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Janka hardness rating of Malaysian timbers

Technical Report · March 2016

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.1156.5207

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MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT, MALAYSIA

. ■ -_ ISSN: 139-258

JANKA HARDNESS RATING OF MALAYSIAN TIMBERS

AW Mohd Jamil

Introduction

J a n k a hardness is o n e of the i m p o r t a n t mechanical properties of timber material. J a n k a hardness

value indicates the capability of a timber to resist indentation force on its surface. T h e test to
determine J a n k a hardness simulates the condition of a p o i n t e d loading, coerce o n the surface
of the timber perpendicular to the grain, or, in a few studies parallel to the grain. J a n k a hardness
scale is the industry b e n c h m a r k in evaluating the performance of timber for non-suspended
flooring applications such as p a r q u e t a n d floor strip. It is a practical m e t h o d in considering
w h e t h e r a timber floor can sustain dents, scratches, scuffs, impact forces, p r o l o n g e d loading and
o t h e r mechanical wear a n d tear.
J a n k a hardness value is n o t really an absolute value for design. Comparatively, it indicates
which timbers are h a r d e r than others. N u m e r o u s o t h e r factors affect the mechanical
performance of timber flooring, for example thickness, moisture content, i n h e r e n t defects,
biological deterioration, specific gravity, etc. It should be n o t e d that the value is n o t appropriate
for evaluating the hardness of engineered flooring products which compose of different types
of materials. T h e value relates to the specific gravity of the timber, t h o u g h special processes such
as high t e m p e r a t u r e drying a n d chemical impregnation may increase the hardness of a timber
material. Regardless of any hardness value a timber is rated, it will d e n t u n d e r certain degree of
force or impact.
Although h i g h e r J a n k a value shows the h a r d e r the timber, it does n o t m e a n that it is the
best preference. Beside timber hardness, there are o t h e r qualities to consider w h e n choosing a
timber for flooring material. Consumers' choice is normally based on the mechanical properties,
aesthetic value as well as timber price. Timber with a suitable colour a n d grain texture will suit
with the style, furniture, space a n d surrounding. T h e price of the timber flooring products is
not necessarily based o n J a n k a hardness or any o t h e r mechanical properties. Cost consideration
should also be given to very h a r d timbers since they are m o r e difficult to saw, drill, a n d nail, thus
requiring m o r e time a n d labour works to install. Principally, J a n k a hardness is used as part of the
decision aspects, b u t n o t the only factor.

Test method

The method of testing for the Janka hardness value of Malaysian timbers was based on ASTM D 143
(2009). T h e test is similar to BS 373 (1957) for 2 in. specimens. T h e J a n k a hardness test was
m a d e o n 50 by 50 by 150 m m specimen. Load was applied at a constant rate of 6 m m min -1
using a universal testing m a c h i n e e q u i p p e d with a semi-circular-end steel bar of 11.28 m m in
diameter. T h e load corresponding to the penetration d e p t h of 5.64 m m was r e c o r d e d as the J a n k a
hardness value. T h e results are presented in newtons (N) or kilonewtons (kN). Sometimes, the

1
measurement unit is in pounds-force (lbf). Higher value rated a timber as a harder timber.
To obtain a fair average result of a test piece, indentations were made on both tangential and
radial surfaces. Points of indentations were far from the edges to prevent splitting and chipping.
Figure 1 show the schematic diagram of Janka hardness test arrangement. Test configuration
for the determination ofJanka hardness and a tested specimen are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3
respectively. The records ofJanka hardness of Malaysian timbers are mostly compiled in Timber
Trade Leaflet No. 34 (Lee et al. 1993). Some data are reported in various journals, test reports
and other publications. This bulletin provides a ready and easy reference, in a form of a chart,
for Janka hardness of some popular Malaysian timbers.

