The relative hardness of wood species is measured using the Janka Hardness Rating. This test measures the force needed to embed a steel ball (.444 inch in diameter) to half its diameter into the piece of wood being tested. A common use for the Janka Hardness rating is to determine whether a certain species of wood is suitable for use as flooring. When it comes to the Janka hardness rating the higher the number, the harder the wood. This means the wood is more resistant to indentations and therefore better flooring for your home or business.

The hardness of wood varied with the direction of the wood grain. Testing perpendicular to the grain is considered to be on the “side of hardness” while testing the cut surface of a stump is considered testing on the end of hardness.

Different species also have varying degrees of hardness. Hardwood floors are a natural product and are susceptible to dents. The Janka Hardness Scale rating has become the industry standard for determining whether a given wood is suitable for flooring material and Red Oak is the industry benchmark for comparing the relative hardness of different wood species. If you expect your floors will take a lot of abuse, consider a species at least as hard as red oak which has a Janka rating of 1290.

For more information on the Janka Hardness test and what species of hardwood flooring is right for you contact the professionals at Park Avenue Flooringtoday.