Materials
Timber Flooring Species & Materials
Compare timber colour, grain and construction before choosing a floor. The right option also depends on your subfloor, room use and installation requirements.
In short
Design Timber Flooring supplies and installs Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, European Oak, Brushbox and Sydney Blue Gum floors across Sydney, along with laminate and hybrid options. Spotted Gum is the hardest of these species and European Oak, mostly sold as engineered flooring, the softest. Owner Jimmy brings samples to your home so you can see them in your own light.
Last updated
Materials we work with
Hardwood & engineered timber flooring species.
From hardwood classics like Blackbutt and Spotted Gum to wide-plank European Oak, we'll bring samples to your home so you can see them in your own light.
Blackbutt
Solid Australian HardwoodPale to light brown
Pale Australian hardwood with natural grain and colour variation. Compare the available grades in your own light.
Blackbutt flooring guideSpotted Gum
Solid Australian HardwoodWarm caramel with chocolate streaks
Dramatic, characterful grain. Compare the selected grade and finish against the way your rooms are used.
Spotted Gum flooring guideEuropean Oak
EngineeredPale natural to smoked
Wide boards, modern look, stable over concrete slabs. Pre-finished options for fast install.
European Oak flooring guideBrushbox
Solid Australian HardwoodSoft pink-brown
A subtle, even grain with warm undertones. A classic choice for traditional homes.
Brushbox flooring guideSydney Blue Gum
Solid Australian HardwoodPink to red-brown
A true Sydney local. Rich tones that deepen with age and sunlight.
Sydney Blue Gum flooring guideHybrid & Laminate
Timber-look alternativesHuge range of looks
Compare product-specific wear, water exposure and room suitability before choosing.
Hybrid & Laminate flooring guideCompare species
Timber flooring species compared
The five species we install most often across Sydney, side by side. Hardness is relative to the others in this table. Spotted Gum is the hardest of the five and European Oak the softest. Bathrooms and laundries are generally not suitable for any timber floor.
| Species | Colour | Grain | Relative hardness | Usually supplied as | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackbutt | Pale straw to light golden brown | Fairly straight, calm | Hard | Mostly solid; engineered in a narrower range | Coastal homes, busy family living areas and hallways, extensions |
| Spotted Gum | Pale grey-brown to chocolate | Wavy, often fiddleback | Very hard | Mostly solid; engineered from some suppliers | High-traffic hallways and entries, open-plan family homes, contemporary homes |
| European Oak | Pale to smoked, depending on finish | Open grain, takes stain well | Moderate | Mostly engineered, usually factory-finished | Apartments, concrete slabs, wide boards, herringbone and chevron |
| Brushbox | Pink-brown to reddish brown | Fine, even texture | Hard | Mostly solid; engineered is harder to find | Federation and interwar homes, traditional interiors, bedrooms and living rooms |
| Sydney Blue Gum | Pink to red-brown | Fairly straight, open texture | Hard | Mostly solid; engineered is less common | Federation and interwar homes, terraces and cottages, warm palettes |
Choose the whole flooring system
Species affects appearance, but it does not tell you everything about a finished floor. Compare the actual board construction, finish, dimensions and installation requirements. Confirm product availability and suitability for your property before selecting a sample.
Common questions
Timber flooring questions, answered.
If your question isn't here, just call Jimmy, happy to help.
Discuss your flooring project.
Tell Jimmy about your property, existing floor and preferred look. We’ll arrange a time to assess the site and discuss suitable options.