Janka Hardness Scale
What is the Janka Hardness Scale?
The Janka Hardness Scale
The Janka hardness scale, used to determine whether or not a wood species is suitable for flooring, is the primary test measuring wood’s resistance to wear and dentability. How does the test work? The Janka test measures the force required to embed an 11.28mm steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. The higher the amount of force needed, the higher the Janka score and the more durable the wood.
Janka Rating for Hardwood Selection
When it comes to choosing the best flooring options for your commercial or residential project, there are a number of factors to consider: color, style, material, installation methods, the list goes on.
A good Janka rating for wood flooring is generally anything that is 1,000 lbs. and the industry mean is around 1,200 lbs. An important thing to keep in mind in selecting your flooring material is the needs of your space. For rooms which are typically subject to a high amount of wear and tear, you’ll likely want a material with a high Janka score. For example, Teak which has a Janka score of 1,000 lbs. is more susceptible to denting than maple which has a Janka score of 1,450 lbs.
It’s also important to note that, regardless of the floors Janka score, all flooring is subject to denting and wear given the wrong conditions. And a high Janka score may not be the number 1 factor for you in your flooring decision.
The CALI Difference
The higher the amount of force needed, the higher the Janka rating and the more durable the wood. Every flooring product Cali Bamboo offers undergoes Janka testing to ensure it will not just hold up, but continue looking newly installed for years to come. Cali Bamboo’s Fossilized® bamboo flooring is the hardest flooring in the world scoring an unprecedented 5,547 pounds on the Janka test!
Flooring Janka Test Packet
Cali Bamboo floors are tough as nails, but don’t take our word for it! Learn about the Janka Hardness Scale and see our industry-leading test results.
How It's Made
How are the Hardest Floors Made?
What is it that makes Cali Bamboo’s Fossilized® bamboo flooring the hardest floors in the world? It’s all in the proprietary process Cali Bamboo Fossilized® flooring undergoes:
Step 1. Bamboo Strips
Starting with 5-7 year old Moso bamboo, the poles are harvested at the peak of their strength. The poles are then split using a blade the resembles an apple cutter. The strips are then run through a machine that removes the outer green skin. The bamboo is then placed on a drying rack that goes into a kiln and is heated over several days until the bamboo reaches an optimal moisture content of 5%. Next, the racks of dried bamboo are dipped into an ultra-low VOC adhesive and are now ready to be pressed.
Step 2. Compression
The coated bamboo strips are loaded into a vertical press in stacks about 3 feet high. The high pressure hydraulic press crushes and compresses the bamboo into a block about 12 inches tall.
Step 3. Milling
The blocks of solid bamboo run through a saw and are cut into boards. Next, the boards are run through a laser guided milling machine where they then become either click-lock or tongue and groove flooring. The planks are then sanded and are ready to be finished.
Step 4. 10-Coat Finish
In a separate clean facility, the new bamboo planks make their way through the Cali Bamboo® 10-Coat Durability Sealing System.
What Do Hard Floors Mean for Homeowners?
The unique combination of Fossilized® strand woven bamboo, topped with 10 coats of additional protection, creates a hardwood floor that can stand the test of time… as well as day-to-day life. Cali Bamboo’s Fossilized® Strand Woven bamboo flooring is dog-friendly, high-heel safe, and unlike many other strand woven bamboo floors, is Low VOC flooring making it not only the strongest, but also the safest hardwood floor for your home.
To prove just how durable Cali Bamboo’s Fossilized® bamboo floors are, we put them through a series of tests. See for yourself how Cali Bamboo floors stack up to the competition.
Floors with a high Janka rating are pet friendly. Other hardwoods don’t stand a chance against dog claws, but Cali Bamboo’s industry leading 10-coat scratch resistant finish keeps your floors looking fresh for years.
High heels can cause denting in less durable flooring materials. A smart choice for high-traffic areas, Fossilized® flooring holds up to heavy furniture, pets of all sizes, and the ultimate hardwood killer, stiletto heels.
The hardest floors are also scratch resistant! Expertly crafted with the finest strands of aged Moso bamboo, Fossilized® flooring is designed to last a lifetime- backed by a 50-year residential warranty.
CALI floors ensure your family can breathe easy. Customer safety is our #1 priority. With ultra-low VOC, Cali Bamboo’s Fossilized® flooring is safe and chemical-free.
Our Customers Put Our Janka Rating to the Test
Flooring Hardness Test
Laura tests our floors with tap dancing, dogs and even a pony on the San Diego 6 News Channel
Flooring for Dog Owners
John’s floor is beautiful and durable in his new home
Crissy’s Big Dogs vs. Bamboo Floors:
100 Pound Dogs and not a scratch.