Janka Hardness Scale

When selecting wood for furniture, shelving, or worktops, one key factor to consider is how hard the timber is. At Elephant Timber, we provide a variety of beautiful, durable hardwood slabs, from oak and walnut to cherry and ash. But how do you compare them for strength and wear resistance? That is where the Janka Hardness Scale comes in.

What is the Janka Hardness Scale?

The Janka Hardness Scale is the industry standard for measuring the hardness of wood. It was developed to test how resistant a species of wood is to denting and wear, a vital consideration if you are building tables, floors, or worktops that will be used daily.

The Janka rating is calculated by measuring the amount of force required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. The rating indicates that the higher the number (measured in pounds-force or lbf), the harder the wood.

Why Janka Hardness matters?

When choosing hardwood timber, hardness plays a key role in determining the right species for your project. Here is why:

• Durability – harder woods are more resistant to scratches, dents and general wear and tear.
• Workability – very hard woods can be more challenging to cut or shape, requiring sharper tools and a little more patience.
• Finishing – denser woods often absorb less finish and polish up to a higher sheen.
• Longevity – choosing the right hardness means your piece will last longer and stay looking great with minimal maintenance.

Common timber species and their Janka ratings

Here are some popular species we stock at Elephant Timber and their approximate Janka hardness ratings:

• English Oak: ~1,120 lbf
  Classic and durable. Oak is a solid choice for tables, benches and worktops.
• Walnut: ~1,010 lbf
  Known for its deep colour and moderate hardness, it is great for furniture and statement pieces.
• Cherry (Black Cherry): ~950 lbf
  Easier to work with than oak but still durable, ideal for furniture and shelving.
• Ash: ~1,320 lbf
  Harder than oak and a good all rounder, making it a strong choice for tables and desks.

Choosing the right timber for your needs

If you are building a live edge table, shelving unit, or waney edge worktop, understanding the Janka hardness scale will help you choose the best wood for the job. For high traffic surfaces, oak or ash may be ideal. If you are after something more decorative or easier to work with, cherry or walnut could be the better choice.

Why choose Elephant Timber?

At Elephant Timber, all our slabs are kiln dried and sustainably sourced. Whether you are looking for strength, beauty, or a bit of both, we will help you find the right piece of wood every time.

We invite you to explore our range of timber at our workshop in East Sussex, or online via our shop. Please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect hardwood for your next project.