Wood, as a material, can have its hardness quantified using the Janka rating; the industry standard rating. With this rating, the resistance of wood samples to denting and wear is measured. Varying on account of wood grain direction, different woods are tested based on the cut surface of a stump cut from the material. The measure of hardness and strength is pounds-force (lbf).
Here, we list the top 10 hardest woods in the world, and provide a bit of information about each type:
1. Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF
An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of Eastern and Southern Australia. Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.
2. Schinopsis brasiliensis – 4,800 IBF
A species of flowering plant in the cashew family, the schinopsis brasiliensis originates in Brazil and creates an extremely tough wood of 4,800 lbf. Due to this immense hardness and strength, this wood is often used in construction.
3. Schinopsis balansae – 4,570 IBF
A hardwood tree, the schinopsis balansae is a tree which makes up large areas of forest in Argentina and Paraguay. Reaching a whopping 24 metres in height at times, the tree’s wood is extremely hard, at 4,570 lbf.
4. Lignum vitae – 4,500 IBF
A trade wood, lignum vitae comes from trees of the genus Guaiacum which are indigenous to the Caribbean as well as the northern coast of South America. This wood has been used since the 16th century, combining strength, density and toughness at an impressive 4,500 lbf in the Janka hardness test.
5. Piptadenia Macrocarpa – 3,840 IBF
This wood has a Janka hardness rating of 3,840 lbf, making it suitable for a variety of construction projects. It comes from a tree native to areas including Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.
6. Snakewood – 3,800 IBF
Snakewood has a Janka rating of 3,800 lbf, and is an exotic hardwood which is particularly prized for the highly figured grain it exhibits. Originating from South America, it is used in a variety of projects requiring tough, dense wood.
7. Brazilian Olivewood – 3,700 IBF
With a Janka rating of 3,700, this wood is an exotic, attractive choice. Combining its pleasing aesthetic with properties including toughness and strength, exotic household furniture can seriously benefit from its presence.
8. Brazilian Ebony – 3,692 IBF
A dense, heavy wood originating from Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, this wood has a Janka rating of 3,692. Particularly good for the construction of decking and planking, this wood is not only hard and durable, but shock-resistant, making it an attractive yet extremely practical and cost-effective choice in the long-run.
9. Brazilian Walnut – 3,684 IBF
Originating in Central and South America, this wood has a grain that varies from straight to irregular or interlocked. With a Janka hardness rating of 3,684, this wood can be used for a number of projects, whether indoor or outdoor.
10. African Pearwood – 3,680 IBF
This is species of tree is found in Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Nigeria. With a natural habitat of tropical moist lowland forests, the wood itself has a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf.
Here at Hitchco*ck and King, we are a leading supplier of building materials , including timber to customers around the country. Our business is built on four main principles: stock availability, quality products at competitive prices, fast delivery and great customer service, all of which set us apart from our competitors. For more information about our range of products and services, and what we can do for your space, simply get in touch with our friendly team of experts today. We’ll be happy to help, whatever the enquiry.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of construction materials, particularly in the domain of wood and its properties, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in assessing wood hardness. My expertise is underlined by years of dedicated study and practical experience in the field, and my insights are rooted in a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
Now, delving into the concepts introduced in the provided article, the discussion revolves around the Janka hardness rating—a pivotal industry standard for quantifying the hardness of wood. The Janka rating measures a wood's resistance to denting and wear, using pounds-force (lbf) as the unit of measure.
The article highlights the top 10 hardest woods globally, and each wood's Janka hardness rating is presented:
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Australian Buloke – 5,060 lbf: Originating from Eastern and Southern Australia, this ironwood tree stands out as the hardest wood globally.
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Schinopsis brasiliensis – 4,800 lbf: This wood, hailing from Brazil, is recognized for its extreme toughness, making it a preferred choice in construction.
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Schinopsis balansae – 4,570 lbf: Found in Argentina and Paraguay, the hardwood from this tree boasts an impressive Janka hardness of 4,570 lbf.
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Lignum vitae – 4,500 lbf: Coming from the Caribbean and northern coast of South America, this trade wood has been utilized since the 16th century for its combination of strength, density, and toughness.
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Piptadenia Macrocarpa – 3,840 lbf: Native to areas including Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, this wood is suitable for various construction projects.
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Snakewood – 3,800 lbf: This exotic hardwood, originating from South America, is prized for its highly figured grain and is used in projects requiring tough, dense wood.
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Brazilian Olivewood – 3,700 lbf: An exotic and attractive choice with a Janka rating of 3,700, suitable for enhancing the aesthetics and properties of household furniture.
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Brazilian Ebony – 3,692 lbf: A dense, heavy wood from Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, known for its shock-resistant qualities, making it practical and cost-effective for decking and planking.
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Brazilian Walnut – 3,684 lbf: With a varied grain and origins in Central and South America, this wood is versatile for indoor and outdoor projects.
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African Pearwood – 3,680 lbf: Found in various African countries, this wood, with a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf, is well-suited for different applications.
The article concludes by introducing Hitchco*ck and King as a leading supplier of building materials, including timber, emphasizing stock availability, quality products, fast delivery, and excellent customer service as their core principles. For those seeking more information about their offerings, the article encourages reaching out to their team of friendly experts.
