The Janka Hardness Scale is the industry standard for determining the hardness of different species of wood. We find it useful to determine their suitability for use as log cabin flooring. The higher the number, the harder the wood.
The Janka Scale measures the force required to embed an 11.28 millimeter (0.444 inch) steel ball to a depth equal to half its diameter into the wood being tested, resulting in an indentation exactly 100 square millimeters in size.
The test gives a good indication of the wood's resistance to normal wear and tear and denting, and it also shows how difficult it is to work with as far as nailing and sawing.
Since the hardness varies according to the direction of the grain, the test can be performed on the side or the end grain.
The same woods grown in different environments have different hardnesses. Canadian woods are harder than American woods because of the shorter growing season.
This table shows the Janka Hardness Scale of various woods and gives an indication of the suitability of the wood for use as flooring. A higher number means that the wood will show less wear and is less easily dented. This is one factor to consider in your choice of log cabin flooring.
No. | Wood Flooring Species | Hardness |
1. | Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) | 3684 |
2. | Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) | 3540 |
3. | Ebony | 3220 |
4. | Brazilian Redwood (Paraju) | 3190 |
5. | Angelim Pedra | 3040 |
6. | Brazilian Rosewood (Tamarindo) | 3000 |
7. | Red Mahogany | 2697 |
8. | Spotted Gum | 2473 |
9. | Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) | 2350 |
10. | Mesquite | 2345 |
11. | Santos Mahogany (Bocote) | 2200 |
12. | Bubinga | 1980 |
13. | Merbau | 1925 |
14. | Purpleheart | 1860 |
15. | Tigerwood | 1850 |
16. | Hickory | 1820 |
17. | Rosewood | 1780 |
18. | African Padauk | 1725 |
19. | Blackwood | 1720 |
20. | African Oak | 1720 |
21. | Kempas | 1710 |
22. | Locust | 1700 |
23. | Highland Beech | 1686 |
24. | Wenge (Red Pine) | 1630 |
25. | Hard Maple (Sugar Maple) | 1450 |
26. | Coffee Bean | 1390 |
27. | Natural Bamboo | 1380 |
28. | Australian Cypress | 1375 |
29. | White Oak | 1360 |
30. | Ash (White) | 1320 |
31. | American Beech | 1300 |
32. | Red Oak (Northern Oak) | 1290 |
33. | Caribbean Heart Pine | 1280 |
34. | Yellow Birch | 1260 |
35. | Movingui | 1230 |
36. | Heart Pine | 1225 |
37. | Andiroba | 1220 |
38. | Carbonized Bamboo | 1180 |
39. | Cocobolo | 1136 |
40. | Brazilian Eucalyptus (Rose Gum) | 1125 |
41. | Black Walnut | 1010 |
42. | Teak | 1000 |
43. | Sakura | 995 |
44. | Black Cherry | 950 |
45. | Boire | 940 |
46. | Paper Birch | 910 |
47. | Cedar | 900 |
48. | Southern Yellow Pine (Longleaf Pine) | 870 |
49. | Southern Yellow Pine (Loblolly Pine and Shortleaf Pine) | 690 |
50. | Douglas Fir | 660 |
51. | Larch | 590 |
52. | Chestnut | 540 |
53. | Hemlock | 500 |
54. | White Pine | 420 |
55. | Basswood | 410 |
56. | Eastern White Pine | 380 |
Click here for a great source for discount, top-quality hardwood flooring, shipped directly to your door -- anywhere in the U.S.
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Log Cabin Building
All About Building a Log Cabin
Installing Utilities Before Construction
Janka Hardness Scale for Flooring
Log Cabin Flooring Options
Hardwood Flooring Styles
Best Log Fasteners to Use
Unique Log Home Building Tools
Prepare for your Log Home Package
Be Your Own General Contractor
Sample Contract Specifications
Source For Cheap Hardwood Flooring
Cabin Roofing Choices
Log Home Building Schools
Build Right With Cabin Building Tips
Efficient Building with SIPs
PEX Tubing for Radiant Floor Heating
Bamboo Flooring is Sustainable
Radiant Floor Heating Provides Comfort
Reclaimed Wood Carries a Rich Patina
Contractors Insurance is Liability Protection
Working with Subcontractors
Specialty Log Tools for Peeling Logs
Log Screws are Strong and Versatile
Septic Permit Process Includes Perc Test & Site Visit
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Transforming your cabin with rugs is a quick and easy way to Keep It Cozy!
Answers to many log cabin FAQs and other questions about building with logs and timbers.
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