Loadingjig

0 11.28 mm

Timber under
test

Figure 1 Schematic diagram of J a n k a hardness test a r r a n g e m e n t

Figure 2 J a n k a hardness test Figure 3 A J a n k a hardness tested specimen

2
 Summary of the Janka hardness chart

The average values of Janka hardness of Malaysian timbers are presented in a form of rating,
sorted from highest to lowest value in newtons. Most timbers are listed based on trade names.
For some timbers which require specific indication due to variation of test results within the
same timber group, the vernacular name is regarded as the reference name. The chart is a
simple and practical guide to gauge the hardness of timber for flooring applications. Janka
hardness values of some plantation and non wood species are also presented.
The 'uses' quoted in the chart refer to the existing and potential utilisation of the timbers,
meant only as general guides and are not limitations (Wong 2002). Wet application timbers
are commonly used in marine environment such as for boat decking, wharves and piers. The
usage requires a hygroscopically stable and very durable material. Outdoor decking timbers
are known to have a moderate degree of resistance to biological deterioration. Timbers for
heavy duty flooring have reputable performance such that they are suitable for applications with
heavy loads and prolonged loading. This is approximately the Janka rating of northern red oak
timber, recorded at 5.7 kN. Red oak is a benchmark in comparing Janka hardness, as red oak is a
popular and widely selected timber for flooring application. High foot-traffic parquet and strips
are suitable for flooring in offices, showrooms, indoor sport arenas, restaurant, etc. Having a
lower Janka hardness value and presumably lower in density, domestic flooring timbers are fit
for residential uses. Some examples of dented floor board are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Some examples of d e n t e d floor b o a r d (a) impact force has d a m a g e d the grooved profile; (b)
dimple marks were caused by p o i n t e d loads; (c) a trench-like i n d e n t a t i o n was caused by d r o p
of a sharp object; (d) scratch marks were caused by office chair

3
 Janka hardness values of some Malaysian species

Keranji paya
Penaga
Bitis
Pelawan 5
Belian 5
Pauh Kijang
Ru
Tempinis
Kekatong
Bakau minyak
Ngilas
Keranji kuning besar
Dedaru
Balau
Mertas
Giam
Nyatoh surin
Cengal
Meranti jerit
Surian batu
Resak _____________________________________________________ Wet applications
Merbatu
Bekak
Ranggu 5
Delek ____________________________________________________________Outdoor decking
Mempening
Keruing mempelas
Nyalin
Burma Ironwood (Xylia xylocarpa) 6
Kempas
Acacia auriculaeformis
Perah
Kayu malam 5
Tualang
Derum
Kasai daun lichin
Machang
Mata Ulat
Meransi
Merbau
Tembusu
Kelat
Bangkal 4
Petaling
Rengas
Kulim
Balek Angin Bopeng
Putat paya5
Keledang
Balau, Red
Eucalyptus robusta
Kasai
Merpauh
Leban 5
Kapur ________________________________________________________________________________Heavy duty flooring
Medang gatal 5
Sepetir
Rubberwood, high temp. drying13
Mempisang
Perapat laut 4
Merawan jangkang
Meranti temak nipis
Kembang Semangkok
Keruing bulu
Teak
Punah
Ramin
Sena
Kungkur
Mengkulang
Penarahan
Kedondong
Gerutu ________________________________________High traffic parquet and strips - offices/ showrooms/ sport arenas/ restaurants
Manau cane (Calamus manan) 1
Rubberwood
Coconut trunk
Simpoh
Melunak
Nyatoh tembaga
Pelajau
Meranti seraya
Malabera
Mersawa
Dungun paya4
Gapis
Tetebu
Meranti bukit
Perupok
Meranti bakau
Durian ___________________________________________________________________________ ___Domestic parquet and strips
Meranti daun besar
Sempilor
Kasah
Berangan
Damar hitam
Acacia mangium 16-y-old11
Meranti tembaga
Sentang 12
Maesopsis eminii
Batai
Laran
Jelutong
Karas Plantation and non-wood species
Binuang 4
Sesendok Indigenous species
Engkabang jantong, 22-y-old 10
Mahang 8
Ludai
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 Janka Hardness18
(kN)

