The Recommended Hardness of Porch Decking

Hardness Scale

• The hardness scale, sometimes referred to as the Janka hardness, is a measurement of how dense the wood is, typically for wood rated at 12 percent moisture and conducted perpendicular to the grain of the wood. Low numbers are in the low hundreds, while high numbers can reach as high as 3,000 or more. Deck materials typically fall into two categories, one for low hardness and one for high hardness. Both refer to different species options for lumber.

Low Hardness Woods

• Low hardness woods have hardness ratings that hover between 350 and 600 to 700. These include most cedars and many pines. The low hardness means that these decks can be scratched and dented more easily than other options, but homeowners have a reason for choosing these woods. Cedar has an especially lauded color and grain, and contains chemicals that naturally ward off mold and insects. The price is a greater possibility of damage unless you take care whenever using your deck.

High Hardness Woods

• High hardness woods tend to be more exotic, and come with Janka ratings that tend to fall in the 1,000s, like Cyprus and Teak. Many oaks are also considered to be hardwoods, and may be more suitable for deck projects, since exotic woods are not always meant to be used outside. Ironwoods like Ipe provide hardness ratings greater than 3,000.

Additional Considerations

• Keep in mind that even softwoods can be chemically treated for extra durability, altering their natural qualities and allowing you to build a long-lasting deck out of many materials. Another important consideration is the amount of work you will need to do on the deck. The harder woods can be difficult to cut and may make complicated projects much more difficult.