Janka Hardness is a test which measures the pounds of force it takes to drive a .44” diameter steel ball ½ its depth into wood. These numbers are taken from various publications but principally are from the U.S. Forest Products lab. The higher the number the harder the species.  Flooring Trade Name      Hardness - Janka Walnut, Brazilian                     3680 Purple Heart                           2890 Cherry , Brazilian                    2820 Gim, Spotted                          2473 Mesquite                                2345 Mahogany, Santos                 2200 Gum, Sidney Blue                  2 023 Merbau                                    1925 Jarrah                                      1910 Hickory/pecan                       1820 Padauk                                   1725 Wenga                                    1630 Maple, Brazilian                     1500 Maple, hard                             1450 Cypress, Australian                1375 Oak, white                                1360 Ash, white                                 1320 Beech                                        1300 Oak, red                             1290 Birch                                         1260 Pine, heart                                1225 Teak, Thai/Burmese                 1078 Walnut, American black          1010 Cherry, black                               950 Pine, Southern yellow                870 Douglas fir                                    660