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The History of Timber Flooring

analytics@studiohawk.com.au (Ahmad Ali) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:11 GMT

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[et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]The use of timber dates back to the beginning of human history. At first, twigs and branches were used to build crude forms of shelter. Larger and heavier timbers were later used to build stronger and more enduring structures. Timber as a structural building and flooring material was widely deployed in northern climates, due to the abundance of larger trees. These were milled to provide larger posts, beams, planks and boards. The harder and denser the timber, the more durable the structure became.

Installation Costs for Engineered Timber Flooring in Perth: What to Expect

alex@lifewood.com.au (Mercado Alexis Jasper) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:11 GMT

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Timber Flooring Installation: Direct Stick or Floating?

mark@lifewood.com.au (Mark Hutchison) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:10 GMT

"Am I looking for a quick fix floor that will do the job for now, or is my floor an investment for the future?"

In the timber flooring industry there are two timber flooring installation methods: direct stick and floating. Both timber flooring installation methods are excellent in the right situation, but many retailers will recommend whichever one suits them rather than you. This guide explains the difference between the two timber flooring installation methods so you can choose the one that genuinely matches how you want your floor to look, feel and last. Whether you want a permanent investment floor or a flexible solution for a rental, understanding timber flooring installation is the first step to a floor you will love.

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Method 1: Direct Stick

A permanent, long-term floor glued straight to the substrate.

A direct stick floor is installed by gluing each individual board directly to the concrete or timber substrate. If you are laying solid timber the boards are also nailed down to restrain the floor from cupping, while engineered boards do not need nailing because they do not move like solid timber. Direct stick is a craft that needs a highly skilled professional, because the strong glue leaves little room for error. The reward is a floor that can be re-sanded and polished many times over its life.

Design Tips

Choose direct stick for a forever home where the floor is a long-term feature.
Allow time for proper subfloor prep, as moisture sealing is essential.
Pair direct stick with solid or engineered timber for a floor that holds value.

Method 2: Floating

Quick to lay, easy to lift, ideal for temporary spaces.

A floating floor is not glued or fixed to the substrate at all. Boards click together with a tongue-and-groove system, or are glued edge to edge, and sit on a foam underlay over a plastic moisture barrier. That underlay cushions the floor and protects against moisture, but without it the boards can creak and grind. Floating floors install fast, need little skill and let you lift and replace a single board easily, which makes them perfect for rentals and high-traffic temporary fit-outs.

Design Tips

Choose floating for rentals or spaces you may change in a few years.
Never skip the foam underlay, as it prevents creaking and moisture issues.
Expect some hollow footfall echo, which suits low-traffic rooms best.

Direct Stick vs Floating: Which Lasts?

An investment floor, or a quick fix for now?

A direct stick floor looks and feels amazing, sounds solid with no hollow echo, holds its value and can be re-sanded multiple times, typically every 10 to 15 years. It is also more resistant to water when installed correctly. A floating floor is quicker and cheaper and easy to repair, but it cannot be sanded and will not keep its look for as long. A good quality natural timber floor that has been direct stuck is an investment that can last generations. Explore our French Oak hardwood flooring range to see the difference quality makes.

Design Tips

Match the method to your timeframe, not just the upfront price.
Factor in re-sanding when comparing the lifetime cost of each method.
Ask your installer about subfloor moisture testing before you commit.

Plan Your Timber Flooring Installation

Visit our Osborne Park showroom to walk on the floors and talk methods with our consultants, or download the 2026 price guide and discover the price of your floor, fully installed.

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Visit Our Perth Showroom

Chat with our timber flooring consultants and walk on our Australian timber and French oak floors at 18 Hector Street West, Osborne Park, Perth.

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Know Your Price

Download our 2026 price guide to discover the cost of your timber flooring installation, fully installed.

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Timber Flooring Installation FAQs

What are the two timber flooring installation methods?

There are two main timber flooring installation methods: direct stick and floating. Direct stick glues each board to the substrate for a permanent floor, while a floating floor clicks together over an underlay without being fixed to the subfloor.

How do you install timber flooring with the direct stick method?

