The Janka scale is used to determine the hardness of wood species. The Janka test measures the amount of force required to embed a 0.444" steel ball into the wood to half of its diameter. Woods with a higher rating are harder than woods with a lower rating.

The scale used in the table is pounds-force (lbf).

Cherry - 950 lbf

Red Leaf Maple (Tiger Maple,Curly Maple) - 950 lbf

Black Walnut - 1010 lbf

21” Red Oak - 1220 lbf

24” Red Oak- 1220 lbf

Birdseye Maple - 1450 lbf

Curly Maple (Hard Maple) - 1450 lbf 

Hickory - 1820 lbf