Timber hardness is be measured by the Janka hardness test.
The test measures the force required to push a steel ball with a diameter of 11.28mm into the wood to a depth of half the ball’s diameter.
In Australia the most commonly reported measure is quoted in kilo newtons (kN), where 1kN = 100kg, and the most common use of the Janka hardness rating is to determine whether a species is suitable for use as a flooring timber. The higher the number the harder the species is, therefore the Janka hardness test is ideal for determining how a floor will resist dents and wear.
A hardness in excess of 5.0kN is generally considered suitable for use as a flooring timber.
Timber Janka ratings range from Tasmanian Oak at 5.5(kN) up to 15.8(kN) for Strand Woven Bamboo.
No one carpet fibre is inherently ‘better’ than any other. Each fibre comes in a variety of qualities and price ranges. The most important point is to choose a fibre, style and construction to suit your lifestyle and budget, that’s suitable for the room in which it will be placed.