Timber Species Guide

Every timber species has its own character -- colour, grain pattern, hardness, and how it takes a finish. The team'll assess your floor on site and recommend the right approach for your specific species. Here's a guide to the timbers I see most often.

Blackbutt

One of Australia's most popular hardwoods. Pale golden-brown with a straight, even grain. Versatile, durable, and looks stunning with either water-based or solvent-based finish.

ColourPale honey to light brown

GrainStraight, even, occasionally interlocked

Hardness9.1 kN (Janka)

Best finishWater-based for natural look, solvent for warmth

Spotted Gum

Rich, varied colour with a distinctive wavy grain. One of the hardest Australian timbers -- handles heavy traffic with ease. The grain pattern makes every floor unique.

ColourLight brown to deep chocolate with grey tones

GrainWavy, interlocked -- highly distinctive

Hardness11.0 kN (Janka)

Best finishWater-based to preserve natural colour variation

Brush Box

Deep pink-brown colour that darkens beautifully over time. Extremely hard-wearing -- a favourite for high-traffic areas and heritage homes across Newcastle.

ColourPink-brown to deep red-brown

GrainFine, interlocked -- very consistent

Hardness9.5 kN (Janka)

Best finishEither finish works well -- solvent enhances the warmth

Sydney Blue Gum

A premium hardwood with rich pink to reddish-brown tones. Naturally durable and fire-resistant. Common in older Newcastle homes and heritage buildings.

ColourPink to dark reddish-brown

GrainInterlocked, sometimes wavy

Hardness9.0 kN (Janka)

Best finishSolvent-based enhances the red tones beautifully

Cypress Pine

Distinctive honey-gold colour with prominent knots and a resinous scent. Naturally termite-resistant. Often found in older homes throughout the Hunter Valley.

ColourHoney gold with dark knots

GrainStraight with characteristic knots throughout

Hardness6.0 kN (Janka)

Best finishWater-based to keep the light colour, solvent for amber warmth

Victorian Ash

Light, clean timber with a pale straw to light brown colour. Straight grain gives a modern, uniform look. Takes stain exceptionally well for custom colour work.

ColourPale straw to light brown

GrainStraight, open, even

Hardness5.5 kN (Janka)

Best finishWater-based for a clean modern look, or stain to any colour

Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash

Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash

A trade name covering several eucalyptus species. Light, versatile, and affordable. The go-to timber for modern renovations and new builds. Stains beautifully.

ColourPale cream to straw with occasional pink

GrainStraight, open -- very consistent

Hardness5.5 kN (Janka)

Best finishExtremely versatile -- works with any finish or stain