Timber Floor Samples

Real finish samples — click any image to view full size

Blackbutt

One of the most widely used hardwoods in Australian flooring. Pale golden-yellow tones keep rooms light and open. Naturally termite and fire resistant — rated to BAL 29. Stable, consistent, and responds well to any finish.

Pros
  • Hard and durable — 9.1 kN Janka
  • Naturally termite and fire resistant (BAL 29)
  • Takes stain and clear finishes equally well
  • Readily available, cost-effective
Cons
  • Natural tannins can leach and stain if not sealed properly
  • Can develop surface checks in areas with significant temperature swings
  • Supply can be limited — prices vary with demand
Blackbutt timber floor sample
Blackbutt

Brush Box

A premium reddish-brown hardwood from the coastal rainforest edges of NSW and Queensland. Deep colour, interlocked grain, exceptional resistance to wear and splintering. Character timber that rewards careful preparation.

Pros
  • Exceptional hardness — 9.5 kN
  • Very resistant to wear and splintering
  • Warm reddish-brown tones with beautiful patina over time
  • Low tannin — less prone to water staining than eucalyptus species
Cons
  • High silica content — chews through abrasives faster than most species
  • Interlocked grain causes distortion during drying and raises fibres if sanded wrong
  • Natural waxiness can cause adhesion issues with some solvent-based finishes
  • Not easy to work — requires experienced hands
Brush Box timber floor sample
Brush Box

Cypress Pine

The timber hiding under carpet in thousands of pre-1970s homes across QLD and NSW. Honey gold with natural knots and streaks. Termite resistant by nature — no treatment required. That orange glow you remember? That's old amber poly, not the timber.

Pros
  • Naturally termite resistant — Class 1 durability
  • Unique character with knots and grain variation
  • Honey gold colour under a modern clear finish
  • Often already installed — no replacement cost
Cons
  • Knots and resin pockets need careful prep before finishing
  • Softer than most hardwoods — 4.5 kN
  • Can bleed through finish if knots aren't sealed properly
Cypress Pine timber floor sample
Cypress Pine

Spotted Gum

The hardest domestic flooring option in common use. The wavy interlocked grain creates a natural silvery lustre that shifts under light. Colour ranges from pale cream through to deep chocolate — no two floors are alike.

Pros
  • Exceptionally hard — 11.0 kN, Class 1 durability
  • Striking wavy grain with natural sheen
  • Highly resistant to wear and traffic
  • Wide colour variation — each floor is unique
Cons
  • Interlocked grain — direction matters, tear-out risk if rushed
  • Harder to sand than most species — chews through abrasives
  • Clear finishes only — staining doesn't suit the character
Spotted Gum timber floor sample
Spotted Gum

Sydney Blue Gum

The quintessential Central Coast timber. Pale pink with soft blue-grey and cream tones — a sophisticated palette that suits coastal interiors perfectly. Slightly interlocked grain but nothing dramatic.

Pros
  • Class 1 durability — 8.6 kN
  • Pale coastal palette, suits contemporary and Hampton styles
  • Widely available in Central Coast homes
  • Whitewash finishes are particularly striking
Cons
  • Pale colour shows dust and scratches more readily
  • Any sanding marks will show — prep matters
  • Limited stain range — best kept natural or white-washed
Sydney Blue Gum timber floor sample
Sydney Blue Gum

Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash

A trade name covering related Eucalyptus species from Tasmania and Victoria. Light straw tones with occasional pink blush. The most finish-flexible species we work with — takes everything from dark stain to white wash with equal success.

Pros
  • Versatile — suits any stain colour
  • Even grain, consistent finish result
  • Lighter weight and easier to work with
  • Cost-effective option for new installs
Cons
  • Softer than true hardwoods — 5.5 kN
  • More susceptible to denting in high-traffic areas
  • Less character than gum species — suits minimalist aesthetics
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash timber floor sample
Tasmanian Oak / Victorian Ash

Victorian Ash

Closely related to Tasmanian Oak. Pale, fine-grained, and reliable. The clean even surface takes finishes consistently — grey stains, white washes, and natural clears all come up beautifully. A no-drama species that delivers every time.

Pros
  • Clean, fine grain — finishes go down perfectly
  • Grey and whitewash stains are especially popular
  • Pale canvas suits almost any interior style
  • Reliable, no surprises on the job
Cons
  • Softer species — 5.5 kN, not ideal for heavy-traffic commercial
  • Less visual character than harder gum species
  • Needs topcoat refreshed more regularly in busy households
Victorian Ash timber floor sample
Victorian Ash