The Janka Hardness Test is used to determine how much force is needed for a steel ball (.444 inches/11.28 millimeters) to be embedded halfway in the wood.

In the United States the force is measured in pounds of force (lbf). This process is helpful to help customers understand how durable the floor they are purchasing is. For example in the NBA 29 out of 30 basketball courts are Hard Maple. On the Janka Hardness Scale Hard Maple is 1,450 lbf. It's a highly durable hardwood. Below we will list off some of the more popular woods that go into homes and other projects.