The pros and cons of different timber flooring types

Choosing the right timber flooring is more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a practical investment that can significantly impact your space's overall feel and durability. To make the right decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of different timber flooring types. Read on to learn about what timber types can be used for flooring and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

What to know about timber flooring types

What is engineered timber? What are hardwood and softwood? Here’s what you need to know as you explore different timber flooring options.

Difference between solid and engineered timber

Solid timber and engineered timber differ fundamentally in their composition and characteristics. Solid timber is one solid piece of wood, offering a timeless and authentic appearance with visible natural features like knots and grains. It's a robust choice but can be more susceptible to environmental changes and often comes with a higher price tag.

On the other hand, engineered timber is a layered construction featuring a real wood veneer on top of layers of plywood or fiberboard. This layered structure enhances stability, making it less prone to expansion or contraction due to temperature and humidity fluctuations. However, engineered timber can be sanded and refinished a limited number of times compared to solid hardwood, and the overall thickness of the top layer may affect its longevity.

Difference between hardwood and softwood

Softwood and hardwood are simply different types of wood that come from different trees, each with unique qualities. Softwood comes from coniferous evergreen trees and is generally less dense. It often features a lighter colour and a more straightforward grain pattern. In contrast, hardwood comes from deciduous trees and is denser, exhibiting various colours and intricate grain patterns. 

In terms of timber flooring, both softwood and hardwood have their merits. Hardwood flooring is a popular choice thanks to its durability and aesthetic appeal. It's renowned for its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist wear and tear. While softwoods are less commonly used for flooring because of their softer nature, they can be suitable for certain applications if you’re after a more budget-friendly option or a rustic appearance.

What timber can be used as flooring?

When it comes to using timber on your property, you’re spoiled for choice. Whether you want fencing and landscape timber to protect your property and enhance its street appeal or structural timber for your forever home, you can choose from various timber options. Timber flooring is no different, so here are the ins and outs of common timber flooring types that could be just right for you:

Blackbutt

Blackbutt timber, native to Australia, is a popular choice for flooring due to its attractive appearance and durability. With a pale brown to light yellow colour and straight grain, Blackbutt offers a contemporary and clean aesthetic, making it suitable for various design styles. Its hardness and resistance to wear and tear contribute to its longevity. However, it can be prone to insect attacks and decay if not properly treated or maintained. Also, its lighter colour can reveal scratches more easily than darker wood types.

Blue gum

With a striking range of colours from pale cream to reddish-brown, blue gum is an Australian native that has an eye-catching appearance and often features attractive grain patterns. Its high hardness level contributes to its durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. However, the diverse colour variations can pose a challenge for uniformity in appearance, and it may require regular maintenance to preserve its original lustre. 

Brush box

Australian brush Box timber has warm and rich tones ranging from pale pinkish-brown to deep red-brown. Its straight and even grain adds to its aesthetic appeal, bringing a sense of elegance to spaces. Brush Box is known for its durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas, and it responds well to staining and polishing, offering versatility in design. However, it's important to note that Brush Box can be susceptible to surface checking and gum vein markings, which may affect its uniformity.

Flooded gum

Originating from Australia, flooded Gum timber is a distinctive choice for flooring that’s known for its pale to light brown hues and prominent grain patterns. Its unique appearance and natural lustre make it an aesthetically pleasing option that can add character to various settings. Flooded Gum is valued for its durability and resistance to decay, making it suitable for flooring in both residential and commercial spaces. However, the timber can be challenging to work with due to its density, and its hardness may affect the ease of installation. 

Spotted gum

Spotted Gum timber is a popular and versatile choice for flooring that is native to Australia. It comes in an attractive mix of colours, including pale greys, rich browns and vibrant red tones. Spotted gum is known for its distinctive grain patterns and durability and provides a visually appealing and resilient flooring solution. Its high natural resistance to termites and decay contributes to its longevity, making it suitable for various applications. However, the timber's density can make it challenging to work with during installation, and some boards may display gum veins or insect markings, which could influence the uniformity of the flooring. 

Ironbarks

Ironbarks, a group of eucalypt hardwood species native to Australia, are valued for their exceptional durability and strength, making them a popular choice for flooring. The timber typically features a range of colours from pale browns to deep reds, along with distinctive grain patterns that contribute to its aesthetic appeal. Ironbark timber is known for its resistance to termites, decay and wear, ensuring a long lifespan in various settings. However, due to its high density, working with Ironbark during installation may be challenging, requiring specialised tools and expertise.

Forest reds

Forest Reds, encompassing various eucalypt species native to Australia, are sought-after for their distinctive reddish-brown hues. With a mix of warm colours and unique grain patterns, Forest Reds provides interior spaces with a rich and elegant appearance. Known for their durability and resistance to decay, these timbers are well-suited for flooring applications in both residential and commercial settings. On the other hand, the hardness of Forest Reds can pose challenges during installation, and the natural variation in colour and grain may affect the uniformity of the flooring.

Cypress pine

With its light colour and distinct grain, Cypress Pine timber offers a cost-effective flooring option. Its natural preservatives provide resistance to decay and insects. However, its softness may make it susceptible to denting in high-traffic areas.

Turpentine

Turpentine timber, featuring rich reddish-brown hues and interlocked grain, adds warmth and elegance to flooring. Renowned for its durability, Turpentine resists decay and termite attacks. However, it can be challenging to work with due to its hardness and density, so it’s best to leave the installation to professionals.

Stringybark

Stringybark timber, characterised by pale hues and distinctive grain, is a versatile flooring option. Stringybark’s moderate hardness offers durability, but its variable grain may impact uniformity. Regular maintenance is recommended to preserve its natural beauty in high-traffic areas.

Tallowwood

Tallowwood timber, known for its warm tones and interlocking grain, is suitable for various settings. While Tallowwood has high durability and resistance to decay, its hardness can pose challenges during installation. Periodic cleaning and refinishing are needed for its longevity and aesthetic appeal.

Blackwood

With its medium brown colour and attractive grain patterns, Blackwood timber offers a visually appealing flooring option. While its moderate hardness contributes to durability, it requires careful installation to prevent splitting. Regular maintenance is recommended to enhance its longevity and preserve its natural beauty.

Jarrah

Jarrah timber is known for its rich red-brown colour and distinctive grain. Its high density and durability contribute to Jarrah’s longevity, though it may be harder to work with during installation. The timber's natural oils can also make it difficult to stain or finish.

Tasmanian oak

Tasmanian Oak timber, prized for its light colour and workability, adds a modern touch to flooring. Pros include versatility and ease of installation, but it may be prone to dents and scratches due to its softer nature.

What timber flooring is best?

Selecting a timber flooring type that suits your lifestyle and design preferences is necessary. The key when it comes to choosing the best timber flooring lies in harmonising factors such as durability, visual appeal, and budgetary constraints. Opting for durable hardwoods like Spotted Gum or Blackbutt can enhance longevity. The visual aspect is equally crucial, and species like Jarrah or Brush Box offer distinct aesthetics with unique grain patterns and warm tones. Balancing your preferences with budget considerations is essential, and versatile options like engineered timber can strike the right balance between affordability and quality.

Exploring Sunshine Coast timber flooring options? 

Regardless of which type you choose, your timber flooring is sure to bring natural and timeless character to your home. But there’s nothing like speaking to a professional to ensure you make an informed decision about the best timber flooring for your home building or renovation project. If you’re looking for specialised advice from local timber experts on the Sunshine Coast, get in touch with DIRECTLINE Timbers today.