What Is the Janka Hardness Scale? A Complete Guide for Australian Homeowners

You’re comparing timber flooring for your home when a salesperson points to a product label and says, “This floor has a Janka rating of 11 kN, so it’s much harder than most other options.” The number sounds impressive, but what does it actually mean? More importantly, does a higher Janka rating guarantee a better floor for your lifestyle, or is there more to the story?

What is the Janka Hardness Scale? It is a standard test used to measure how resistant a timber species is to dents and indentation. While the Janka rating is an important indicator of timber hardness, it is only one part of choosing the right flooring. In this guide, you’ll learn how the Janka Hardness Scale works, how Australian timber species compare, why Australian ratings differ from US charts, what the rating does, and doesn’t, measure, and how to use it alongside factors like surface coatings, moisture stability, and room usage to make a confident flooring decision.

What Is the Janka Hardness Scale?

The Janka Hardness Scale is a standardized test that measures how resistant a timber species is to dents and indentation. It provides a numerical hardness rating by recording the amount of force required to press a steel ball into the surface of a wood sample. In Australia, this rating is expressed in kilonewtons (kN) and is widely used to compare the durability of timber flooring species. Although it is a valuable guide for assessing dent resistance, the Janka rating should be considered alongside factors such as surface finish, moisture stability, and intended use when choosing flooring.

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1. What Does the Janka Test Measure?

The Janka test measures the force required to embed an 11.28 mm steel ball halfway into a timber sample, indicating the wood’s resistance to denting. During the test, a hardened steel ball is pressed into the timber until half of its diameter is embedded in the wood. The amount of force needed to achieve this is recorded as the Janka hardness rating. Higher ratings indicate greater resistance to dents from concentrated loads such as furniture legs, high heels, or dropped objects, making the test a useful benchmark for comparing timber species used in flooring.

2. Who Invented the Janka Hardness Test?

The Janka Hardness Test was developed by Austrian wood researcher Gabriel Janka in the early 1900s to create a consistent way of comparing timber species. Before the test existed, there was no universal method for measuring the hardness of different woods. Gabriel Janka designed the test to provide an objective and repeatable standard that manufacturers, builders, and consumers could use to evaluate timber performance. Today, the Janka test remains one of the most recognised methods for comparing the hardness of flooring timbers around the world.

3. Why Is the Janka Scale Used for Timber Flooring?

The Janka Hardness Scale is widely used because it allows flooring manufacturers and homeowners to compare the dent resistance of different timber species using a standard measurement. It helps buyers understand which hardwoods are better suited to busy family homes, high-traffic areas, or commercial spaces where flooring experiences greater wear. The rating also appears in product specifications, making it easier to compare timber options before purchase. While the Janka rating is an important decision-making tool, it works best when considered alongside coating quality, maintenance requirements, and the environmental conditions where the flooring will be installed.

How Does Australia Measure Janka Hardness?

Australia measures Janka hardness in kilonewtons (kN), while many international charts, particularly those from the United States, use pounds-force (lbf). This difference in measurement units often causes confusion for homeowners researching timber flooring online. Two products may appear to have completely different Janka ratings even though they have similar hardness levels, simply because they are measured using different units. Understanding the difference between kN and lbf helps you compare flooring products accurately and avoid making misleading comparisons.

1. Janka Rating in Australia (kN)

In Australia, the Janka Hardness Scale is expressed in kilonewtons (kN), the standard unit of force used throughout the local flooring industry. Timber flooring manufacturers, suppliers, and organisations such as the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA) typically list Janka ratings in kN on product specifications, making it the benchmark Australian homeowners should use when choosing the best flooring for high traffic areas in Adelaide and comparing local flooring options.

2. Why US Janka Charts Look Different?

• Most American timber charts display Janka ratings in pounds-force (lbf) instead of kilonewtons.
• International flooring websites often publish US-based data, which can appear alongside Australian product specifications.
• Because the numbers use different units, they cannot be compared directly without conversion.
• This difference is one of the most common reasons Australian buyers become confused when researching timber hardness online.

3. Janka kN vs lbf Conversion

• 1 kilonewton (kN) is approximately equal to 225 pounds-force (lbf).
• For example, a timber rated at 11 kN is roughly equivalent to 2,475 lbf, not simply “11” on a US chart.
• Always check whether a Janka rating is listed in kN or lbf before comparing different timber species.
• Mixing Australian and US measurements without conversion can lead to inaccurate conclusions about a floor’s hardness.

