Photo: Parveen -

What is the hardest wood to split?

1. Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF. An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of Eastern and Southern Australia. Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.

hitchcockandking.co.uk - Top 10 Hardest Woods in The World | Hitchcock & King

Can my Neighbour build extension and block my light?

If your new extension will limit the light coming into your neighbour's windows and the level of light inside the room(s) falls below the accepted...

Last updated Mar 22, 2018

What can I use instead of a concrete slab?

Concrete has been used in construction for many years but, often, viable alternatives are available. Ferrock. Ferrock is a carbon-negative concrete...

Last updated Jan 15, 2018

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

Top 10 Hardest Woods in The World

Wood, as a material, can have its hardness quantified using the Janka rating; the industry standard rating. With this rating, the resistance of wood samples to denting and wear is measured. Varying on account of wood grain direction, different woods are tested based on the cut surface of a stump cut from the material. The measure of hardness and strength is pounds-force (lbf). Here, we list the top 10 hardest woods in the world, and provide a bit of information about each type:

1. Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF

An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of Eastern and Southern Australia. Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.

2. Schinopsis brasiliensis – 4,800 IBF

A species of flowering plant in the cashew family, the schinopsis brasiliensis originates in Brazil and creates an extremely tough wood of 4,800 lbf. Due to this immense hardness and strength, this wood is often used in construction.

3. Schinopsis balansae – 4,570 IBF

A hardwood tree, the schinopsis balansae is a tree which makes up large areas of forest in Argentina and Paraguay. Reaching a whopping 24 metres in height at times, the tree’s wood is extremely hard, at 4,570 lbf.

4. Lignum vitae – 4,500 IBF

A trade wood, lignum vitae comes from trees of the genus Guaiacum which are indigenous to the Caribbean as well as the northern coast of South America. This wood has been used since the 16th century, combining strength, density and toughness at an impressive 4,500 lbf in the Janka hardness test.

5. Piptadenia Macrocarpa – 3,840 IBF

This wood has a Janka hardness rating of 3,840 lbf, making it suitable for a variety of construction projects. It comes from a tree native to areas including Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.

6. Snakewood – 3,800 IBF

What material is best for storage sheds?

Metal sheds are more durable as they are fire, insect, rot, and weather resistant. They can rust, but they are more durable to the elements vs....

Last updated Feb 8, 2018

What country is metal work?

metalwork - Belgium and Holland | Britannica.

Last updated Sep 26, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Snakewood has a Janka rating of 3,800 lbf, and is an exotic hardwood which is particularly prized for the highly figured grain it exhibits. Originating from South America, it is used in a variety of projects requiring tough, dense wood.

7. Brazilian Olivewood – 3,700 IBF

With a Janka rating of 3,700, this wood is an exotic, attractive choice. Combining its pleasing aesthetic with properties including toughness and strength, exotic household furniture can seriously benefit from its presence.

8. Brazilian Ebony – 3,692 IBF

A dense, heavy wood originating from Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, this wood has a Janka rating of 3,692. Particularly good for the construction of decking and planking, this wood is not only hard and durable, but shock-resistant, making it an attractive yet extremely practical and cost-effective choice in the long-run.

9. Brazilian Walnut – 3,684 IBF

Originating in Central and South America, this wood has a grain that varies from straight to irregular or interlocked. With a Janka hardness rating of 3,684, this wood can be used for a number of projects, whether indoor or outdoor.

10. African Pearwood – 3,680 IBF

This is species of tree is found in Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon and Nigeria. With a natural habitat of tropical moist lowland forests, the wood itself has a Janka hardness rating of 3,680 lbf. Here at Hitchcock and King, we are a leading supplier of building materials , including timber to customers around the country. Our business is built on four main principles: stock availability, quality products at competitive prices, fast delivery and great customer service, all of which set us apart from our competitors. For more information about our range of products and services, and what we can do for your space, simply get in touch with our friendly team of experts today. We’ll be happy to help, whatever the enquiry.

hitchcockandking.co.uk - Top 10 Hardest Woods in The World | Hitchcock & King

Do you pay tax on Airbnb income?

Airbnb earnings are not exempt. They're added to your total taxable income, and it's all taxed together. However, you may have a separate tax-free...

Last updated May 30, 2020

How thick does a concrete pad need to be for a shed?

The best concrete thickness for a shed tends to be 4 inches which is the standard size used for most residential concrete patios, walkways and...

Last updated Jan 15, 2019

Promotion

How big can a tiny house be and still be considered tiny?

Tiny homes are generally designated as being under 600 square feet, but the average size of a tiny house for sale in the U.S. is actually just 225...

Last updated Jun 2, 2019

Promotion

How much is a pole barn house kit?

Pole Barn Kit by Size: Small (24'x24′ – 36'x48′) $2,500 – $10,800. Medium (36'x36′ – 40'x80′) $7,200 – $21,200. Large (40'x60′ – 60'x120′) $14,500...

Last updated Jun 7, 2019