Janka Wood Flooring Hardness Rating Chart

The hardness of wood flooring is measured by something call the Janka test. A .444 inch steel ball is driven into the wood in question to half of the ball's diameter.

Kids and Dogs?

Before buying and installing your wood floor, it really is necessary to look at the Janka test. Wood floor does get scratched and dented through normal use. On top of that, if you have kids or pets, you will have increased concerns about dents and scratches.
For instance, Douglas Fir, has a Janka hardness rating of 660 and proves to be the softest wood on the list--terrible for hard use.
At the top of the scale is Brazilian cherry with a rating of 2350. One wood that's off the charts is Brazilian Walnut, with a hardness rating of 3800.

Problems With Hard Wood vs. Soft Wood

While it may seem logical to pick the very hardest wood, keep these points in mind:

• Soft wood can be hardened to some degree by the application of polyurethene finishes.
• Hard wood is always much more expensive than the softer and medium-grade woods.
• Hard wood is more difficult to saw, drill, and nail than other woods, requiring more time and labor and, again, more money.

Janka Hardness Rating Chart

Check out the hardness rating for wood flooring in the chart below. Higher numbers indicate harder wood; lower numbers indicate softer wood.

WOOD SPECIES	RATING - SOFT TO HARD
Douglas Fir	660
S. Yellow Pine, Shortleaf	690
S. Yellow Pine, Longleaf	890
Black Cherry	950
Teak	1000
Black Walnut	1010
Heartpine	1225
Yellow Birch	1260
Red Oak, Northern	1290
American Beech	1300
Bamboo* - Teragren Craftsman II	1307
Ash	1320
White Oak	1360
Australian Cypress	1375
Hard Maple	1450
Wenge	1620
African Pedauk	1725
Hickory	1820
Pecan	1820
Purpleheart	1860
Jarrah	1910
Merbau	1925
Santos Mahogany	2200
Mesquite	2345
Brazilian Cherry	2350
Brazilian Walnut	3800
Bamboo* - Cali Bamboo Fossilized	5000

* = Bamboo is not a wood, but in the flooring industry it is often classified in this area and can be subjected to a Janka test, too.