Janka Ratings for Common Australian Timber Flooring Species

Understanding the Janka hardness ratings of common Australian flooring species makes it easier to compare their dent resistance and choose the right timber for your home. While a higher Janka rating generally indicates greater resistance to indentation, it should not be the only factor influencing your decision. The ATFA category system provides a more practical way to group timber species based on their typical performance in residential and commercial applications. 

1. Australian Timber Janka Hardness Chart

Timber Species	Janka Rating (kN)	ATFA Category	Best Applications
Ironbark / Grey Ironbark	14.0	Very Hard	Commercial flooring, heavy-duty residential areas, decking
Natural Strand Woven Bamboo	14.7	Very Hard	Busy family homes, commercial spaces, high-traffic areas
Turpentine	13.0	Very Hard	External decking, marine environments, commercial flooring
Blackbutt	11.0	Hard	Living rooms, hallways, kitchens, family homes
Spotted Gum	11.0	Hard	High-traffic residential areas, modern homes, commercial interiors
Carbonised Strand Woven Bamboo	8–10	Hard	Residential living areas, home offices, moderate to high traffic
Tallowwood	8.6	Hard	Kitchens, living rooms, coastal homes
Jarrah	8.5	Hard	Premium residential flooring, heritage homes
Tasmanian Oak	8.5	Hard	Living rooms, bedrooms, contemporary interiors
Victorian Ash	7.5	Moderately Hard	Bedrooms, studies, light to moderate traffic areas
Tasmanian Myrtle	7.0	Moderately Hard	Bedrooms, feature rooms, lower-traffic interiors
European Oak	5.9	Moderately Hard	Engineered timber flooring, modern residential homes
Horizontal / Vertical Bamboo	4.0	Soft	Low-traffic residential areas, decorative applications
Radiata Pine	2.5	Soft	Feature walls, low-impact applications (not recommended for busy flooring areas)

Note: Published Janka ratings are based largely on historical testing of old-growth timber. Modern plantation-grown and regrowth timber may produce slightly different hardness values depending on growing conditions and manufacturing processes. Use these figures as a comparative guide rather than an exact specification for every flooring product.

What Is the ATFA Timber Hardness Category System?

The ATFA Timber Hardness Category System groups timber species into practical hardness categories, making it easier for Australian homeowners to compare flooring options without focusing solely on individual Janka ratings. Developed by the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), this approach recognises that small differences in Janka values rarely affect everyday residential performance. Instead of comparing exact numbers, buyers can choose a category that matches the expected traffic level and intended use of the space. This provides a simpler and more realistic way to select timber flooring.

1. Why ATFA Recommends Categories Instead of Numbers?

ATFA encourages homeowners to use hardness categories because they provide a clearer picture of how timber performs in real homes rather than relying on small numerical differences in Janka ratings. Two species with slightly different hardness values often perform almost identically under normal residential conditions.

• Makes timber flooring comparisons easier for homeowners.
• Reduces confusion caused by comparing dozens of individual Janka values.
• Focuses on practical performance rather than marketing claims.
• Helps buyers choose flooring based on how the room will actually be used.

2. The Four Timber Hardness Categories

ATFA classifies flooring timbers into four simple groups: Soft, Moderately Hard, Hard, and Very Hard. These categories provide an easier way to match timber species to different traffic levels, from quiet bedrooms to busy family homes and heavy-duty commercial environments, without overanalysing minor differences in Janka ratings.

3. Why ATFA Says Janka Is Often Overused?

ATFA believes the Janka rating is frequently given more importance than it deserves because it measures only one aspect of flooring performance, dent resistance. In most Australian homes, factors such as the quality of the surface coating, moisture stability, and proper installation often have a greater impact on long-term performance than a small difference in Janka hardness.

• Janka measures resistance to point loads, not everyday wear or scratches.
• Minor differences in hardness are rarely noticeable in normal residential use.
• Surface finishes often influence durability more than the timber species itself.
• Flooring should be selected by considering the complete performance of the product, not just its Janka rating.

What Does the Janka Rating Actually Tell You?

