Selecting Your Premier Australian Hardwood
Choosing the ideal timber for a project involves understanding the unique characteristics of each species. LB Timber offers a curated selection of Australia's finest hardwoods, each with distinct properties.
Ironbark timber flooring
Solid timber ceiling and fencing
| Type of hardwood | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ironbark (Red & Grey) | Renowned for exceptional hardness (Janka ~11.9-16 kN ) and Class 1 natural durability , Ironbark displays rich red to dark red-browns (Red Ironbark) or light grey to darker reds and browns (Grey Ironbark). It's ideal for applications demanding maximum strength |
| Blackbutt | A popular, versatile hardwood with pale brown and golden yellow to cream hues. It has a Janka hardness of around 9.1 kN and Class 1 above-ground durability |
| Spotted Gum | Highly valued for its attractive and variable appearance, ranging from pale straw to rich dark browns, often with a distinctive wavy grain. It's very hard (Janka ~11 kN ) and has Class 1 above-ground durability |
| Tallowwood | Exhibits a distinctive yellowish-brown colour, often with olive-green tinges, and a naturally greasy feel. With a Janka hardness of approximately 8.6 kN and Class 1 all-round durability , it's excellent for moisture-prone areas |
Table 1: Australian Hardwood & Format Suitability Guide
Understanding Timber Flooring Formats
Beyond species, the format of timber flooring significantly influences its performance, installation, and aesthetic.
1. Solid Timber Flooring
Solid Timber Flooring consists of planks crafted from a single piece of hardwood. Its primary appeal lies in authenticity and longevity, with the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. However, it's generally more expensive and susceptible to movement with humidity changes, requiring careful acclimatisation and installation.
2. Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered Timber Flooring features a real hardwood veneer top layer bonded to multiple core layers, enhancing dimensional stability. This makes it less prone to movement, suitable for wider planks, and often easier to install over various subfloors, including concrete. The number of times it can be refinished depends on the veneer thickness.
3. Parquetry Flooring
Parquetry Flooring involves arranging small wood pieces (blocks or slats) in repeating geometric patterns like herringbone or chevron. It offers unparalleled aesthetic appeal and can be made from solid or engineered components. Species like Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, and Tallowwood are well-suited for parquetry. Installation is typically more intricate and costly.
Parquetry flooring using solid timbers
Comparative Guide: Hardwoods and Flooring Formats
The following table provides an overview of LB Timber's hardwoods and their general suitability for different flooring formats.
| Feature | Ironbark (Grey/Red) | Blackbutt | Spotted Gum | Tallowwood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Janka Rating (kN, Seasoned) | Red: ~11.9 <br> Grey: ~16 | ~8.9 - 9.1 | ~10.1 - 11.0 | ~8.6 |
| Durability Class (Above Ground, Heartwood) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Termite Resistance (Heartwood) | Resistant (R) | Resistant (R) | Resistant (R) | Resistant (R) |
| Natural BAL Rating (Untreated) | Up to BAL-29/BAL-40 (species/source dependent) | BAL-29 | BAL-29 | BAL-19 |
| Suitability for Solid Flooring | Excellent (very durable) | Excellent (popular choice) | Excellent (very popular) | Excellent (durable, good for moist areas) |
| Suitability for Engineered Veneer | Good (for appearance) | Very Good (popular) | Very Good (popular, distinct grain) | Good (distinct colour/grain) |
| Suitability for Parquetry | Fair to Good (very hard to work for intricate patterns, but used) | Very Good (versatile, explicitly used) | Very Good (e.g., herringbone) | Very Good (explicitly used) |
Table 2: Australian Hardwood & Format Suitability Guide
This table provides general guidance. Specific project requirements and site conditions should always be considered.
Maintaining Your Timber's Beauty
Proper maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and extending the life of timber floors. Regular cleaning involves sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush head to remove dust and grit. Spills should be wiped up immediately. Protective measures like felt pads under furniture and mats at entryways are recommended. For cleaning, use a well-wrung damp mop with pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for timber; avoid excessive water or harsh chemicals.
Solid timber floors may require recoating every 3-5 years and can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered timber maintenance is similar, with refinishing capability dependent on veneer thickness. Parquetry also benefits from regular cleaning, with refinishing best left to professionals due to pattern complexity.
Timber floor finishes significantly impact appearance, durability, and maintenance. Polyurethane finishes (water-based or solvent-based) create a durable surface film; water-based options are clear and low VOC, while solvent-based ones are very tough but can amber. Oil finishes (penetrating or hardwax oils) soak into the wood for a natural look and feel, often easier to spot-repair. Finishes are available in various gloss levels, from matte to high gloss, each offering a different aesthetic.
Solid wood interior cladding
Solid wood exterior cladding
Expert Guidance
Choosing the right timber, format, and finish is a significant decision. The team at LB Timber, leveraging decades of family experience in the industry , offers expert guidance to help customers select the ideal Australian hardwood for their specific application, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance expectations, ensuring lasting beauty and performance.
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How to Choose
Choosing the ideal timber for a project involves understanding the unique characteristics of each species.
Sustainable Aussie Timbers
LB Timber originates from NSW forests managed under framework Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management (ESFM).
Standards & Ratings
Standards benchmark, guarantee that timber products are fit for purpose and contribute structural integrity & work safety.
