Let’s Learn What Wood Hardness Means

When choosing wood for decking or flooring, it is easy to forget that all woods have different organic properties that make them either great choices or a poor decision for the project. One of these properties is wood hardness. While you might look at this term and think it is obvious that the harder the wood the better it is for flooring or decking, there are some considerations that need to be had.

The Janka Hardness Test

All local lumber suppliers use the same measurement when it comes to determining the hardness of flooring or decking lumber, the Janka Hardness Test.

This test is a controlled lab test that rates the pounds-force (lbf) it takes to embed an 11.28mm (0.444”) steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. This test helps tell us how susceptible a wood is to denting and wear. It also tells us a few things about the ease in working with a wood species.

How Hard is Genuine Mahogany Decking & Flooring?

Genuine mahogany decking and flooring is a hard wood and an excellent choice for your project. It has a Janka Score of 800-900 lbf. This makes it a strong wood capable of taking a few accidental drops and hits without consistently denting. Compare this to red cedar, which has a Janka Score of 350 lbf, genuine mahogany is more than twice as strong.

On the flip side, ipe is significantly harder, with a Janka Score of 3,510 lbf. This makes it a lot stronger at holding up against dents but its so hard, that it causes issues when working with it.

The Workability of Various Hard Woods

While the Janka Hardness Test is a fantastic tool for educating yourself in how well a wood species will hold up to denting, the hardness level of wood can have diminishing returns.

Ipe

One of the hardest woods on the planet, the benefits of using ipe wood for backyard decks and inside flooring needs to be weighed with the difficulties in working with it. Ipe, as we have discussed before, can be an absolute nightmare to work with if you do not have the right tools and experience. Even with the right tools, ipe is difficult to nail (it must be pre-drilled) and glue because it does not take to bending or shifting.

Genuine Mahogany

Genuine mahogany decking and flooring is a fantastic choice for a hard wood. It may not be as strong as ipe, but it costs less, holds up well against dents, and is one of the best woods to work with. It machines and saws well and works with any combination of woodworking tools. Compared to other wood species, It’s flexibility makes it resistant to cracking and loosening nails caused by temperature changes. It is also great for steam bending!

Cedar

Cedar ranks low on the Janka Hardness making it very prone to dents. However, it is on the lower end in price, making it a good short-term product choice. Cedar also works really well with machines and tools. It does not have to be pre-drilled and can also be steam bent.

Final Thoughts on Wood Hardness

The hardness rating of wood gives buyers an important insight into how well a wood species will hold up given the location it will be installed. The Janka Hardness Score only determines how a wood species holds up against force. So normal wear and tear from furniture, appliances, children, and pets are not reflected in a hardness score. A dog with long, sharp nails can put scratches into an ipe floor just as it could in a cedar floor.

While we think genuine mahogany decking and flooring is the superior choice, you are now prepared with a little bit more knowledge to determine what the right product is for you.

Contact Us Today!