A Professional Introduction to Six Solid Timber Flooring Options
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Choosing solid timber flooring is not a simple task. Without a foundational understanding of wood species, it can be difficult to identify which timber best suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. This guide introduces six carefully selected timber species — four Australian, one American, and one African — to assist in making a well-informed decision.
Spotted Gum – The Most Popular Choice
Colour Versatility:
Spotted Gum features a naturally varied palette of raw green, grey, soft white, and subtle reddish hues. This rich diversity in tone makes it easy to pair with both light and dark furniture, offering flexibility in interior styling. It’s no surprise that it remains the most popular timber flooring in Australia.
Hardness:
Spotted Gum is among the hardest of flooring timbers. While the standard for household flooring sits at 4.5kN (kiloNewtons), Spotted Gum boasts a hardness of 11kN, well above average.
Stability:
Its natural oils contribute to excellent dimensional stability, reducing risks of warping, cupping, or excessive shrinkage over time.
Affordability:
Abundant across Australia, Spotted Gum offers a favourable price point compared to other premium global species. For context, American Black Walnut typically retails around $225/m²—nearly double that of Spotted Gum.
Blackbutt – A Classic Favorite
Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are often compared by homeowners choosing between two reliable and stylish options.
Hardness:
Blackbutt has a Janka rating of 9.1kN, slightly lower than Spotted Gum but still robust for residential use.
Appearance:
Blackbutt is known for its light, neutral tones and natural grain variations, including veins and occasional gum marks. It provides a bright, clean look suited for contemporary interiors. Compared to the richer browns of Spotted Gum, Blackbutt gives off a more minimal and Scandinavian aesthetic.
Price:
Both timbers are similarly priced, offering exceptional value and timeless appeal.
The choice between these two comes down to personal preference: Spotted Gum leans warm and expressive, while Blackbutt exudes lightness and subtlety.
Ironbark – For a Rugged, Distinctive Look
If density alone dictated value, Ironbark would be Australia’s most premium timber. Heavy and incredibly durable, ten boxes of Ironbark flooring can weigh over 150kg.
Variants:
Red Ironbark and Grey Ironbark are the two most common types. Over time, their colours deepen, adding character and richness. Red Ironbark delivers a warm, inviting tone, while Grey Ironbark offers a subtler, reddish-brown sophistication.
This timber is ideal for those seeking an earthy, robust, and long-lasting floor with strong character and presence.
Black Walnut (USA) – A Touch of Prestige
Highly sought-after for fine furniture, cabinetry, and car interiors, Black Walnut is known as one of the most elegant and aristocratic timbers available.
Features:
Its rich, dark coffee hue, luxurious texture, and subtle grain give Black Walnut an unmistakable aura of sophistication. It is water-resistant and possesses a fine, smooth finish.
Exclusivity:
Grown in the central United States, Black Walnut is rarely chosen for large-scale flooring projects due to its high cost. At OZWOOD, we’ve had the honour of supplying and installing it in a handful of exclusive homes in Sydney each year.
Okan (Africa) – Vibrant and Striking
Okan has a proud heritage among premium hardwoods, alongside Brazil’s Merbau and Indonesia’s Maple.
Visual Appeal:
Okan is known for its deep, radiant red tones and dynamic texture. Its bold appearance makes a strong statement in any interior.
Durability:
With a dense structure and oil-rich fibres, Okan offers excellent strength and moisture resistance, making it both practical and eye-catching.
Final Thoughts
Each timber species featured in this guide brings its own unique personality, strength, and visual appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the dependable versatility of Spotted Gum, the brightness of Blackbutt, the luxury of Black Walnut, or the bold richness of Okan, OZWOOD is proud to offer you expert guidance and the highest-quality flooring solutions.
Let your floor reflect your style — with timber that lasts a lifetime.
