Why Australian Blackbutt timber floors are the perfect option for your home

For those only interested in the authenticity real Blackbutt affords, there are some beautiful ranges of hardwood timber floorings available. Commonly found across the East Coast of Australia, the timber will be right at home across a range of architecture and interior styles. Timber floors require a certain level of care and maintenance (read more here), but the look and feel means it’s worth the effort!

Blackbutt is rich in characteristics and markings and the tones are generally warm. It sits back beautifully against modern and classic styles while adding visual interest and earthiness. Teamed with other natural materials like wool, stone, linen and leather, Blackbutt creates an enviable palette.

There are some wonderful timber laminate flooring varieties on offer, each bringing a real sense of the original unique marking that has inspired it. For those who want the look of Blackbutt but would rather have a more “user-friendly” and cost-effective option, laminate is worth consideration.

Laminate is a great option for those who love the authenticity of real timber but might want something more practical and easy to care for. Laminate often features waterproof characteristics too which is handy for busy family homes or those with pets. It can withstand high traffic flow, making it the perfect option throughout the home. You can read more about how to clean laminate floors in our hard flooring care guide. 

Vinyl is a brilliantly cost-effective option and comes with a real ease of maintenance (even in high-traffic areas) and water resistance which makes it a great option for busy homes, homes with children, rental properties and holiday homes. Blackbutt vinyl flooring brings the innate beauty of the natural product and combines it with the practicality vinyl affords. You can read more about vinyl care here.

This resilient flooring works a treat in open-plan living areas with its ease of maintenance and hardy nature. The Blackbutt markings and patterns of hybrid combined with the carefree lifestyle hybrid technology affords means it’s a perfect option for the modern home. Hybrid flooring is easy to care for, which you can learn about here.

With the right preventative measures and routine upkeep, your hard flooring will continue to look stunning and stand the test of time for years to come.

Preventative Care

• One of the simplest ways to keep your floors looking newer for longer is by adopting a ‘no shoes indoors’ rule. This helps reduce the risk of dirt, gravel or debris being tracked in and scratching the surface.

• Regular vacuuming (using soft bristles) or sweeping with an electrostatic mop is essential to remove dust and grit that could scratch the flooring.

• Use high-quality mops and ensure new mops are thoroughly rinsed before use to remove leftover manufacturing fibres.

• Do not use steam mops, polish, or wax on your floor.

• Mop only with a slightly damp cloth—avoid using too much water.

• Always choose a floor cleaner that’s designed specifically for bamboo flooring.

• Avoid harsh cleaning agents like steel wool, scouring powders, oil soaps, or household detergents, as they can damage the floor’s finish.

• Clean up any spills immediately to prevent moisture damage or staining.

• We recommend placing doormats at all external entry points to trap abrasive particles before they reach your floors. Avoid rubber-backed mats, as rubber can stain bamboo.

• Never drag or roll heavy furniture across your floor, as it can cause scratches or dents.

• Use felt pads under heavy furniture to protect the floor when moving pieces. Again, steer clear of rubber materials.

• Place protective mats beneath chairs with castor wheels to avoid wear in those areas.

• High-traffic zones benefit from the use of rugs or hallway runners.

• Be mindful that stilettos or worn-out shoes can seriously damage the surface.

• Trim your pets’ nails regularly to reduce the chance of scratches.

• Maintain good ventilation and shield your flooring from direct sunlight and high humidity to avoid warping or fading over time.

Ongoing Maintenance

• Clean up any spills promptly using a dry cloth or paper towel. For sticky messes, use a lightly dampened cloth.

• As with all hard surfaces, regular sweeping or vacuuming is the best way to stay on top of dirt and dust.

Restoration or Repairs

For expert guidance on repairing or refreshing your flooring, chat with your local Flooring Xtra team. They’ll help you determine the best course of action.

What are the benefits of hybrid flooring?

There are many benefits of hybrid flooring that make it a great flooring choice. It looks fantastic, with many authentic timber-look styles available. It’s also durable, easy to clean and some products can be installed in wet areas.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is constructed from several layers to create the appearance of timber or stone. Laminate floors utilise cutting-edge photographic technology to simulate the grain, stain and texture of wood at a fraction of the price. It is highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, with the top layer, known as the wear layer, usually made of an aluminium oxide or melamine resin which enhances its durability.

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.

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.