Direct stick installation glues every board directly to a concrete or timber substrate, and solid boards are also nailed to stop cupping. The subfloor must be cleaned, sealed with a moisture barrier and ground flat first, so it should be done by a skilled installer.

How do you install a floating timber floor?

A floating floor is laid over a foam underlay and plastic moisture barrier, with boards joined by a click tongue-and-groove system or glued edge to edge. It is not fixed to the subfloor, which makes it quick to install and easy to lift and replace.

Is direct stick or floating better for timber flooring installation?

Direct stick is best for a permanent, long-term floor because it can be re-sanded, holds its value and resists water damage. Floating suits temporary or rental spaces, but it cannot be sanded and can produce a hollow footfall echo.

Can engineered timber flooring be direct stuck or floated?

Yes. Engineered timber flooring can be either direct stuck or floated. Because engineered boards are dimensionally stable and do not move like solid timber, they do not need to be nailed down when direct stuck.

How much does timber flooring installation cost?

Timber flooring installation cost depends on the method, the board type and the amount of subfloor preparation required. Direct stick needs more prep and skill, so it usually costs more than a floating floor. Download our 2026 price guide for fully installed pricing.

How long does a direct stick timber floor last?

A well-installed direct stick solid timber floor is built to last generations. It can typically be re-sanded and polished every 10 to 15 years to refresh its look, which is something a floating floor cannot offer.

How To Test Timber Floor Durability With The Janka Hardness Test

lwmarketing@lifewood.com.au (Lifewood Marketing) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:09 GMT

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Discover Our Exclusive Showroom Offers

alex@lifewood.com.au (Mercado Alexis Jasper) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:08 GMT

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How to Clean Timber Floors: The Complete Australian Guide

mark@lifewood.com.au (Mark Hutchison) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:07 GMT

"Timber floors are beautiful and durable — but only when you clean them the right way. One wrong product can dull the finish or raise the grain."

— Mark Hutchison, Founder, Lifewood

Knowing how to clean timber floors correctly is the difference between floors that last a lifetime and floors that fade, warp, or scratch within years. Whether you have solid hardwood, engineered timber, or Lifewood's Stabilised Solid flooring, the right cleaning technique protects both the surface finish and the structural integrity of the boards.

This guide covers exactly how to clean timber floors — from daily sweeping routines to choosing safe cleaning products — with expert advice tailored to Australian conditions and Lifewood's own timber floor range.

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Step 1: Start with Sweeping and Dusting

The most important rule for how to clean timber floors is deceptively simple: sweep or vacuum first, every time. Grit, sand, and fine debris act like sandpaper underfoot. Left on the surface, they create micro-scratches that dull a timber floor's finish over time — damage that cannot be reversed without sanding and recoating.

Use a soft-bristle broom, a microfibre dust mop, or a vacuum cleaner with a hard-floor setting (never a beater bar attachment). Sweep with the grain of the timber to pick up debris from between the boards. In high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms, a daily sweep is ideal. For lower-traffic rooms, sweeping two to three times per week is sufficient.

Use a soft-bristle broom or microfibre dust mop
Vacuum on hard-floor mode — never use a rotating beater bar
Sweep with the grain of the timber
Daily sweeping in high-traffic areas; 2–3 times per week elsewhere

Step 2: Damp Mop to Remove Dirt and Grime

Once you've swept away loose debris, a damp mop removes the everyday dirt, oils, and grime that sweeping alone can't lift. The critical word here is damp — not wet. Excess moisture is timber's greatest enemy. Water left standing on a timber floor can penetrate the grain, cause swelling, and in worst cases, lead to cupping or warping of individual boards.

Wring your mop out thoroughly so it's barely moist, then mop in the direction of the grain. Never use a steam mop on timber floors — the high-heat moisture forces water deep into the wood and can permanently damage both the finish and the substrate, especially in engineered timber with a timber core.

How to damp mop correctly:

Use a flat microfibre mop — avoid string or sponge mops that hold too much water
Wring the mop until no drips remain
Mop in the direction of the timber grain
Dry any remaining moisture with a clean dry cloth immediately
Never use a steam mop on any timber floor

Step 3: Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

The question of which cleaning products are safe for timber floors is one Lifewood customers ask constantly — and for good reason. The wrong product can strip a polyurethane finish, cloud an oil-finished floor, or leave a residue that attracts more dirt over time.

