The Janka scale is the standard metric for wood hardness. When selecting a floor, the rating helps categorize woods into soft, medium, or hard tiers. For homes with large pets or heavy furniture, species with higher Janka ratings are often recommended. However, it is important to note that Janka does not measure scratch resistance or the durability of the finish, which are also vital components of how a floor ages. It is one factor, not the sole indicator of total flooring performance.
Ask an ExpertHardwood
How does Janka hardness rating apply to wood selection?
The Janka hardness rating measures the force required to embed a steel ball halfway into a wood plank. It serves as a benchmark for comparing how well different species will resist everyday wear, denting, and heavy impacts in a residential or commercial setting.