If you are currently looking to make your space something different, something that better matches your style, you have probably realized that you are going to need wood at different stages and for other purposes, whether it is for the structure, the frames, or as another construction or decorative element.
There are many species of wood to choose from. However, it is not advisable to select a wood just for its appearance. Depending on the individual application it will be given and the aggressions it may suffer, it is more or less resistant to a special attack.
Thus, the characteristics of the wood are essential at the time of the choice, because we could need a wood resistant to the attack of pests, a lighter wood, a wood more resistant to water for kitchen furniture, resistant to the sun, that is compatible with the environment, etc.
Generally speaking, for construction and decoration, the more complex the wood, the better. Hardness is the resistance that a given material or body presents when introducing another solid material on its surface. Thus, by applying force to the penetrating material, it is possible to measure the material’s resistance.
Some species of trees produce hardwoods. Some of them have such hardness and density that they exceed that of some metals. These woods have limited uses, as they are challenging to work with and produce enormous wear on tools and machinery. But if you are not a specialist in the field, know which is the best wood for what you need; well, there is the Janka scale, and here we explain how it works.
The Janka scale is a test to determine the hardness of wood types, which establishes a scale of hardness for wood. The technique was developed by the Austrian dendrologist Gabriel Janka (1864-1932) at the beginning of the 20th century. The original samples on which the first tests were made are still preserved in Germany, in the Typotheque of the Vienna Forestry Research Museum.
This method is the standard used in the industry to compare woods and leaves a mark on the tested lumber as it is based on embedding a 0.444-inch diameter steel sphere halfway into the wood and, in the process measuring the force required to perform this task. The measurement of the hardness of the wood is done through this method applied to the surface in standard directions and parallel to the fibers. The Janka scale result shows whether the wood is more or less susceptible to damage by scratches and marks and heavy foot traffic when it comes to wooden floors.
Through this method, you can know the resistance of the wood and know which one is more suitable for each use, whether it is for building, furniture, or flooring.
When you are buying a wood floor or any other product of this material, ask to know the characteristics of the type of wood to see if it meets your needs. Knowing the hardness of the wood is an essential factor that can determine the length of its life depending on the use you are going to give it, whether for a desk or anything else. If you liked this article, read the next one in which we tell you all about the Versailles flooring block.