Polyurethane-finished floors: A diluted mild dish soap solution or a purpose-made timber floor cleaner works well. White vinegar diluted in water (roughly 1/2 cup per 3.8 litres) is safe for polyurethane-finished floors, as its mild acidity cuts through grime without damaging the coating. However, avoid vinegar on oil-finished timber floors — the acid can break down the oil finish over time.

Oil-finished floors: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for oil-finished timber. Lifewood recommends WOCA products, including the WOCA Wood Floor Cleaner and WOCA Maintenance Oil, which clean and nourish the oil finish simultaneously. Never use general household floor cleaners, wax-based products, or any cleaner containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasive particles.

Polyurethane finish: diluted mild soap or diluted white vinegar solution
Oil finish: WOCA Wood Floor Cleaner or equivalent oil-finish-safe product
Avoid: bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, wax-based products, vinegar on oil finishes
Always test new products on a hidden section of floor first

Why Cheap Timber Floors Are Harder to Keep Clean

Not all timber floors respond the same to cleaning. Cheap imported boards with thin veneers are far more susceptible to moisture damage from even routine damp mopping. The core material — often HDF (high-density fibreboard) — expands rapidly when exposed to moisture, causing the veneer to lift, crack, or separate at the joins.

Lifewood's Stabilised Solid technology uses a multi-directional timber core rather than HDF, which dramatically reduces the floor's expansion and contraction in response to moisture and humidity changes. This means your floors are not only safer to damp mop, but they also maintain their appearance and structural integrity over decades rather than years.

When you're learning how to clean engineered timber floors, the answer depends heavily on the quality of the floor you have. With Lifewood's Stabilised Solid construction, you get a floor that can be maintained safely with standard damp mopping routines — without the anxiety of wondering whether cleaning is causing damage.

Ready to Choose Your Perfect Floor?

Download the Lifewood 2026 Price Guide to explore our range of Australian hardwood and engineered timber floors, complete with pricing, species options, and installation details.

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Visit a Lifewood Showroom

See and touch the full Lifewood timber floor range in person. Our showroom consultants can walk you through the cleaning and maintenance requirements for each floor finish, helping you choose a floor that suits your lifestyle and home.

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2026 Price Guide

Our comprehensive 2026 Price Guide covers the full Lifewood range — from select hardwood species to engineered options — with transparent pricing, installation costs, and maintenance recommendations for each finish type.

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Frequently Asked Questions: How to Clean Timber Floors

How often should I clean my timber floors?

Sweep or dust mop high-traffic areas daily and lower-traffic rooms 2–3 times per week. Damp mop once a week in high-traffic areas and every 1–2 weeks elsewhere. Deep cleaning with a timber-safe product can be done monthly or as needed.

Can I use a steam mop on timber floors?

No. Steam mops should never be used on timber floors — including engineered timber. The high-heat steam forces moisture into the grain and joints of the boards, causing swelling, warping, and finish damage that is often irreversible. Use a lightly damp microfibre mop instead.

What is the best mop for timber floors?

A flat microfibre mop is the best choice for timber floors. Microfibre picks up dust and fine debris effectively, holds very little water, and won't scratch the surface. Avoid string mops, sponge mops, and any mop that retains significant amounts of water after wringing.

Can you use vinegar to clean timber floors?

Diluted white vinegar is safe for polyurethane-finished timber floors when used sparingly (approximately half a cup per 3.8 litres of warm water). However, vinegar should never be used on oil-finished timber floors — the acidity breaks down the oil finish over time. When in doubt, use a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner.

How do I clean engineered timber floors?

Engineered timber floors are cleaned the same way as solid timber: sweep first, then damp mop with a barely moist microfibre mop using a timber-safe cleaning solution. The key difference is that engineered timber with a thin veneer or HDF core is more vulnerable to moisture damage than solid timber or Stabilised Solid construction, so keeping moisture to an absolute minimum is especially important.