The Janka rating tells you how resistant a timber species is to dents caused by concentrated pressure, but it does not measure every aspect of flooring durability. It is an excellent indicator of indentation resistance, making it useful when comparing timber species for different applications. However, it does not predict scratch resistance, moisture performance, or the overall lifespan of a timber floor. Understanding what the Janka rating does, and does not, measure helps you make a more informed flooring decision.

1. What Janka Measures Well?

The Janka Hardness Scale is specifically designed to measure dent resistance under concentrated point loads. A timber with a higher Janka rating requires more force to create an indentation, making it better suited to busy homes and heavy-use environments. This makes the rating particularly useful when comparing how different timber species perform under everyday impacts.

It is especially relevant for situations involving:

• Heavy furniture legs resting on the floor.
• Stiletto heels that apply intense pressure to a small area.
• Dropped tools or household objects.
• Homes with active children or large pets where dent resistance is important.

2. What Janka Does NOT Measure?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a higher Janka rating automatically means better scratch resistance. In reality, surface scratches are influenced far more by the protective coating than by the timber itself. High-quality polyurethane finishes and UV-cured aluminium oxide coatings usually provide better everyday scratch protection than the timber species alone. As a result, a lower-Janka timber with a premium finish may resist visible scratches better than a harder timber with a lower-quality coating.

3. Janka Does Not Measure Moisture Performance

The Janka test also provides no information about how timber responds to changes in humidity or temperature. Every timber species expands and contracts differently as moisture levels change, and this characteristic is known as dimensional stability. In Australia’s diverse climate, moisture movement can be just as important as hardness, especially in regions with seasonal humidity fluctuations. When choosing timber flooring, moisture performance should always be considered alongside the Janka rating.

4. Plantation Timber vs Old-Growth Timber Ratings

Most published Janka ratings are based on historical testing of old-growth timber rather than the plantation-grown timber commonly supplied today. Modern plantation and regrowth timbers may produce different hardness values because growing conditions, age, and wood density can vary significantly. Independent testing by Australian universities has shown that contemporary timber products do not always match historical Janka figures exactly. For this reason, published ratings should be treated as comparative guides rather than exact performance specifications for every flooring product.

Which Janka Rating Do You Actually Need?

The ideal Janka rating depends on where the flooring will be installed, as different rooms experience different levels of foot traffic and wear. A very high Janka rating is not necessary for every area of the home, and choosing the hardest timber available may simply increase costs without providing noticeable benefits. Matching the timber’s hardness to the room’s usage is a more practical approach and aligns with ATFA’s recommendations for residential flooring.

1. Best Janka Rating for Bedrooms

Bedrooms generally experience lower levels of foot traffic, making Moderately Hard timber species more than sufficient for most homes. A Janka rating between 5.0 and 8.0 kN offers a comfortable balance between durability, appearance, and affordability. Species such as European Oak, Victorian Ash, and Tasmanian Myrtle are popular choices because they provide adequate dent resistance while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. Best Janka Rating for Living Areas

Living rooms, kitchens, and hallways receive significantly more daily use and benefit from harder timber species. A Janka rating between 8.0 and 12.0 kN is generally considered the sweet spot for busy Australian family homes. Timbers such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Jarrah, and Tallowwood offer excellent durability while maintaining an attractive appearance for years of everyday use.

3. Best Janka Rating for Commercial Spaces

Commercial environments are exposed to constant foot traffic, moving furniture, and heavier loads than typical residential homes. For offices, retail stores, hospitality venues, and other high-use settings, a Janka rating of 12.0 kN or higher is usually recommended. Very hard species such as Ironbark, Turpentine, and Natural Strand Woven Bamboo provide the highest level of dent resistance for demanding commercial applications.

4. Room Recommendation Table

Room	Recommended Janka Range (kN)	Suggested Category	Typical Species
Bedroom	5.0–8.0	Moderately Hard	European Oak, Victorian Ash, Tasmanian Myrtle
Living Room	8.0–12.0	Hard	Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Jarrah
Kitchen	8.0–12.0	Hard	Blackbutt, Tallowwood, Spotted Gum
Hallway	10.0–12.0+	Hard to Very Hard	Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Ironbark
Home Office	8.0–10.0	Hard	Jarrah, Tasmanian Oak, Blackbutt
Commercial Office	12.0+	Very Hard	Ironbark, Natural Strand Woven Bamboo
Retail Space	12.0+	Very Hard	Ironbark, Turpentine, Natural Strand Woven Bamboo
External Decking	12.0+	Very Hard	Ironbark, Turpentine

Does the Janka Scale Apply to Engineered Timber and Bamboo?

