Live Edge Slabs Rated By Hardness
A common question we get is about what type of wood is the hardest and most durable for a live edge table or furniture piece. In this guide, we are going to breakdown the different wood species we offer by how hard they are.
First, if you're looking to buy the hardest wood we have in stock, look no further than hickory. Hickory slabs can be found here.
An Introduction to the Janka Hardness Scale For Measuring Wood Hardness
Wood hardness is measured using the Janka Hardness Scale. This scale scientifically measures wood species for their resistance to denting and wearing. It is then used to compare how hard a species of wood is to others. This is used by many to determine which flooring, table, or other wood species is right for their project.
Live edge wood species with lower ratings do not mean that they won't make a good table, but it may mean that more preventative measures will need to be taken or a stronger finish may be needed. These woods would be more prone to denting, scratches, and other imperfections as they age.
This test is done by seeing how much force is needed to put a .444 inch diameter steel ball half way into a sample of wood. It's most commonly used for hardwood flooring, though can have other applications such as live edge slabs.
Our Wood Species Compared
| Slab Species | Pounds-force | Newtons |
|---|---|---|
| Black Walnut | 1010 Ibf | 4500 N |
| Cherry | 995 Ibf | 4430 N |
| Hard Maple | 1450 Ibf | 6400 N |
| Hickory | 1820 Ibf | 8100 N |
| Red Maple | 950 Ibf | 4200 N |
| Sycamore | 770 Ibf | 3400 N |
| Red Oak | 1290 Ibf | 5700 N |
| White Ash | 1320 Ibf | 5900 N |
| White Oak | 1360 Ibf | 6000 N |
As you can tell from the chart above, hickory is the most durable species we offer and sycamore is the least. The chart above is not designed to make decision-making more difficult, but rather to show how hard one wood is compared to others. All of the species listed above are hardwoods and we've found each of them as a good fit for live edge slabs.
A Few Other Quick Notes About Wood Hardness
There are a few other quick bullet points worth mentioning when we talk about the hardness of wood. These are:
- The hardnesses in the chart above are averages and they will vary slightly from one slab to the next. There is a standard deviation for each species.
- The janka test is always done on the heartwood and the sample used must be clear of knots and be at 12% moisture content.
- The hardness of the wood can vary based on the wood grain.
- These tests are not to be taken as absolutes, but rather as a way of comparing two species.
Questions About The Hardness of Live Edge Wood?
If you have questions about the hardness of live edge wood, you can drop them below! You can also check out our guide on hardwood vs softwood live edge slabs!
In reading about cracks and voids in live edge slabs, you’ve often recommended filling it with epoxy. Is this intended to mean filling them with deep pour epoxy resin (the same epoxy resin used for the river pour)?? You’ve also recommended soaking a “soft spot” in epoxy. Is this enough to firm it up?
Yep, or for very small cracks you can use pour-over epoxy which cures faster. Each brand is a bit different mix ratio and application, but they should all do the same thing if the instructions are followed!