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The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of a sample of wood to dent and wear. It's an indicator of how well a wood species can stand up to wear and abuse, and it's often used to determine if a wood species is suitable for use as flooring. The test measures the amount of force required to embed a 0.444-inch steel ball halfway into a piece of wood.

Here's a list of some popular wood species and their respective Janka hardness ratings (values are approximate, as actual hardness can vary based on numerous factors):

1. Australian Buloke: 5,060 lbf (22,500 N) - One of the hardest woods known.
2. Lignum Vitae: 4,500 lbf (20,000 N) - Also among the hardest woods.
3. Snakewood: 3,800 lbf (16,900 N)
4. Quebracho: 3,692 lbf (16,400 N)
5. Ebony: 3,220 lbf (14,300 N)
6. Ironwood: 3,060 lbf (13,600 N)
7. Mesquite: 2,345 lbf (10,430 N)
8. Hickory/Pecan: 1,820 lbf (8,100 N)
9. Hard Maple: 1,450 lbf (6,450 N)
10. White Oak: 1,360 lbf (6,000 N)
11. Red Oak: 1,290 lbf (5,700 N)
12. Beech: 1,300 lbf (5,780 N)
13. Ash: 1,320 lbf (5,870 N)
14. Yellow Birch: 1,260 lbf (5,600 N)
15. Cherry: 995 lbf (4,420 N)
16. Black Walnut: 1,010 lbf (4,490 N)
17. Soft Maple: 950 lbf (4,200 N)
18. Mahogany: 800-850 lbf (3,570-3,780 N) (Depending on the type)
19. Pine (Southern Yellow): 870 lbf (3,870 N)
20. Teak: 1,000 lbf (4,400 N)
21. Cedar: 350 lbf (1,550 N)

Remember, a higher Janka rating means the wood is harder and more resistant to dents. But the hardness alone should not be the only factor in choosing a wood for a particular project. Other properties such as workability, stability, appearance, and cost are also crucial.