Janka Hardness

Ratings for Various Species of Wood (pounds)

Hardness is defined as resistance to indentation using a modified Janka hardness test, measured by the load required to embed a 11.28-mm (0.444-in.) ball to one-half its diameter. Values presented are the average of radial and tangential penetrations.⁽¹⁾

• Patagonian Rosewood 3,840 lbs
• Ipe, Brazilian Walnut 3,840 lbs
• Kurupayra 3,840 lbs
• Lapacho 3,684 lbs
• Tiete Rosewood 3,280 lbs
• Cumaru 3,200 lbs
• Massaranduba 3,190 lbs
• Brazilian Cherry 2,350 lbs
• Santos Mahogany 2,200 lbs
• Para Rosewood 2,100 lbs
• Tarara, Canarywood 1,860 lbs
• TigerWood 1,850 lbs
• Acacia 1,750 lbs
• Angelim Pedra 1,720 lbs
• Kempas 1,710 lbs
• Maple 1,450 lbs
• White Oak 1,360 lbs
• Amendoim, Ybyraro 1,340 lbs
• Red Oak 1,290 lbs
• Andiroba, Royal Mahogany 1,220 lbs
• Birch 1,100 lbs
• Cherry 950 lbs
• Douglas Fir 660 lbs

(1) The Wood Handbook - Wood as an engineering material, USDA, General Technical Report 113.