Buying guides
The best timber species for Sydney floors
Colour, hardness and character vary a lot between species. Here's how the popular choices compare.
By the Austt Flooring team · · 2 min read
Species decides the colour, the grain and how well a floor resists dents. Australian hardwoods are some of the hardest flooring timbers in the world, while European oak is softer but hugely popular for its calm, even look.
How the popular species compare
| Species | Colour | Janka hardness (approx.) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotted gum | Light brown to deep chocolate | ~11 kN | Wavy grain, strong variation |
| Blackbutt | Pale golden to light brown | ~9 kN | Even, clean, very popular |
| Sydney blue gum | Pink to red-brown | ~9 kN | Warm tones, straight grain |
| Ironbark | Deep red to dark brown | ~14 kN | Very hard, rich colour |
| Tasmanian oak | Pale straw to light pink | ~5.5 kN | Soft, light and calm |
| European oak | Neutral honey, often limed or smoked | ~6 kN | Calm grain, wide boards |
Grade: select vs feature
Select grade has fewer natural features for a cleaner, more uniform look. Feature or character grade includes gum veins, knots and colour variation — great at hiding everyday wear and often better value.
Which to choose
- Busy family home with pets: spotted gum or blackbutt in feature grade.
- Light, Scandinavian look: European oak engineered timber in a matt finish.
- Period home restoration: match the existing species — often blackbutt or brush box — in solid timber.
- Rich, traditional feel: ironbark or Sydney blue gum.
Species is one decision; construction is another. See engineered vs solid timber to decide how your chosen timber should be made.
