Wood flooring comes in all different varieties and species. The species of wood is one of the biggest factors in shaping the look of hardwood floors since it gives the flooring its unique physical properties. Even though all wood floors are durable, each species has its own unique level or hardness. The hardness of a wood species is determined by the Janka Hardness Test and can affect your choice when considering new wood floors.

What is the Janka Hardness Test?

The Janka Test is an industry standard for analyzing a wood’s overall durability. The test uses a 0.444” (11.28mm) steel ball and drives that ball into a piece of wood until half of the ball is embedded. The higher the number, the harder the wood.

Is the Janka Test helpful?

While helpful, especially for wood workers, architects and flooring professionals, a wood’s rating on the Janka Hardness Scale should not be the deciding factor on choosing your wood floors. The Janka Hardness Scale should be used as an overall indicator for durability and can be helpful if homeowners take into account these considerations:

• The Janka Hardness Test is done on the wood only, not on actual flooring. Things like general maintenance, plank construction, and wood finish will also greatly affect a floor’s durability.
  
  
• A wood’s hardness is good to consider for high traffic areas or homes with pets.
  
  
• Harder wood will be more durable, but it will also be harder to work with. This increased challenge will affect the overall cost of the floor.
  
  
• Softer wood can be used for unique looks like distressed, wire brushed or hand scraped floors.
  
  
• No floor is invincible. All floors will get dings and scratches regardless of its rating on the Janka Hardness Scale.

For more help or expert advice on choosing the right floors for your home, contact a Bona Certified Craftsman. These local, trusted flooring professionals understand the complete Bona System and know what it takes to work with you to get the floor of your dreams.