Engineered Wood Flooring Hardness Scale

The scale was developed as a means for displaying the results of the janka hardness test.

Engineered wood flooring hardness scale.

To learn the basic hardness of different common woods used in flooring check the chart below. Engineered hardwoods have different materials under the actual wear layer. In short a higher number rating on the janka scale equates to a harder wood species. The janka hardness scale starts at 0 and goes through 4000 with 4000 being an extremely hard wood so hard it is difficult to saw.

When considering engineered wood flooring the hardness scale should not be taken in earnest. 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. 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. 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.

Woods with a low rating on the wood hardness scale are those that will dent and scratch most easily. For example balsa wood which is extremely lightweight and used for crafts is one of the lowest on the scale at 100 lbs. Janka hardness ratings of wood species. A common use of janka hardness ratings is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring.

A janka rating provides a great barometer for determining how well a particular floor may withstand denting and wear. It measures the force required to embed an 11 28 millimetres 0 444 in diameter steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. Jasper engineered hardwood baltic oak collection in sand sku. By jeff hosking hosking hardwood flooring.

We ll be with you every step of the way ensuring that each stage of the project is a success. Higher quality will see baltic. While there are no official studies i am aware of with engineered products the actual hardness testing reporting is done with solid wood flooring. Understanding how the janka hardness scale works is simple.

When choosing floors for your home keep in mind the janka hardness scale as it will tell you generally how. The test uses a 2 x 2 x 6 piece of wood and a 0 444 steel ball to determine how hard the wood is. The type of construction and finish also play an important role in the. The lower the number the softer.