Yes, the Janka Scale applies to engineered timber and bamboo in certain situations, but it does not apply to laminate or vinyl flooring. For engineered timber, the published Janka rating refers to the hardwood species used for the top veneer rather than the entire flooring product. Bamboo is tested using its own hardness values, while laminate and vinyl use completely different durability rating systems. Understanding these differences helps you compare flooring products more accurately.

1. Engineered Timber Flooring

Engineered timber flooring uses a solid hardwood face veneer (lamella) bonded to multiple layers of plywood or hardwood beneath. The published Janka rating refers to the timber species used for this top layer, such as European Oak or Blackbutt, rather than the complete engineered board. Because the veneer is relatively thin, the Janka test is not performed directly on the finished engineered product. Instead, manufacturers use the historical Janka rating of the hardwood species as a comparative guide for dent resistance.

2. Bamboo Flooring

Although bamboo is technically a grass rather than a hardwood, it is still assigned hardness ratings that allow it to be compared with timber flooring. Strand woven bamboo is one of the hardest flooring materials available in Australia, often achieving Janka ratings of around 14.7 kN. In contrast, carbonised strand woven bamboo undergoes heat treatment during manufacturing, which slightly reduces its hardness, typically to around 8–10 kN. As a result, the manufacturing process has a significant influence on bamboo’s final hardness.

3. Does Janka Apply to Laminate or Vinyl?

The Janka Hardness Scale does not apply to laminate or vinyl flooring because these products are not solid timber. Instead of measuring timber hardness, laminate flooring uses the AC (Abrasion Criteria) Rating, which evaluates resistance to wear, scratches, stains, and everyday abrasion. Vinyl flooring relies on the thickness and quality of its wear layer to determine durability. When comparing laminate or vinyl products, buyers should focus on their wear ratings rather than Janka values.

Hardwood Flooring Hardness Australia: Which Species Is Best?

The best hardwood flooring species depends on your home’s traffic levels, lifestyle, and design preferences rather than simply choosing the highest Janka rating. Australian homeowners often achieve the best balance of durability and appearance by selecting timber that suits the intended room and daily use. While very hard species excel in demanding environments, moderately hard and hard timbers are more than adequate for most residential applications.

1. Best Timber for Busy Family Homes

Busy family homes benefit from timber species that offer excellent dent resistance while standing up to daily foot traffic, children, and pets. Blackbutt and Spotted Gum are two of Australia’s most popular flooring choices because they combine strong Janka ratings with attractive natural grain patterns. Tallowwood is another excellent option, offering good hardness and natural durability, making it well suited to kitchens, living areas, and hallways where flooring experiences constant use.

2. Best Timber for Luxury Homes

Luxury homes often prioritise appearance alongside durability, making premium hardwood species a popular choice. European Oak remains one of Australia’s most sought-after flooring options thanks to its timeless grain and versatility across modern, coastal, and Hamptons interiors. Jarrah delivers a rich red-brown finish with excellent hardness, while Tasmanian Oak provides a lighter, elegant appearance that complements contemporary and traditional homes alike.

3. Hardest Timber Flooring in Australia

For projects requiring maximum dent resistance, Australia’s hardest flooring materials include Ironbark and Natural Strand Woven Bamboo. Ironbark is renowned for its exceptional strength and is commonly used in heavy-duty residential, commercial, and outdoor applications. Strand woven bamboo offers comparable hardness while providing a modern alternative to traditional hardwood. These very hard materials are particularly suitable for commercial spaces, retail environments, and other high-traffic areas where long-term durability is the highest priority.

Common Myths About the Janka Hardness Scale

The Janka Hardness Scale is one of the most misunderstood aspects of timber flooring, and many buyers rely on common myths when comparing products. While the rating is a useful indicator of dent resistance, it does not tell the complete story about a floor’s overall performance. Understanding these misconceptions will help you make a more informed flooring decision and avoid placing too much emphasis on a single number.

Myth 1: Higher Janka Always Means Better Flooring

A higher Janka rating does not automatically make one floor better than another. It simply means the timber is more resistant to dents caused by concentrated pressure. Other factors, including moisture stability, the quality of the surface coating, ease of maintenance, appearance, and suitability for your home, are equally important. For many Australian households, a hard timber such as Blackbutt or Spotted Gum provides more than enough durability without needing the highest Janka rating available.

