level of durability and differences between wood species will help you when selecting wood for your  flooring.

Choosing new hardwood floors require a hardwood species that can withstand heavy wear and tear. Your family lifestyle is something to take into consideration during the decision process. Do you have pets that love to run the house and scratch the floors? How large or small are your pets? What about a house full of teenagers? They do grow up and move out, but sometimes they come back... How often do you entertain? Do you have children and how old are they? Are they into sports? Gymnastics? There are so many factors that play a part of what we purchase but knowing how hard a species of hardwood is can make your choice a little simpler.

The Janka Wood Hardness Scale was developed to measure the force necessary to embed an 11.28mm (.444 in.) steel ball to have its diameter in wood. Using the Janka Wood Hardness Scale can help you determine which species is best suitable for your hardwood floors.

If you're a couple that have no children, no pets, don't entertain a lot and enjoy a clean look of hardwood, Maple would be a beautiful choice for your home. There is little character but a very simple, yet elegant appeal. Perhaps your family has 3 children ranging in ages from 2 to 7, beginning to play in sports, and love to play with the family German Shepherd. If that's the case, a nice Hickory floor that has loads of character to hide scratches will do for you.

The following image is only a partial list containing some of the most popular hardwood species; however, there are so many varieties to choose from. Use this as a tool to help identify the appropriate choice for you as you begin your journey for new flooring in your home.