Janka Rating and What it Means

A Janka rating is a measure of wood hardness, specifically its resistance to denting, used to compare the durability of different wood species. It's determined by measuring the force needed to push a steel ball into the wood to a specific depth.

 

Hickory has a Janka rating of 1820 and is considered one of the hardest available hardwoods, while Cypress has a much lower rating (around 510) and is very soft. 

 

Do you wonder about the urban wood we typically see and use at Alabama Sawyer? Here is a list!

Janka	Species Name
510	Bald Cypress
540	Poplar
540	Mappa Burl
830	American Elm
850	Black Ash
850	Western Maple
850	Sweet Gum
870	Longleaf Pine
880	Hackberry
900	Red Cedar
950	Cherry
950	Soft Maple
1010	Walnut
1020	Holly
1220	Red Oak
1260	Birch
1300	Spalted Beech
1320	White Ash
1350	White Oak
1450	Hard Maple
1548	Honey Locust
1820	Hickory
1820	Pecan
1880	Shagbark Hickory
2140	Pignut Hickory

 

How is it Measured?

The Janka rating is measured by applying a specific amount of force to a steel ball half embedded in the wood. The force required to embed the ball to a certain depth is then recorded in pounds-force (lbf). The higher the Janka rating, the harder the wood.

What Does it Mean for Consumers?

For consumers, understanding the Janka rating can help in making informed decisions when choosing wood products. A higher Janka rating indicates a harder wood that is more resistant to dents and wear, making it ideal for high-use areas and can be considered in picking a wood species for a table or piece of furniture.

 

You can be sure that all the domestic wood we use for Alabama Sawyer furniture is typically used for wood furniture. Harder woods are harder on tools. Softer woods might be more prone to dents (or a mark from a pen on paper on the surface.) The negative or positives of seeing life reflected in your furniture is a matter of context and opinion.