How to Choose the Right Timber Species

When it comes to flooring, solid timber is a premium choice that homeowners often gravitate towards. Not only is it durable and visually appealing, but it also provides a finished product that will last a lifetime.

This solid timber flooring guide will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing timber and provide a breakdown of the species to help you and your clients make an informed decision.

Why Use Solid Timber Flooring?

For both residential and commercial projects, solid timber flooring adds character and warmth, as well as value to the property, making it a long-term investment. Its durability, stability and level of maintenance are dependent on the timber species selected. Understanding these factors will ensure clients make the right choice based on their lifestyle and project.

Solid Timber Flooring Species Overview

Here’s a look at some popular timber flooring species and a brief overview of their properties.

Tasmanian Oak

Close up shot of Tasmanian Oak solid timber flooring.

Tasmanian Oak timber flooring is an extremely popular hardwood flooring choice due to its light colouring and ability to integrate into a wide range of interior designs.

Appearance: Light straw to pale reddish-brown tones with a straight, even grain
Durability: Moderate hardness (4.9 kN Janka rating)
Performance: Easy to cut, sand and finish. Accepts stains extremely well
Disadvantages: Susceptible to termites.

Jarrah

Due to its rich red tones, Jarrah flooring is popular in traditional-style homes and renovations. Its density and durability also make it suitable for commercial properties.

Appearance: Light red to deep red-brown colour with warm, rich tones.
Durability: Hard timber (8.5 kN Janka rating), significantly more durable than Tasmanian Oak.
Performance: Dense and robust, suitable for high-traffic areas. Takes stain and finish well. Naturally resistant to termites.
Disadvantages: Susceptible to lyctid borer.

Merbau

A popular hardwood for both residential and commercial flooring, Merbau is valued for its rich colour variation and strong performance in high-traffic environments.

Appearance: Yellow-orange to dark brown with reddish hues, offering varied grain across the boards
Durability: Hard timber suitable for high-traffic areas (8.5 kN Janka rating)
Performance: Naturally durable with good dimensional stability, ideal where durability is a priority. Resistant to termites
Disadvantages: Susceptible to lyctid borer.

Blackbutt

Close up shot of Blackbutt solid timber flooring.

A versatile Australian hardwood known for its contemporary colour palette and strong performance in busy households.

Appearance: Light honey to golden tones with a straight, uniform grain
Durability: Hard and resilient (8.9 kN Janka rating)
Performance: A reliable all-rounder with excellent wear resistance, often used in modern, open-plan homes
Disadvantages: Tendency to surface checking.

NSW Spotted Gum

A premium native hardwood with striking colour variation, natural strength and excellent durability for demanding environments.

Appearance: Colour variation from light brown to dark chocolate tones with bold grain patterns
Durability: Extremely hard timber (10.1 kN Janka rating) with excellent resistance to dents and wear
Performance: Highly stable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Resistant to termites
Disadvantages: Susceptible to lyctid borer.

American Oak

Close up shot of American Oak solid timber flooring.

An imported hardwood offering a timeless oak look, consistent colour and excellent finishing versatility.

Appearance: Classic light to medium brown with an open, straight grain
Durability: Moderate hardness (6.0 kN Janka rating)
Performance: Well established worldwide due to its colour consistency and ability to be sanded, finished and stained in various ways
Disadvantages: Imported species. Susceptible to lyctid borer and termites.

Southern Ash

Southern Ash is a durable and attractive hardwood with good strength properties and a clean, contemporary appearance.

Appearance: Light blonde to pale brown with a subtle, straight grain
Durability: Moderate hardness (5.8 kN Janka rating)
Performance: Easily stained. Works well across a range of interior styles
Disadvantages: Susceptible to lyctid borer and termites.

Hickory

Hickory is a premium North American hardwood selected for its extreme hardness and bold, high-contrast grain.

Appearance: Contrasting colours from cream to pale brown, adding character
Durability: Very hard, dense species (8.7 kN Janka rating)
Performance: Scratch and wear resistance. Sands and polishes to an attractive finish
Disadvantages: Susceptible to lyctid borer. Can be more difficult to machine due to density. Imported species.

Bowens Range of Solid Timber Flooring

Bowens provides a wide range of solid timber flooring suitable for residential and commercial properties. Browse our timber flooring products online or drop into our Circa Showroom in Port Melbourne for more information, flooring samples and expert advice.

For information about the visual grade of timber flooring, explore our blog, “Timber Flooring: Understanding Visual Grades.”

A Guide to Solid Timber Flooring Species

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