Top 10 Australian Hardwood Species Used for Timber Flooring

Looking for a reliable Wollongong timber flooring company that can provide high-quality timber for your next flooring project? If you are someone who values both aesthetics and durability, then Australian hardwoods are definitely the way to go. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best fit for your flooring needs.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the most popular types of Australian hardwood species and their unique properties. This will give you a better understanding of the options available and help you make an informed decision for your flooring project. So let's dive in!

What are the different types of Australian hardwood species that you can use for your flooring?

Australia boasts a rich variety of hardwood species, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Some of the most notable Australian hardwood species that you can use for your flooring include:

1. Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)

Jarrah, also called as swan river mahogany, is a species of Eucalyptus tree that is mostly found in the coastal regions of Western Australia. It is a dense and durable hardwood that is recognised for its deep, rich red-brown color. It has an interlocked or wavy grain with a medium to coarse texture that is not only highly resistant to wear and tear but also to decay and termites.

Due to its remarkable strength and durability, this hardwood has become a preferred option for exterior applications such as decking, fencing, and landscaping. In addition, it is exceptionally well-suited for flooring and outdoor furniture.

2. Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata)

Spotted Gum is another Australian hardwood species that can be found in abundance in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. It is renowned for its unique range of colors from cream to brown with hues of gray and pink. Occasionally, you may even find distinctive purple streaks in the timber. The grain typically runs straight or exhibits a slight interlock, with a medium to coarse texture. However, in some instances, you may come across the unique feature of a wavy grain.

Spotted gum is also fire-resistant and highly durable with a density of around 830kg per cubic metre, making it perfect to use for outdoor decking, furniture-making, flooring, fencing, cladding, and other construction projects.

3. Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis)

Blackbutt, which came from the Eucalyptus pilularis species of eucalyptus tree, is one of the most popular Australian hardwood native species in Eastern Australia. It can be found mainly in New South Wales and Queensland and has a distinctive dark color at the bottom and light brown at the top. However, when milled into timber, blackbutt trees can have a pale yellow to medium honey brown color with some reddish hues.

In terms of texture and strength, blackbutt has a medium to coarse texture with a generally straight grain. It is also highly durable but easy to work with, making it perfect for outdoor decking, furniture-making, flooring, fencing, cladding and other structural applications. Since it is also one of the least expensive hardwoods available, it is ideally used for firewood, wood chips and charcoal.

4. Tasmanian Oak (Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus delegatensis, Eucalyptus obliqua)

Tasmanian oak is a premium Australian hardwood timber that grows in the wetter areas of south-eastern Australia including Tasmania and Victoria. It is comprised of three species, Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus obliqua and Eucalyptus delegatensis that offers the Tasmanian oak a light brown color with reddish hues.

Tasmanian oak is highly sought after for its versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal. It is commonly used in furniture making, interior design, flooring, construction and joinery due to its strength and beautiful appearance. The straight grain of Tasmanian oak makes it easy to work with and gives it a smooth finish, making it a popular choice for decorative applications.

5. Ironbark (Eucalyptus spp.)

Ironbark is one of the most well-known and sought-after hard timber species. It encompasses several Eucalypt species that are known for their high strength and durability. In terms of appearance, Ironbark color can vary significantly, but it is typically characterised by its dark chocolate brown hue, making it a very attractive material for furniture making as well as other interior design projects.

Whether you want to use it in its natural state or you want to get it stained, its exceptional interlocked grain patterns and remarkable color variations can accentuate any space. Ironbark is also highly resistant to rot, making it a great choice for flooring, outdoor furniture and other structures that are exposed to the various elements.

6. Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys)

Tallowwood is an extremely hard, durable and versatile Australian native hardwood species that is commonly used for flooring, decking, furniture, and joinery. It has a beautiful golden yellow colour with occasional streaks of pink and red.

Aside from its aesthetic qualities, Tallowwood also has excellent strength and durability properties, making it ideal for high traffic areas such as flooring. Furthermore, its resistance to wear and tear makes it a practical option for busy households or commercial spaces.

8. Victorian Ash (Eucalyptus regnans and Eucalyptus delegatensis)

Victorian Ash refers to the Australian hardwood that is produced by two species, Eucalyptus regnans and Eucalyptus delegatensis, found in the mountainous regions of Victoria, Australia. Known for its durability and unique grain pattern, Victorian Ash is a popular choice for both interior and exterior applications. When freshly sawn, the timber has a pale straw colour with pinkish undertones, which eventually deepens to a warm honey colour over time. This adds a light and airy feel to any space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Apart from its distinctive appearance, Victorian Ash also offers various other benefits that make it a sought-after timber choice. Its natural resistance to termite attacks and rot makes it suitable for outdoor use, while its high density and strength make it perfect for load-bearing structures such as flooring, decking, and structural beams.

9. Karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor)

Karri, scientifically named Eucalyptus diversicolor, is a lustrous hardwood timber native to the southwestern regions of Australia. Renowned for its towering trees that can reach up to 70 meters in height, Karri timber is considered one of the world's tallest timber species.

Its distinctive golden pink to red-brown color with creamy white streaking and unique grain patterns make Karri timber highly sought after in various construction projects, flooring, and joinery applications. This hardwood's remarkable durability and its ability to thrive in challenging environmental conditions contribute to its significance in Australia's rich hardwood industry.

10. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)

Blackwood is a dark-brown hardwood native to the moist woodlands of southeastern Australia. This species is popular among woodworkers due to its rich chocolate brown colour, wavy grain patterns, smooth texture, and occasional straight grain.

When it comes to strength and density, Blackwood stands out among other hardwoods. It is resistant to decay and weathering, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications like decking, construction projects, and furniture making. It has strong yet lightweight properties that also make it suitable for heavy-duty tasks like shipbuilding.

Takeaway

When it comes to flooring, Australian hardwood species are a popular choice for many homeowners. These beautiful and durable woods have been used for centuries in various applications, including flooring, furniture, decking, and construction. However, since not all of these species are created equal, it's important to be familiar with their different types in order to make an informed decision of which one to choose. Factors like durability, grain patterns, colors, and resistance to pests all play pivotal roles in selecting the perfect timber type for your project.

At Sawmill Trading Company, we are experts at supplying and installing timber flooring for various clients in Wollongong. Whether you need timber flooring for a residential or commercial space, our experienced team can help you find the right type and grade of hardwood that will suit your specific requirements. You can also visit our showroom in Albion Park to make your selection easier. Contact us today to request a quote for your flooring project.