Which Wood Gets Harder With Age?: Aging and Hardness in Wood

Different wood species have different levels of hardness, and these characteristics can change over time. While the Janka rating is commonly used to measure wood hardness, real-life conditions such as moisture loss and environmental exposure can influence how hard wood becomes as it ages.

This is why many people wonder, which wood gets harder with age? It is a common belief that older wood feels tougher than new wood, especially when repairing or restoring old furniture.

Which Wood Gets Harder with Age?

Does wood get harder as it ages? In some cases, yes. Wood can gain hardness over time as it slowly loses moisture. When moisture content decreases, wood cells shrink and become denser, which may increase hardness.

However, this process depends heavily on environmental conditions. Wood stored in dry, stable environments has a higher chance of becoming harder, while wood kept in damp or humid conditions may not experience the same effect.

Certain wood species are known to gain noticeable hardness as they age. Below are two commonly cited examples.

Yellow Pine

Yellow pine is a stiff softwood with high density and good compressive strength. It is often used for flooring, furniture frames, and structural elements. Its Janka hardness ranges between 690 and 870, depending on the variety.

As yellow pine ages, gradual moisture loss can slightly increase its hardness. However, this change takes many years and is influenced by climate, finishing methods, and exposure to the elements.

Douglas Fir

Douglas fir is another softwood that may become harder over time. With a Janka hardness rating of around 660, it is slightly softer than yellow pine but valued for its strength, stability, and resistance to moisture absorption.

Because Douglas fir absorbs less moisture, it has a higher potential to increase in hardness as it ages. This makes it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and structural applications.

Old-Growth Wood vs New-Growth Wood

Older furniture may feel harder not only because of aging, but also because it was made from old-growth wood. Old-growth timber develops denser grain patterns due to slower growth, making it naturally stronger than new-growth wood.

In many cases, the superior hardness of old furniture comes from the quality of the original timber rather than the aging process itself.

Which wood gets harder with age?
Yellow pine and Douglas fir can gain additional hardness over time under the right conditions. If you are looking for durable, high-quality wood furniture made from carefully selected materials, you can contact us to discuss the best options for your needs.