Testing Methods for Determining Hardness of Wood Floors
The Janka (or side) hardness test measures the amount of force required to embed a .444-inch steel ball to one-half of its diameter in wood. It is known as one of the best measures of the ability of a wood species to withstand denting and wear. As an example, natural bamboo has a hardness rating of 1320 while carbonized bamboo has a hardness rating of 1180. White oak has a harness rating of 1360 while red oak has a hardness rating of 1290. As can be seen by this example, natural bamboo is harder than the oak species but once it has been carbonized it is softer than heart pine, which has a hardness rating of 1225.
Another hardness for wood test is the Brinell Hardness Test. This test measures the effect of pressing a small steel ball (with a diameter of 10mm) similar to high-heels or furniture legs, into the flooring with 220.5 lbs (100KN) of fixed force. More than 50 impressions are made on several samples of the wood. The diameter and depth f the indentations are carefully measured to determine the hardness. Some state that this testing method is the most relevant and realistic method to determine surface hardness of wood floors. Following is an example of these findings.