What cleaning products are safe for timber floors?

For polyurethane-finished floors: diluted mild dish soap, diluted white vinegar, or a purpose-made timber floor cleaner. For oil-finished floors: WOCA Wood Floor Cleaner, or any cleaner specifically formulated for oil-finished timber. Avoid bleach, ammonia, harsh chemicals, wax-based polishes, and any cleaner labelled for tiles or vinyl.

How do I clean floating timber floors?

Floating timber floors require extra care with moisture because the boards are not fixed to the subfloor and rely on their join system for stability. Use the minimum amount of moisture when damp mopping, ensure the mop is thoroughly wrung out, and dry the floor immediately after mopping. Avoid wetting the joins or gaps between boards.

Why do cheap timber floors crack or warp after cleaning?

Cheap imported timber boards typically use an HDF (high-density fibreboard) core, which expands rapidly when exposed to moisture — even small amounts from regular mopping. This causes the veneer to lift, boards to cup, and joins to separate. Quality timber floors with a stable multi-layer timber core, like Lifewood's Stabilised Solid construction, are far more resistant to moisture-related movement during cleaning.

Termite Resistant Timber Flooring: The Australian Hardwood Guide

mark@lifewood.com.au (Mark Hutchison) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:06 GMT

"Australian timber floors built from native hardwood are among the best natural defences against termites you can choose for your home."

— Mark Hutchison, Founder, Lifewood

Termite resistant timber flooring is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — topics in Australian home building. Termites, also known as white ants, cause billions of dollars of damage to Australian homes every year. Choosing the right flooring material is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your home.

This guide explains which Australian timber species are naturally termite resistant, why cheap engineered flooring is particularly vulnerable, and how Lifewood's Stabilised Solid construction provides superior termite resistance compared to budget alternatives.

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Are Australian Timber Floors Naturally Termite Resistant?

Many Australian native timber species are naturally resistant to termite attack. The reason comes down to chemistry and density. Many of Australia's hardwoods — including jarrah, blackbutt, spotted gum, and ironbark — contain high concentrations of natural oils, resins, tannins, and silica. These compounds make the timber unpalatable or physically difficult for termites to chew through.

Additionally, the way quality Australian timber is harvested and processed makes a difference. Sustainably harvested native hardwoods are typically kiln-dried, which removes residual moisture that would otherwise attract termites. Dense, tight-grained hardwoods are also physically harder for termites to penetrate compared to soft, open-grained pine or engineered board substrates.

Naturally termite resistant Australian hardwoods include:

Spotted Gum — Durability Class 1, highly resistant to termites and decay
Ironbark — One of Australia's hardest timbers, exceptional termite resistance
Jarrah — High natural oil content repels termites; Durability Class 2
Blackbutt — Durability Class 2–3, naturally resistant in above-ground applications
Brush Box — Dense, hard-wearing, naturally termite resistant
Cypress Pine — Contains natural insecticide properties; historically used in termite-prone areas

How Termites Attack Timber Floors

Termites cause damage from the inside out. They typically enter through concealed pathways in wall cavities, subfloors, or through direct ground contact, and they consume timber from within before the damage becomes visible. By the time surface signs appear, significant structural damage may already have occurred.

The most vulnerable point in standard engineered timber flooring is the substrate — the core material beneath the veneer surface. Most budget engineered floors use pine or HDF (high-density fibreboard) cores. Pine is a softwood with low natural termite resistance, and termites are particularly attracted to it. HDF cores, while dense, are manufactured from compressed wood fibres with no natural protective chemistry.

Regular termite inspections by a licensed pest controller are recommended for all Australian homes — ideally annually. Even naturally resistant hardwoods are not completely immune, particularly if exposed to soil contact or prolonged moisture. Early detection remains essential.

Why Engineered Timber Flooring Can Be a Termite Risk

Standard engineered timber flooring presents a higher termite risk than solid hardwood because of what's hidden beneath the surface. The typical engineered floor structure consists of a thin hardwood veneer (2–4mm) bonded to a thick pine or HDF substrate. While the surface may look like premium hardwood, the substrate — which makes up the vast majority of the board — has little or no natural termite resistance.

