species
hardness rating
The hardness of a timber is measured by the Janka hardness test. This test measures the force required to embed an 11.28mm (0.444 in) steel ball to half its depth into wood. The Janka hardness test is the industry standard for determining the ability of a particular timber species to withstand denting and wear.
In Australia, Janka results are displayed in either newtons (N) or kilonewtons (kN).
| Species | Janka Rating (kN) |
| American Oak | 6.0 |
| Australian Beech | 7.5 |
| Bamboo (horizontal) | 5.87 |
| Bamboo (vertical) | 6.58 |
| Bamboo (strand woven) | 16.10 |
| Blackbutt | 9.1 |
| Brazilian Walnut | 16.37 |
| Brushbox | 9.5 |
| Cypress Pine | 6.1 |
| Flooded / Rose Gum | 7.5 |
| Forest Reds | 9.1 |
| Ironbark | 14.0 |
| Grey Box | 15.0 |
| Jarrah | 8.5 |
| Karri | 9.0 |
| Merbau | 8.56 |
| Messmate | 7.1 |
| New England Oak | 6.1 |
| Northern Beech | 7.5 |
| Red Mahogany | 12.0 |
| Ribbon Gum | 6.1 |
| Spotted Gum | 11.0 |
| Stringybark | 8.1 |
| Sydney Blue Gum | 9.01 |
| Tallowwood | 8.6 |
| Tasmanian Oak | 5.5 |
| Turpentine | 12.0 |
| Victorian Ash | 4.49 |