Pine is generally softer than ash. When comparing the hardness of pine and ash, ash is harder. This is evident in the Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to indentation. According to the Janka hardness scale, the average Janka hardness of pine is around 380 lbf (pounds-force), while ash typically ranges from 1,180 to 1,300 lbf. The higher the Janka hardness value, the harder the wood. Ash's higher Janka hardness makes it more durable and suitable for applications requiring greater strength, such as furniture frames, flooring, and construction materials. This difference in hardness is due to the wood's cellular structure and composition, with ash having a denser and more compact grain pattern compared to pine.