Termites don't distinguish between the veneer and the substrate. They attack the substrate, which provides both food and moisture. Once termites establish a colony in engineered flooring, the floor must often be entirely replaced, as the structural substrate is compromised even if the surface veneer appears intact.

Lifewood floors are engineered differently. Lifewood's Stabilised Solid construction uses real Australian hardwood through the full depth of the board — not just at the surface. This means the natural termite resistance of species like spotted gum, marri, and blackbutt extends throughout the entire board, not just the wear layer.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Species for Termite Resistance

When selecting termite resistant timber flooring for your Australian home, the species matters significantly. The Australian Standard AS 5604 classifies timbers by natural durability ratings for both in-ground and above-ground applications. For flooring (above-ground use), look for timbers rated Durability Class 1 or 2:

Durability Class 1 (highest): Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Turpentine — suitable for in-ground contact with exceptional above-ground termite resistance
Durability Class 2: Jarrah, Blackbutt, Brush Box, Marri — excellent for above-ground applications including flooring in termite-prone areas
Cypress Pine: Unique natural insecticide properties make it a traditional choice in Queensland and other high-termite areas

Always consult with a pest professional and your local building authority about specific termite management requirements for your area, as termite pressure varies significantly across Australian regions.

What About French Oak and American Hardwood Floors?

Lifewood also offers European oak (French Oak) and American hardwood species including Black Walnut and American White Oak. While these imported species don't have the same native termite resistance classifications as Australian hardwoods, Lifewood's Stabilised Solid construction still provides a significant advantage over standard engineered alternatives.

By using real hardwood throughout the board — rather than pine or HDF substrates — Lifewood's imported hardwood floors retain the density and natural chemistry of their wood species, providing far better protection than budget engineered options with softwood cores.

For maximum termite resistance in high-risk areas, Lifewood recommends choosing from the Australian hardwood range, where the natural termite resistance of species like spotted gum and marri is built into every layer of the board.

Ready to Choose Your Perfect Floor?

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2026 Price Guide

Our comprehensive 2026 Price Guide covers the full Lifewood range — Australian hardwoods, French Oak, and American timbers — with transparent pricing and durability comparisons for each species.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Termite Resistant Timber Flooring

Is termite resistant timber flooring available in Australia?

Yes. Many Australian native hardwoods are naturally termite resistant, including jarrah, blackbutt, spotted gum, and ironbark. These species contain natural oils and resins that make them unpalatable to termites, unlike pine or HDF-based engineered flooring substrates.

Is H3 timber termite resistant?

H3 is a hazard class for treated timber used in above-ground applications exposed to weather. Timber treated to H3 standard has been chemically treated to resist termites and decay, but it is not the same as naturally termite-resistant Australian hardwood species. H3 treated pine is used in structural applications, not typically flooring.

Is ironbark timber termite resistant?

Yes. Ironbark is one of Australia's most termite-resistant timber species, with a Durability Class 1 rating for in-ground contact. Its exceptional density and natural extractives make it extremely resistant to termite attack, making it an excellent choice for flooring in termite-prone areas.

What timber is naturally termite resistant?

Australian hardwoods known for natural termite resistance include jarrah, blackbutt, spotted gum, ironbark, turpentine, and brush box. These species contain high levels of natural oils, tannins, and silica that deter termites without chemical treatment.

Do termites attack engineered timber flooring?

Standard engineered timber floors with pine or HDF cores are highly susceptible to termite attack. Termites are particularly attracted to pine substrates commonly found in budget engineered flooring. Lifewood's Stabilised Solid construction uses real Australian hardwood throughout, providing far superior termite resistance compared to engineered alternatives with softwood cores.

Which Australian hardwood species is best for termite resistance?

Spotted gum, jarrah, and ironbark are among the most termite resistant Australian timber species. Spotted gum and jarrah are also highly popular as flooring timbers due to their durability, natural beauty, and proven resistance to termite damage in Australian conditions.

Are Lifewood floors termite resistant?

