Local Inspiration- The Beauty of Australian Timber

Timber flooring in the Australian Species ranges offers a beautiful and authentic look for modern and classic homes. The “real thing” cannot be beaten here, and those who gravitate towards it enjoy the unique characteristics of the timber and the innate quality of our local product. Timber transforms spaces. It elevates them in a design sense as well as increasing liveability. Real timber flooring, if cared for properly, can be in place and loved for years to come. It’s durable, easy to maintain and increases the value of the home.

Timber will sit within most interior design styles, transcending fads and fashion. Australian species are rich in character and bring warmth to a home whether it be classic or modern.

Native timber species can be found across a broad range of Flooring Xtra products, from solid timber through to timber-look styles such as timber laminate flooring or vinyl floor styles. Some points to consider:

• Budget will always come into play. While timber floors are beautiful, they may be out of your budget. Luckily there are so many wonderful timber-look alternatives. Have a look at our Setting a Budget page to help guide you in the right direction.
• Some products are more suited to homes that others. If you have a busy family home with pets, there are some great scratch-resistant flooring options available, such as timber laminate floors.
• When choosing a colour and style of timber floors, think of the interior as a whole so your scheme will feel harmonious. Finding and breaking down images of homes or rooms you love is a great place to start. Is the palette warm or cool? Are there lots of details or is it minimal? What do you like about the space?

Timber flooring tends to sit on the higher end of the budget scale, so for those seeking the look and feel of real Australian timber but on a more conservative budget, there’s the wonderful hybrid flooring style to consider. With significant advancements in technology, hybrid flooring combines the best qualities of laminate and vinyl to create flooring that looks great and is a breeze to clean. The designs are incredible too, with many Australian species inspiring hybrid flooring ranges. Enjoy the look of authentic timber without the price tag.

What are the benefits of a professional flooring installer?

Deciding what new flooring you will install at home is a big deal! There is a lot to consider and it’s an investment which is why it’s important to get the installation done by the professionals- they know what they are doing and are incredibly knowledgable. They have all the right tools, they can problem solve, drawing on years of experience and get things done promptly. Each Flooring Xtra store has its own professional installers so you can relax while the experts get the job done!

Are timber floors high maintenance? 

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

How to clean hybrid flooring

Hybrid flooring, like all flooring, requires maintenance to ensure it lasts for years to come. Residual grit, sand and dirt can lead to wear on hard flooring or stains on carpet. Ensure the floors are regularly swept or vacuumed and try to encourage a “shoe-free” home to minimise the transference of the outdoors in on shoes! For more care tips you can read our Hard Flooring Care Guide.

For more information or expert advice, pop into your closest store for more information. Find your nearest store here.

Disclaimer: In some states of Australia, the building regulations for Vinyl Planks, Vinyl Tiles and Hybrid flooring varies. Meaning they may not be suitable for areas requiring water resistance, such as bathrooms and toilets. We advise to always ask your local Flooring Xtra store for the correct advice regarding the local regulations. We also advise to follow the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions and guidelines, not following the instructions could make the product not fit for purpose, for the area it’s being installed into and void your product warranty. To ensure you get the appropriate product for those areas, please contact your local Flooring Xtra store.