The Janka Rating - A Measure in Density

The Janka Hardness test, coined by Gabriel Janka, is a measure of the resistance of a sample of wood has to pressure applied to it, generally used to imitate the scratch and wear on flooring. The test consists of a 0.444” diameter steel ball being embedded halfway into a sample of wood, the measurement derived is the amount of Force required to do so (typically measured in lbf or N). Brazilian Hardwoods, on average, rank in the highest brackets of performance in this test. For all intents and purposes, a higher Janka Hardness Rating correlates to a better quality product and the pricing should indicate as such. The Janka Hardness test may be performed in varying orientations (radial hardness and tangential hardness) to the wood sample to measure its resistance to forces in said orientations.