Lifewood floors are made from real Australian hardwood from top to bottom using Stabilised Solid technology. Unlike budget engineered floors with pine or HDF substrates, Lifewood's all-hardwood construction provides natural termite resistance throughout the full depth of the board.

Should I still get termite inspections with hardwood floors?

Yes. While termite-resistant Australian hardwood floors significantly reduce the risk of termite damage, no timber is completely immune. Annual termite inspections by a licensed pest controller are recommended for all Australian homes, regardless of floor type.

Jarrah, Marri & Grey Box: Australia's Rarest Timber Floors

mark@lifewood.com.au (Mark Hutchison) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:05 GMT

"Australians love Jarrah, Marri, and Grey Box because they are pieces of Australian timber heritage that can only be grown here."

— Mark Hutchison, Founder, Lifewood

Australia is home to some of the world's most unique and beautiful timbers. Among them, Jarrah flooring, Marri, and Grey Box stand out not only for their outstanding beauty but also for the exclusivity they bring to a home. In this guide, we explore why these timbers are considered rare, what makes them so highly sought after, and how Lifewood sources them sustainably.

These three species share a common trait: they can only be grown in very specific regions of Australia. Their limited availability, combined with soaring demand for rare Australian timber flooring, makes them among the most precious hardwoods in the world.

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Jarrah Flooring: Rich Red Hues & Exceptional Durability

Jarrah is one of Australia's most prized rare timbers, celebrated for its rich, deep red tones and excellent durability. Its rarity is attributed to its slow growth and the specific environmental conditions it requires — found only in the forests of South West Western Australia.

Due to its popularity and historical overharvesting, Jarrah is now subject to strict conservation efforts by the West Australian Forest Commission. Lifewood sources its Jarrah flooring exclusively from private farmers in South West Western Australia, partnering with the Trillion Trees tree planting program to ensure every floor laid gives back to the environment.

Jarrah is often used in high-end architectural projects and is prized for its ability to be sanded and refinished — a true investment that lasts for generations.

Marri Timber Flooring: Stunning Gum Veins & Honey Tones

Marri timber is celebrated for its striking appearance, featuring a beautiful mix of light and dark tones with distinctive gum veins that run through each board — no two boards are ever the same. Its rarity is due to the limited regions where Marri trees grow: predominantly in the southwest corner of Western Australia.

The limited distribution and high demand for this timber make it a rare commodity indeed. Lifewood sources its Marri logs exclusively from private farmers in South West Western Australia, partnering with the Trillion Trees program to replant for every floor installed.

Grey Box Flooring: The Hardest Timber You've Never Heard Of

Greybox is known for its exceptional durability and beautiful clean grain patterns. This timber is hard to source, making it a rare find for flooring and furniture. Grey Box logs are not readily available due to their specific growing conditions, and the timber's high density contributes to its scarcity — it takes longer to mature compared to other species.

Lifewood sources its Greybox logs from New South Wales and Queensland farmers, making it one of the few flooring companies in Australia able to offer this extraordinary species. Its clean grain and exceptional hardness make Grey Box ideal for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial settings.

Unique Characteristics & Why Demand Is Growing

Each of these rare timbers possesses unique characteristics that heighten their demand. Here is a quick comparison:

Jarrah: Rich, deep red tones — exceptional durability — used in high-end architectural projects
Marri: Distinctive gum veins — honey-coloured hues — unique aesthetic appeal to any interior
Grey Box: Exceptional hardness — clean grain patterns — perfect for high-traffic areas
All three grow only in specific, restricted regions of Australia
All are sustainably sourced by Lifewood from private WA & eastern Australia farmers
Lifewood supports Trillion Trees — replacing trees for every floor laid
All available as prefinished, stabilised solid boards — installed in days

Limited Availability, Sustainable Sourcing & the Trillion Trees Partnership

Grey Box, Marri, and Jarrah trees have specific growth conditions that limit their availability. They are primarily found in restricted areas of Australia — a stark contrast to more widespread species like Blackbutt, Tallowwood, and Grey Ironbark which grow across multiple regions.

