Wood Species Database

Search Janka hardness, approximate density, and shop notes for common hardwoods and softwoods so you can match species to wear, weight, and workability.

Species	Janka Hardness (lbf)	Avg Weight (lbs/ft³)	Notes

*Janka Hardness measures resistance to denting. Higher is harder.
Values are averages and can vary by tree growth conditions.

Choosing Species by Properties, Not Just Color

Hardness and density tell you how a board will live in a project long before you see the finished grain. A dining table top wants dent resistance; a carved molding wants a species that shears cleanly; a wall cabinet door can trade some hardness for stability and weight. Use this database as a first filter when you are comparing yard stock or deciding whether a substitute species will behave like the one in your plan.

How to use this database

Type a common name (walnut, oak, maple) in the search box to filter the table.
Click Species, Janka, or Weight column headers to sort and rank candidates.
Read the notes for typical uses and quirks—then verify with your local supplier’s grade and moisture.

Density and hardness caveats

Janka is a side-hardness test (force to embed a steel ball), not a guarantee against splitting, checking, or seasonal movement. Growth rate, heartwood vs sapwood, and kiln schedule all shift real-world numbers. Weight per cubic foot is an average for air-dry stock; green lumber and highly figured boards can feel heavier. For outdoor work, look past hardness to rot resistance and how the species takes fasteners and finish.

FAQ

Is a higher Janka always better?

Only for dent resistance. Extremely hard woods can be brittle, dull cutters faster, and fight hand tools. Match hardness to the wear surface, not to a bragging contest.

Can I substitute a denser wood one-for-one?

Check weight on hinged doors and drawer fronts, and expect different glue-up and finishing behavior. Density also changes how much the shelf will sag under the same span.

Why don’t my boards match the published Janka?

Published values are species averages. Juvenile wood, soft earlywood rings, and imported look-alikes can land well below the catalog number.

Should I use this for structural design?

No. These are shop selection aids. Load-bearing members need graded lumber, engineering span tables, or a qualified designer—not a hardness chart alone.