With the advancement of the structural designs of homes, it has become immensely difficult for people to select the right type of construction material for their homes or workplaces. Preferences among people always vary and so does the diversity of the options available. To make the decision easier for you when it comes to the selection of types of timber floors, we have penned down some most common yet elegant woods for the floors in Brisbane homes.
Different Types Of Wood Are Available For Flooring In Brisbane
Jarrah Timber Floors
The finest and high-in-demand timber originated from the Jarrah tree. The trees are commonly found in the southwestern part of Western Australia. Its high level of durability and sturdiness makes it the most desired one for robust construction. The firmness of a building depends upon its base and Jarrah timber is a better option to opt for. Owing to the existence of a vast range of colors (red to blonde) jarrah timber is used for decorative purposes also. In addition to its strength, Jarrah timber also shows a high level of resistance to weather, bugs, and termite infestation and also does not easily rot. The durability and excellent fire resistance make jarrah timbers ideal to be consumed in verandahs and deck flooring and enhance their beauty.
Merbau Wood Floors
Merbau wood also known as Kwila is high in tannins giving it a dark reddish-brown appearance. The wood has a high density and sturdiness making it long-lasting and durable to be installed in exterior settings also. It can withstand temperature variations and its resistance to termites leaves the floor free of infestation. The timber planks should be washed 3 to 4 times to remove the tannins as much as possible and allows it to weather for 6 to 8 weeks before installation. This is because when Merbau comes in contact with rain, it bleeds, i.e. the tannins come out of the floorboards and can produce stains. To prevent this uneven staining, the bleed should be immediately washed off with water and then dried with a mop. Annual coating of Merbau is required for longevity of its color as it turns grey soon on exposure to sunlight.
Oak Wood Flooring
Tasmanian oak or messmate (found in the mountainous areas of Tasmania) is the most popular timber flooring option in Australia. The high density of Tasmanian Oak makes it resistant to scratches or abrasions, so it is a good idea to use it in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and living room. Due to its availability in a high range of colors and exceptional durability, oak timber is known as the king of timbers.
There are two major types of oak currently in use:
- Red Oak
- White Oak or engineered Oak
Red Oak is the pure form and carries a pinkish tone making it the brighter one and having a strong grain pattern. It shows a slightly higher tolerability to dentures and scratches as compared to white oak.
White Oak on the other hand is darker and has a brownish tone in it with smooth fine grains. No matter whichever type is implied, Oak always boosts the beauty of the house. Just make sure to hire a professional for its installation or renovation process to guarantee its longevity
Blackbutt
Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) one of the top hardwoods, native to eastern Australia, is high in demand for construction purposes. Of the several unmatched features, this timber provides, fire resistance surpasses all, rendering it the top choice in bushfire areas. This unique feature gives the tree its name Blackbutt as after a bushfire, the buttress turns black. The color ranges from pale cream to golden brown with a soft texture. It has excellent termite-resistant properties. Of all the positive aspects of blackbutt, the timber is susceptible to splitting and can interact with some of the adhesives leaving uneven stains on the floor.
Spotted Gum
Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) is a stout tree with blotchy weathering patterns in its outer bark, giving its specific name. According to Janka’s rating of hardness, spotted gum surpasses blackbutt. Its striking appearance, robustness, and aesthetic pleasant look make it an ideal choice for both interior and exterior applications. High durability makes it last up to 50 years if maintained properly and looked after regularly. The perfect place for its installation is the deck where it can be applied untreated.
