What does side hardness measure?

It measures resistance to indentation perpendicular to the grain. The linked USDA table reports clear-wood test values in pounds-force. These are reference measurements, not a guarantee for a particular board.

What does source-checked mean?

The value, species or regional label, and 12% moisture condition were checked against Table 5-3b of the 2021 USDA Wood Handbook. General names have been narrowed where needed. Untested product treatments and broad species groups are not covered by that verification.

Can hardness select a structural or exterior product?

This chart does not establish structural capacity, decay resistance, dimensional stability, finish performance or product suitability. Use project-specific design information and product instructions. Use tags are catalog labels, not recommendations or source-checked properties.

Why are some entries marked source pending?

Those values were present in the earlier chart, but their original source, precise species and test conditions have not been established. They are hidden by default. Show them only as unverified reference entries; obtain a product-specific source before relying on them.

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Janka Hardness Chart

90 reference entries, including 28 source-checked values. Compare up to four entries; broad groups and modified products are not necessarily individual species.

Reference hardness, not a product specification. Source-checked rows use USDA Table 5-3b, 12% moisture content, side hardness in pounds-force (lbf). Sample and test conditions matter. Check the exact species and product before using a number.

2021 USDA Wood Handbook, Chapter 5 · Values checked November 14, 2026. Source links verify hardness only; catalog origin and use tags remain unverified.

Show 62 source-pending entries

Hardness color bands are chart display categories, not a recognized grading or application standard.

Very Soft (0–<500)

Soft (500–<1000)

Medium (1000–<1500)

Hard (1500–<2500)

Very Hard (2500–<3500)

Extremely Hard (3500+)

		Catalog origin	Use tags
Pecan USDA 5–10, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,820	North American	Flooring Furniture
Black Locust USDA 5–10, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,700	North American	Fencing Decking
Honeylocust USDA 5–10, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,580	North American	Furniture Fencing
Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) USDA 5–10, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,450	North American	Flooring Furniture Cabinets
White Oak USDA 5–11, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,360	North American	Flooring Furniture Barrels
White Ash USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,320	North American	Flooring Furniture Sports
Northern Red Oak USDA 5–10, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,290	North American	Flooring Furniture Cabinets
Yellow Birch USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,260	North American	Flooring Furniture
Black Walnut USDA 5–11, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	1,010	North American	Furniture Flooring Cabinets
Black Cherry USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	950	North American	Furniture Flooring Cabinets
Hackberry USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	880	North American	Furniture
American Elm USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	830	North American	Furniture
American Sycamore USDA 5–11, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	770	North American	Furniture
Silver Maple USDA 5–10, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	700	North American	Furniture
Douglas-fir (Interior West) USDA 5–12, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	660	North American	Framing Decking
Red Alder USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	590	North American	Furniture Cabinets
American Chestnut USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	540	North American	Furniture
Yellow-poplar USDA 5–11, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	540	North American	Furniture Trim
Baldcypress USDA 5–11, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	510	North American	Decking Siding
Sitka Spruce USDA 5–13, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	510	North American	Framing
Eastern Hemlock USDA 5–12, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	500	North American	Framing
Butternut USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	490	North American	Carving Furniture
Ponderosa Pine USDA 5–13, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	460	North American	Framing Furniture
Eastern Cottonwood USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	430	North American	Furniture
American Basswood USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	410	North American	Carving Furniture
Eastern White Pine USDA 5–12, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	380	North American	Furniture Trim
Quaking Aspen USDA 5–9, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	350	North American	Furniture
Western Red Cedar USDA 5–12, Table 5-3b · 12% MC	350	North American	Decking Siding Fencing

28 entries shown · 0/4 comparison slots used

Use hardness as one input

This chart does not prescribe minimum hardness for flooring, framing or exterior work. Product construction, finish, moisture, durability and project design need their own evidence. Source-pending entries should not be treated as verified measurements.

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Janka Hardness Chart

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