Bamboo Flooring Janka Hardness Scale

The Janka test is often used to deduce bamboo flooring hardness. This test measures the force required to embed an 11.28 millimeter (0.444 inch) steel ball into wood to half its diameter (0.222 inch). This method results in an indention 100 square millimeters in size. It is one of the best measures to determine the hardness and durability of wood species. It is also a good indicator of how hard a species is to saw or nail. A common use of Janka hardness ratings is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as flooring. If you're wondering if you want to install bamboo flooring, these ratings can help.

The results are stated in various ways, which can lead to confusion, especially when the name of the actual units employed is often not attached. In the United States, the measurement is in pounds-force (lbf). In Sweden it is in kilograms-force (kgf), and in Australia, either in newtons (N) or kilonewtons (kN). Sometimes the results are treated as units, e.g., "660 Janka."

For years, bamboo was not mentioned in Janka reports and list. With the rising popularity of bamboo as flooring, the Janka test has been forced to include the diverse ratings for different bamboo floors.

Statistics below compare the janka hardness ratings for hardwood and bamboo flooring products.