Top 10+ hardest woods in the world right now

What is the hardness of wood?

The hardness of natural wood is now measured in janka hardness (abbreviated as lbf), a unit of hardness that was invented in 1906 by Gabriel Janka. The method of application is hydraulic pressing of 3000kg in contact with a steel ball of 11.28mm in diameter and the surface of a large wooden board with the size of the wood panel is 50x150cm, the thickness of 6-8mm is dried to a moisture content of 12%.

Depending on different types of wood, the test results will be different and if the same type of wood will give an error of 5-10% depending on the age and slice of wood. So what are the top 10 hardest woods in the world right now?

Top 10+ types of hardest wood currently

The ratio of the hardness of the wood will be inversely proportional to the moisture content of the wood plank, the drier the wood, the higher the hardness, and the heavier the wood in the same moisture content, the higher the hardness.

Australian Buloke Wood - Hardness: 5,060 lbf

Topping the list of the hardest wood in the world is Australian Buloke wood, distributed in Australia and also known as Australian ironwood or cow oak.

Australian Buloke Wood Information:

Vera Wood - Hardness 3,710 lbf

The scientific name of Vera wood is Bulnesia arborea, Bulnesia sarmientoi this wood and Lignum Vitae wood have many similarities. Vera is biologically classified in the family Zygophyllaceae and is distributed mainly in Central America and North South America.

Information about Vera wood:

Wood height 12m - 15m
Wood diameter 30cm - 60cm
Wood color Pale yellow to green olive or dark brown to almost black, color darkens as the tree ages and is exposed to more sunlight
Texture Smooth texture, high natural gloss
Durability Withstands all impacts of the natural environment, lasts forever when in direct contact with the ground
Hardness 3,710 lbf
Scent Light, pleasant fragrance like a very special perfume
Toxicity Sawdust causes constant sneezing
Price From $1,290- $1,295/m3
Application Tool handles, bearings, bushings, boat building, pulley wheels, heavy-duty construction.

Camel Wood - Hardness 3,680 lbf

Camel wood, also known as giraffe wood, is distributed in South Africa. Previously, this wood was placed in the genus A. erioloba. However, in the mid-2000s, the large genus was divided into five separate genera. As a result, nearly all African species have been reclassified into the genera Vachelia or Senegalia.

Information about camel wood:

Wood height 9m - 15m
Wood diameter 30cm - 60cm
Wood color Dark reddish brown, sapwood will be yellow
Texture Just Right
Durability Long service life, good insect resistance.
Hardness 3,680 lbf
Scent None
Toxicity Does not cause any serious reactions except for the standard health risks associated with wood dust
Price High cost
Applications Fence posts, firewood, rotating objects and decorative furniture

African Black Wood - Hardness 3,670 lbf

African black wood, scientifically known as Dalbergia melanoxylon, also known as African ebony, was imported and used in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago.

Information about African Blackwood:

Wood height 6m - 9m
Wood diameter 0.6m - 1m
Wood color The middle will be black, sometimes dark brown or purple, the outside is covered with light yellow wood, thin and clearly demarcated with dark parts.
Texture High natural gloss
Durability Durable over time, resistant to movement and warping, moderately resistant to insects and borers
Hardness 3,670 lbf
Scent Light scent
Toxicity Causes mild eye, skin and respiratory irritation
Price $10,000/kg
Applications Making musical instruments such as clarinet, guitar,... rotating objects and tool handles

Black Ironwood - Hardness 3,660 lbf

Black Lim wood with scientific name Krugiodendron ferreum is not only one of the hardwoods in the world but it is also very heavy. Black ironwood is ranked among the heaviest woods in the United States and on earth. According to the latest updates, it is now distributed mainly in South Florida, the Caribbean and Central America.

Information about Black Linwood:

Wood height 6m - 9m
Wood diameter 20cm - 30cm
Wood color Red, orange, violet and brown, wood sap is light yellow white with clear division from heartwood
Smooth Wood texture, high natural gloss
Durability Good resistance to insect and termite damage
Hardness 3,660 lbf
Scent None
Toxicity Does not cause any serious reactions except for the standard health risks associated with wood dust
The price of Black Ironwood is not sold commercially, so it is only used for hobbies or specialties in its natural range.
Applications Firewood, veneer, small products, sculptures.

Katalox Wood - Hardness 3,660 lbf

Katalox wood is distributed in Southern Mexico, Central America and North South America with the scientific name Swartzia spp. (S. cubensis) with special characteristics and dark color, Katalox can be substituted for ebony species. Also, many people know it as Mexican Royal Wood.

Information about Katalox wood:

Wood height 30m - 40m
Wood diameter 0.6m - 1.2m
Wood color Dark reddish brown to almost black, sometimes purple
Texture Solid wood grain, smooth wood grain
Durability Highly resistant to worms and termites, although it is susceptible to stem borers
Hardness 3,660 lbf
Scent Very faint scent
Toxicity Causes respiratory irritation in some immunocompromised individuals
Price of Sheet 2 inch x 2 inch x 18 inch about $15.00
Applications High-end furniture, wooden floors, wall tiles, ceiling tiles, guitars and other small items

Wood height 9m - 15m
Wood diameter 3m - 6m
Color Heartwood is reddish brown, flesh is light yellow brown.
Texture The natural luster is quite good.
Durability Hardwood can withstand high surface impact.
Hardness 5.060 Ibf
Scent None
Toxicity Does not cause any serious reactions except for the standard health risks associated with wood dust
The price of exploitation is limited and it is a slow-growing wood for many years, so it is difficult to find a selling price in the market
Applications Knife handles, flooring, fine art furniture and handy objects.