Myth 2: Harder Timber Never Scratches

Harder timber is more resistant to dents, but it can still develop surface scratches during everyday use. Scratch resistance depends primarily on the protective finish applied to the flooring rather than the timber species itself. High-quality polyurethane or aluminium oxide coatings often provide better scratch protection than a higher Janka rating alone. This is why two floors with different timber species can perform very differently even if one has a higher hardness value.

Myth 3: Engineered Flooring Has No Janka Rating

Engineered timber flooring can still be associated with a Janka rating, but the rating refers to the hardwood species used for the top veneer rather than the complete engineered board. For example, engineered Blackbutt and engineered European Oak use the published Janka ratings of those respective species as a guide. Although the finished engineered product is not directly tested using the Janka method, the rating remains useful when comparing the dent resistance of different timber veneers.

Myth 4: Bamboo Is Always Harder Than Hardwood

Not all bamboo flooring is harder than hardwood. Natural strand woven bamboo is among the hardest flooring products available and often exceeds many Australian hardwoods in Janka rating. However, carbonised bamboo undergoes heat treatment that reduces its hardness, while older horizontal and vertical bamboo products are considerably softer. The manufacturing method has a significant impact on bamboo’s final hardness, so it should not automatically be assumed to outperform every hardwood species.

How to Use the Janka Hardness Scale When Choosing Timber Flooring?

Use the Janka Hardness Scale as one part of your flooring decision by matching the timber to your room, comparing surface finishes, considering your local climate, and evaluating the floor’s overall performance rather than relying on the Janka rating alone. While the hardness rating is an excellent indicator of dent resistance, it should be assessed alongside factors such as coating quality, moisture stability, maintenance requirements, and interior style. Taking a balanced approach will help you choose flooring that performs well and suits your home for many years.

Step 1: Match the Timber to Your Room

Begin by considering how the room will be used and how much daily traffic it receives. Bedrooms and studies usually perform well with moderately hard species, while living areas, kitchens, and hallways benefit from harder timbers such as Blackbutt or Spotted Gum. Commercial spaces and high-traffic environments may justify selecting very hard species like Ironbark or strand woven bamboo. Matching the timber’s hardness to the room’s purpose helps avoid paying for unnecessary performance while ensuring long-term durability.

Step 2: Compare the Surface Finish

After selecting suitable timber species, compare the quality of their protective finishes. Polyurethane systems, UV-cured coatings, and aluminium oxide finishes play a major role in protecting the surface from scratches and everyday wear. A premium coating can often provide better real-world durability than simply choosing a timber with a slightly higher Janka rating. Looking beyond the timber species ensures you select flooring that maintains its appearance over time.

Step 3: Consider Moisture and Climate

Australia’s climate varies significantly between regions, making moisture performance an important consideration. Some timber species expand and contract more than others as humidity changes throughout the year. If you live in an area with seasonal temperature or humidity fluctuations, choose flooring with good dimensional stability in addition to an appropriate Janka rating. Considering both hardness and moisture movement reduces the risk of gaps, cupping, or excessive expansion after installation.

Step 4: Don’t Buy Based on Janka Alone

The Janka rating should be viewed as a helpful comparison tool rather than the only measure of flooring quality. Appearance, maintenance, surface finish, installation quality, moisture resistance, warranty, and your household’s lifestyle all contribute to how well a floor performs in everyday use. By considering the complete flooring system instead of focusing solely on the hardness number, you will make a more informed and practical investment for your home.

Head-to-Head Comparison

No single flooring characteristic determines how well a timber floor will perform over its lifetime. The Janka Hardness Scale, surface coating, and moisture stability each measure different aspects of durability, and all three should be considered together when comparing flooring products. The table below highlights how these factors differ and why each plays an important role in selecting the right timber flooring for Australian homes.

Feature	Janka Hardness Scale	Surface Coating	Moisture Stability
Measures	Dent resistance	Scratch resistance	Expansion & contraction
Important For	Furniture impacts, heavy objects, point loads	Daily wear, scratches, stains	Australian climate, humidity changes
Should Influence Buying?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alone Is Enough?	No	No	No

Which Janka Hardness Rating Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right Janka hardness rating depends on how each room is used rather than simply selecting the hardest timber available. Different hardness categories are designed for different traffic levels, lifestyles, and budgets. By matching the timber’s Janka rating to your home’s daily demands, you can achieve the ideal balance of durability, appearance, and long-term value without paying for unnecessary performance.

