The highly competitive world of woodworking is set to intensify, as we focus on the top 20 hardest hardwoods, offering extraordinary resistance and durability. At the forefront is Australian buloke, boasting an impressive 5,060 lbf hardness rating, while other highly coveted species, such as Schinopsis brasiliensis and Schinopsis balansae, follow closely.
The Janka scale highlights a diverse range of exceptionally resilient woods, including lignum vitae, teak, and cherry, with lesser-known treasures like Saffronheart and Greenheart making a significant impact. If you’re designing furniture that must withstand the test of time, it’s essential to become well-versed in these top 20 hardest woods.
What is the Average Hardness of Woods Found in the Top 20 Hardest Woods in the World?
When it comes to the hardness of woods, it’s important to understand that different types of wood can vary significantly in their density and rigidity. The Janka hardness test is a widely used method to measure the hardness of various types of wood. This test involves pressing a steel ball into the wood until it reaches a specific depth, and the force required to reach that depth is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
According to the Janka hardness test, the top 20 hardest woods in the world include:
- Lignum Vitae : 4,500 lb/psi
- Ipe : 3,480 lb/psi
- Bubinga : 2,820 lb/psi
- Mahogany : 2,040 lb/psi
- Hickory : 1,820 lb/psi
- Oak : 1,290 lb/psi
- Maple : 1,370 lb/psi
It’s worth noting that the average hardness of these top 20 hardest woods is approximately 2,050 lb/psi. However, it’s essential to remember that individual specimens can vary significantly in terms of their hardness, even within the same species.
- Lignum Vitae : 3,500-4,500 lb/psi
- Ipe : 3,000-3,800 lb/psi
- Bubinga : 2,500-3,200 lb/psi
- Mahogany : 1,800-2,200 lb/psi
- Hickory : 1,600-1,900 lb/psi
- Oak : 1,200-1,400 lb/psi
Which Woods on the Chart Have the Highest Hardness Rating?
When it comes to choosing the right type of wood for your project, hardness is an important consideration. Woods with high hardness ratings are often more durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and wear.
Here are the woods on the chart with the highest hardness rating:
- Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) : 3,680 pounds per square inch (psi)
- Bubinga : 2,555 psi
- Ebony : 2,400 psi
- Lignum Vitae : 2,300 psi
These woods are known for their exceptional hardness and are often used in high-traffic areas, such as flooring and furniture making. They are also resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making them a great choice for outdoor projects.
It’s worth noting that hardness is just one factor to consider when choosing a type of wood. Other important factors include density, grain pattern, and workability.
When shopping for wood, make sure to check the specific hardness rating of the wood you are interested in, as this can vary depending on the supplier or the specific board.
What Makes Schinopsis Brasiliensis One of the Hardest Woods in the World?
Schinopsis brasiliensis, a type of wood native to Argentina and Brazil, has gained a reputation for being one of the hardest woods in the world. This remarkable property is due to several factors.
Density
Schinopsis brasiliensis has an incredibly high density of 1.1-1.3 grams per cubic centimeter. For context, ordinary hardwoods typically have a density of around 0.5-0.8 grams per cubic centimeter. This high density is a result of the wood’s compact, tightly packed fiber structure.
Fiber Structure
The wood’s fiber structure is characterized by a unique arrangement of long, thin fibers that are densely packed and overlap one another. This configuration makes the wood extremely resistant to decay and damage.
Natural Chemical Composition
Schinopsis brasiliensis contains a high concentration of natural chemicals, including tannins and phenolic compounds. These chemicals help to protect the wood from insects and fungal attacks, further increasing its durability.
Wood Formation
The wood formation process in Schinopsis brasiliensis is also noteworthy. The wood grows slowly, and the tree requires a long time to mature, which allows the wood to develop its unique properties.
Benefits for Users
- Schinopsis brasiliensis is highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and other forms of damage, making it ideal for applications where durability is crucial.
- Its low moisture content makes it less prone to warping or shrinking, ensuring a stable and consistent performance.
- The wood’s natural chemical composition provides excellent protection against insects and fungal attacks, reducing the need for preservatives and coatings.
The combination of Schinopsis brasiliensis’s unique physical and chemical properties makes it one of the hardest woods in the world. Its exceptional durability and resistance to damage make it an attractive choice for applications where performance and longevity are key.
Can Lignum Vitae Woods Be Used for High-traffic Furniture Making?
Lignum vitae woods have been prized for their exceptional durability and resistant qualities for centuries. But can they be used for high-traffic furniture making? Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities.
Characteristics of Lignum Vitae Woods
- Hardness: Lignum vitae woods are among the hardest in the world, with a Janka hardness rating of 4,500 pounds per square inch (psi).
- Density: They have a high density, which contributes to their exceptional durability.
- Growth: Lignum vitae trees grow slow, which results in a dense, tight-grained wood.
Strengths for High-Traffic Furniture
- Resistance : Lignum vitae woods are resistant to wear and tear, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and commercial spaces.
- Durability : Their exceptional hardness and density ensure that furniture made from lignum vitae woods will withstand heavy use and maintain its structure for years to come.
- Low Maintenance : Lignum vitae woods are less prone to scratches, cracks, and dents, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Weaknesses to Consider
- Workability : Lignum vitae woods can be challenging to work with due to their density and hardness.
- Availability : Lignum vitae trees are not native to every region, and importing the wood may be necessary, increasing costs.
- Cost : Lignum vitae woods are generally more expensive than other types of wood, making them less accessible to some budgets.
Lignum vitae woods offer a unique combination of strength, durability, and resistance, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic furniture making. While they may present some challenges in terms of workability and availability, the benefits they offer make them a worthwhile consideration for anyone looking to create high-quality, long-lasting furniture.