Janka indentation load (kN)@5.64 mm depth

2

4
 References

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p i n a n g salak (Areca catechu) stems. Journal ofTropical Forest Science 6(3): 293-301.
ASTM (American Society for Testing a n d Materials). 2009. D 143 Standard m e t h o d s of testing small clear
specimens of timber. Annual Book of ASTM Standards. ASTM, Philadelphia.
BS (British Standards). 1957. BS 373 Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of Timber. British Standards
Institution, L o n d o n .
BURGESS PF. 1966. Timbers ofSabah. Sabah Forest Records No. 6. Forest D e p a r t m e n t , Sandakan.
CHUDNOFF M. 1980. Tropical timbers of the world. Forest Products Laboratory, Madison.
JOSUE J. 2004. Some wood properties of Xylia xylocarpa planted in Sabah. Sepilok Bulletin 1: 1-15.
KiLLMANN W & LIM SC. 1985. Anatomy a n d properties of oil p a l m stem. Proceedings of The National Symposium
on Oil Palm By-Products for Agro-based Industries. 5-6 N o v e m b e r 1985, Kuala Lumpur.
KiLLMANN W. 1990. Research n o t e o n some physical a n d mechanical properties of Macaranga hosei. Journal
of Tropical Forest Science 3(2): 193—194.
LEE YH, ENGKU ARC & CHU YP. 1993. The Strength Properties of Some Malaysian Timbers. T i m b e r Trade Leaflet
No.34. Malaysian T i m b e r Industry Board, Kuala Lumpur.
LIM NPT, TAN YE, GAN KS & LIM SC. 2011. Properties of Shorea macrophylla (Engkabang Jantong) Planted in
Sarawak. Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong.
LIM SC, CAN KS & TAN YE. 2011. Properties ofAcacia mangium Planted in Peninsular Malaysia. Forest Research
Institute Malaysia, Kepong.
NORAINI A. 1997. Azadirachta excelsa — A Monograph. Research P a m p h l e t No. 120. Forest Research Institute
Malaysia, Kepong.
SIK HS, C H O O KT, SARANI Z, SAHRIM A, H o w SS & MOHAMAD OMAR MK. 2009. Influence of drying t e m p e r a t u r e
o n t h e physical a n d mechanical properties of r u b b e r w o o d . Journal of Tropical Forest Science 21 (3):
181-189.
WONG TM. 2002. A Dictionary of Malaysian Timbers. Second edition. Revised by L i m SC & C h u n g R C K
Malayan Forest Records No. 30. Forest D e p a r t m e n t Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

5
 Back issues

Available on-line (http://info.frim.gov.my/cfdocs/infocenter/booksonline/index

cfm?menu=ttb)

TTB30 Identification a n d Utilisation of Lesser-Known Commercial Timber in Peninsular

Malaysia 2: B e r e m b a n g Bukit, Biku-Biku, Chichah a n d Chinta Mula

TTB33 Shrinkage Allowance of Some Malaysian Timbers

TTB38 T i m b e r of Sentang

TTB39 Identification a n d Utilization of Lesser-Known Commercial Timbers in Peninsular

Malaysia 5: Balek Angin, Bayur Bukit, Berbatu a n d Beka
TTB40 I d e n t i f i c a t i o n a n d U t i l i z a t i o n of L e s s e r - K n o w n C o m m e r c i a l T i m b e r s in
P e n i n s u l a r Malaysia 6: B u n g o r , C h e n d e r a i , D u n g u n Paya a n d G e l a m

TTB41 I d e n t i f i c a t i o n a n d Utilization of Lesser-Known C o m m e r c i a l T i m b e r s

in P e n i n s u l a r Malaysia 7: H a n t u Duri, J a r u m - J a r u m , J e l u t o n g Pipit a n d
Kasah
TTB42 Advantages of Wood Lamination for M o d e r n Applications

1 1B43 I d e n t i f i c a t i o n a n d U t i l i z a t i o n of L e s s e r - K n o w n C o m m e r c i a l T i m b e r s in
P e n i n s u l a r Malaysia 8: K e r u n t u m , K u n d a n g , L e b a n a n d M a l a b e r a

TTB44 Identification a n d Utilization of Lesser-known Commercial T i m b e r s in

P e n i n s u l a r Malaysia 9: M e m p o y a n , Mengkirai, M e n g k u n d o r a n d M e n t u l a n g

TTB45 Review on Six Types of Log cutting m e t h o d s in Various Applications: Part 1

TTB48 Review on Six Types of Log cutting m e t h o d s in Various Applications: Part 2

TTB49 Identification a n d Utilization of Lesser-known Commercial timbers in

Peninsular Malaysia 12: Pagar Anak, Pepauh, Pepijat d a n Pepulut
TTB50 Use of Timber Engineering

TTB51 Wood Properties of Selected Plantation Species: Khaya ivorensis (African

mahogany), Azadirachta excelsa (sentang), Endospermum malaccense (sesenduk)
a n d Acacia mangium

TTB53 Focus on Forest Products

TTB54 Wood Properties of Selected Plantation Species: Tectona grandis (teak),

Neolamarckia cadamba ( k e l e m p a y a n / l a r a n ) , Octomeles sumatrana (binuang) and
Paraserianthes falcataria (batai)

1 1B55 Identification Of Selected Lesser-Known T i m b e r 13: a n g s a n a / s e n a (Pterocarpus

sp.), bayur (Pterospermum spp.), b e b u t a (Excoecaria spp.) a n d kekabu (Bombax
spp.)

TTB56 Malaysian Timbers for Marine Scaffold Board Application

TTB57 T i m b e r Properties a n d Utilisation: Compilation of T i m b e r Technology Bulletin

1995-2015

6
 © Forest Research Institute Malaysia 2016

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