1. Choose Moderately Hard Timber If

Moderately hard timber, generally ranging between 5.0 and 8.0 kN, is an excellent choice for areas that experience lighter foot traffic. Bedrooms, guest rooms, and home studies rarely require extremely hard flooring, making species such as European Oak, Victorian Ash, and Tasmanian Myrtle practical options. These timbers provide sufficient dent resistance while often being more affordable than harder species, making them ideal for budget-conscious renovation projects.

2. Choose Hard Timber If

Hard timber, typically rated between 8.0 and 12.0 kN, offers the best balance of durability and practicality for most Australian households. It performs well in living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, and hallways where families spend most of their time. Popular species such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Jarrah, and Tallowwood provide excellent resistance to everyday impacts while maintaining attractive natural finishes suitable for a wide range of interior styles.

3. Choose Very Hard Timber If

Very hard timber, with Janka ratings above 12.0 kN, is best suited to environments where maximum dent resistance is required. Homes with large pets, busy households with constant foot traffic, and commercial buildings benefit most from these highly durable materials. Species such as Ironbark and Natural Strand Woven Bamboo are designed to withstand demanding conditions and repeated heavy use, although they are often more than necessary for the average residential home.

Conclusion

Choosing timber flooring based on the Janka Hardness Scale is a smart starting point, but it should never be your only consideration. The Janka rating helps you compare how well different timber species resist dents, making it useful when selecting flooring for bedrooms, busy family areas, or commercial spaces. However, the best flooring decision also depends on factors such as surface coating quality, moisture stability, room usage, and your household’s lifestyle. Understanding how these elements work together will help you choose flooring that performs well for years to come.

For most Australian homes, a Hard timber species such as Blackbutt or Spotted Gum provides the ideal balance of durability and practicality, while very hard species are better suited to high-traffic or commercial environments. If you’re unsure which timber is right for your project, the flooring specialists at Gorkha Flooring can help you compare species, finishes, and performance characteristics to find the perfect flooring solution for your home.

FAQS

What is a good Janka rating for residential flooring in Australia?

For most Australian homes, a Janka rating between 8.0 and 12.0 kN is considered ideal. This range provides a strong balance of durability, dent resistance, and practicality for living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and family homes without paying for unnecessary commercial-grade hardness.

Is a higher Janka rating always better?

No. A higher Janka rating simply means the timber is more resistant to dents. It does not automatically mean the floor will have better scratch resistance, moisture performance, comfort, or overall durability. The surface coating, installation quality, and suitability for the room are equally important.

What is the hardest timber flooring in Australia?

Among commonly available flooring options, Ironbark is one of the hardest Australian hardwoods at around 14.0 kN. Natural strand woven bamboo is also extremely hard, often testing at approximately 14.7 kN, making it one of the hardest flooring materials available in Australia.

Does the Janka rating apply to engineered timber?

Yes, but indirectly. The published Janka rating for engineered timber refers to the hardwood species used for the top veneer (lamella), not the entire engineered board. It remains a useful guide for comparing the dent resistance of different engineered timber products.

Is bamboo flooring harder than hardwood?

Some bamboo flooring is harder than many hardwoods, but not all bamboo products are the same. Natural strand woven bamboo is harder than many Australian hardwood species, while carbonised bamboo is softer because the heat-treatment process reduces its hardness.

Why does Australia use kN while the US uses lbf?

Australia measures Janka hardness in kilonewtons (kN), which is the local industry standard. The United States typically uses pounds-force (lbf). Because these are different units, the numbers cannot be compared directly without conversion.

Does a higher Janka rating mean better scratch resistance?

No, Janka measures dent resistance, not scratch resistance. Everyday scratch performance depends primarily on the floor’s surface coating, such as polyurethane or aluminium oxide finishes.

Which Australian timber species has the highest Janka rating?

For traditional Australian hardwoods, Ironbark is among the highest-rated species at around 14.0 kN. If bamboo products are included, Natural Strand Woven Bamboo is often slightly harder at approximately 14.7 kN.