At Lifewood, we prioritise sustainable sourcing for all our timber products. Our extensive network with private farmers and a rich history in timber milling positions us as a key player in rescuing timber that would otherwise be burnt and lost forever. This approach not only preserves precious resources but also promotes sustainable use of natural materials.

Over the last 20 years, Lifewood has evolved into a company with a strong focus on ethically sourced timber, sustainability in the production line — our patented design uses the entire tree, with no waste — and a dedication to the environment. Lifewood is proud to support Trillion Trees, helping us fulfill our promise to replace trees for every floor laid.

While the availability of rare timbers such as Greybox, Jarrah and Marri can be inconsistent, Lifewood ensures that whenever these timbers become accessible, they are utilised to create stunning, long-lasting floorboards.

Ready to Own Australia's Rarest Timber Floor?

Visit our Osborne Park showroom to walk on Jarrah, Marri and Grey Box, or download our 2026 price guide to discover fully-installed pricing for these rare species.

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Why Invest in Rare Australian Timber Flooring?

Investing in rare Australian timbers like Grey Box, Marri, and Jarrah is not just about owning a beautiful floor. It's about supporting sustainable practices, preserving natural heritage, and choosing a material that embodies the resilience and beauty of Australia's forests.

Your home deserves a premium, high-quality rare Australian timber floor. Come and visit our Osborne Park showroom today to experience Jarrah, Marri and Grey Box flooring — walk on our installed display floors firsthand, and discover why so many Australians choose these extraordinary species for their homes.

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Jarrah, Marri & Grey Box Flooring — Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Jarrah flooring rare?

Jarrah is rare because it grows slowly and requires very specific environmental conditions found only in the southwest of Western Australia. Its popularity and historical overharvesting means it is now subject to strict conservation. Lifewood sources Jarrah exclusively from private farmers in South West WA, partnering with Trillion Trees.

Is Jarrah flooring a good investment?

Yes — Jarrah flooring is an excellent long-term investment. Its rich, deep red tones, exceptional durability, and rarity mean it appreciates in value over time. Unlike carpet or tiles, Jarrah floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times, extending their life for decades.

What are the characteristics of Marri timber flooring?

Marri is celebrated for its striking appearance, featuring a mix of light and dark tones with distinctive gum veins running through each board. It is found predominantly in southwest WA, making it a rare and highly sought-after species. No two Marri boards ever look exactly the same.

What is Grey Box (Greybox) timber flooring?

Grey Box is an Australian hardwood known for exceptional hardness, high density, and beautiful clean grain patterns. It is difficult to source due to its specific growing conditions (NSW and Queensland). Its rarity makes it a premium choice for both residential flooring and commercial spaces.

How does Lifewood source rare Australian timbers sustainably?

Lifewood sources directly from private farmers across Australia with their own extensive network built over 20+ years. Their patented Stabilised Solid technology uses the entire log with no waste. Lifewood also partners with Trillion Trees to replace trees for every floor laid.

What colours go with Jarrah floors?

Jarrah floors have rich, deep red-brown tones that pair beautifully with warm whites, soft greys, and earthy wall colours. Natural timber furniture, leather, and linen work especially well. Jarrah suits both contemporary and heritage interior styles.

How do you clean Jarrah timber floors?

For daily maintenance, sweep or dry-mop to remove grit. For deeper cleaning, use a damp (not wet) mop with a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner. Avoid steam mops, excess water, and harsh chemical cleaners which can damage the timber's finish.

Is Jarrah flooring suitable for kitchens?

Yes — Jarrah's exceptional durability and hardness make it well-suited for kitchens. Lifewood's prefinished Jarrah floorboards have a sealed surface that resists moisture and everyday wear, making them a practical and beautiful choice for high-traffic areas.

Reimagining Luxury Interior Design in 2025

lwmarketing@lifewood.com.au (Lifewood Marketing) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:05 GMT

5 Signs it’s time to Change your Flooring

analytics@studiohawk.com.au (Ahmad Ali) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 23:27:04 GMT

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"]When designing a home, there is one thing that brings the whole room together, the flooring. With proper care and maintenance, you can prolong the life of your floors, but eventually, it will be time to change your floor. Here are the 5 signs it’s time to change your flooring.