Janka Rating
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
What is the Janka Rating?
The Janka hardness test measures the hardness of a given wood species. More specifically, the Janka hardness test for hardwood flooring measures the force required to embed a .444 inch steel ball to half its diameter in the wood surface.
How do they test the hardness of wood?
Janka is the scale or measurement used in determining how hard wood is. It is proven by the force needed to embed a small steal ball to half of its diameter into the wood that is being tested at the time. This test is done not only on the top of the wood but the side as well. So therefore the harder force it takes to accomplish this the harder the wood.
Using the Janka test to buy flooring?
Observing the Janka of the wood is key when preparing to purchase a wood floor. You must consider how much traffic will the wood flooring endure over time. If the floor is going to be walked on a lot such as in a public place then its best to choose a flooring with a high Janka. On the other hand if the floor is used in a residential home where there is not a much traffic the Janka rating does not have to be so high.
Higher volume = higher Janka Rating
Before choosing your hardwood flooring, take time to think about how many people will be marching through your living rooms, hallways, and entry rooms. Or how many people will have in your local store over the years? If your expecting a high volume look for the higher Janka Rating.