Wood Schinopsis brasiliensis - Hardness: 4,800 lbf

Schinopsis brasiliensis is in second place in hardness with a standard hardness scale of 4,800 lbf. This wood is native to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay but has now become endemic to Brazil. Schinopsis brasiliensis is known as a species of flowering plant with many names such as Barauna, Quebracho, Chamacoco.

The hardwood Schinopsis brasiliensis lives mainly in lowland, arid areas such as arid forests and savannas, especially in limestone areas. The risk of extinction of this species is at an alarmingly high level, limiting its exploitation and commercial use.

Information about the wood Schinopsis brasiliensis:

Wood height 10m - 12m
Wood diameter 50cm - 60cm
Color heartwood light reddish brown, sapwood yellowish white.
Texture Solid wood grain beautiful wood color.
Durability High wear resistance
Hardness 4,800 lbf
Scent None
Toxicity A tea made from this sprout has a sedative effect
The price of exploitation is limited and it is a slow-growing wood for many years, so it is difficult to find a selling price in the market
Application Use to decorate all structures with natural wood such as floors, wooden tables and chairs, ..

Teak Wood - Hardness 4,740 lbf

Teak wood, also known as teak, scientifically known as Tectona Grandis, belongs to the hardwood family, but the wood grain is quite soft and can be cut by hand. There are 2 types used for making floors: Myanmar teak wood and Lao teak wood.

Teak wood information:

Wood height 30m - 40m
Wood diameter 0.6m - 0.8m
Wood color Dark yellow or golden brown is very luxurious
Texture Thick, solid wood flesh
Durability Very resistant to termites, although more susceptible to insect attack than other woods.
Hardness 4,740 lbf
Scent When fresh, it emits a mild fragrance
Toxicity Does not cause any serious reactions except for the standard health risks associated with wood dust
Price The price is not too expensive just average for an imported hardwood
Applications Use to make floors, wall tiles

Quebracho Wood - Hardness 4,570 lbf

The name Quebracho is from the Spanish 'quebrar hacha' which literally means ax cutter. Its scientific name is Schinopsis spp. The wood is distributed in the tropical forests of South America, belongs to the genus Schinopsis, the heaviest and hardest in the world.

Quebracho wood information:

Wood height 9m - 15m
Wood diameter 1m - 3m
Wood color Light brown with darker black streaks in some places
Texture Smooth, uniform texture, high natural gloss
Durability Resistant to attack by insects, drying process is quite slow, tends to crack or warp when drying
Hardness 4,570 lbf
Scent None
Toxicity Causes respiratory irritation leading to nausea
Price As a wood that is rarely available in the United States, prices are in the mid-to-high range of the year
Application Used to make interior decoration, heavy construction, railway crossing, fence post, rotating objects when exporting

Lignum Vitae Wood - Hardness 4,390 lbf

The scientific name of Lignum Vitae is Guaiacum officinale, G. sanctum is distributed mainly in Central America and North South America. Often used in marine propeller shaft bearings, the natural oils in the wood provide self-lubricating properties for excellent wear resistance.

Information about Lignum Vitae wood:

Wood height 6m - 10m
Wood diameter 30cm - 60cm
Wood Color Olive or dark greenish brown almost black, sometimes red, the color darkens with age, especially when exposed to more light
Texture Contains high natural oils so when bare wood is polished it will be very smooth
Durability Unaffected by outdoor rain and sun, highly resistant to insect attack
Hardness 4,390 lbf
Scent Light, perfume-like scent
Toxicity Causes skin irritation
Price

This is the heaviest wood in the world, so its price is also quite high, often sold in pounds.

¼ inch x 1-1/2 inch x 9 inch costs around £4.00 - £14.00 (pound)
Application Tool handles, bearings, pulley wheels and load-bearing objects

Gidgee Wood - Hardness 4,270 lbf

The 6th place in the top list of the hardest woods in the world is definitely Gidgee. Its scientific name is Acacia Cambagei of a dense wood that grows in the arid outback of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Information about Gidgee wood:

Wood height 6m - 12m
Wood diameter about 1m
Wood color Medium to dark brown russet
Texture Thick wood grain, smooth surface
Durability High durability
Hardness 4,270 lbf
Scent None
Toxicity Does not cause any serious reactions except for the standard health risks associated with wood dust
Price for 1 sheet 700mm x 150mm x 35mm costs about $ 50
Applications Making fences, scratch-resistant wooden floors, furniture, musical instruments and crafts

Solid Wood - Hardness 3,800 lbf

Snake Wood, scientifically known as Guianense Brosimum, has a wood grain consisting of spots and veins on the wood that looks like the skin of a snake. This wood is distributed mainly in the coastal regions of northeastern South America.

Information about Solid wood:

Wood height 20m - 25m
Wood diameter 15cm - 30cm
Wood color Usually reddish brown with contrasting brown or black patches. The older the tree, the darker the color
Texture Dense texture with high natural shine
Durability Long service life, resistant to insect attack
Hardness 3,800 lbf
Scent Light, pleasant scent
Toxicity Some components in wood are mildly irritating to the skin and respiratory tract
Price Around $10.00 – $50.00/Kg
Applications Use to make musical instruments, violin bows, tool handles and home decorations