Australian hardwood timbers are durable and have a timeless look. By following a few simple steps, choosing a new hardwood timber feature to suit your home and reflect your personal style, is easy.
STEP ONE Select a timber product from the quality range of Solid Flooring, Engineered Flooring, Parquetry, Cladding, Lining, Structural (F27), or Outdoor Decking. The choice of product is closely related to the installation method.
STEP TWO Select a hardwood timber species from a broad range of Australian species from light browns to deep reds.
STEP THREE Select a board width from a range of widths in each timber product.
STEP FOUR Select a timber grade from a variety of subtle, moderate or highly featured timbers.
STEP FIVE Select an installation method in combination with the choice of flooring product. For the appropriate installation methods for each product.
A Janka rating is a widely recognised measure used in the timber flooring industry to assess the hardness of wood floors. The test itself involves driving a steel ball with a diameter of
11.18 mm into the wood fiber until it penetrates to half the ball’s diameter. The force applied during this process is measured in kilonewtons (kN) to determine the Janka rating.
Choosing Durable Timber Flooring
When selecting the perfect timber flooring, understanding its durability is key. The Janka hardness test is the ultimate measure of a timber’s strength, providing a clear
rating system to help you choose a floor that will stand the test of time.
How Does the Janka Hardness Rating Work?
Why the Janka Rating Matters for Your Floor?
A high Janka rating is a reliable indicator of a floor’s ability to handle daily life. Impact Resistance: A harder wood is less likely to dent if you drop a heavy object. High-Traffic Suitability: For busy areas like hallways and kitchens, a high-Janka timber offers superior durability. Long-Term Value: Investing in a harder timber can mean
a longer lifespan for your flooring.
What the Janka Test Doesn’t Tell You
While crucial for assessing hardness, the Janka rating is only one piece of the
puzzle. It won’t give you information about: Scratch Resistance: A floor’s finish and
coating play a much larger role in preventing surface scratches. Colour or Grain: The
aesthetic appeal of timber is entirely separate from its hardness. Gloss Level: The
shine of your floor is determined by the type of sealant or finish used.
Protecting Your Investment
Regardless of the Janka rating, all timber floors benefit from protective measures.
Using high-quality timber preservatives and finishes is the best way to maintain your
floor’s appearance and enhance its natural resilience to wear and tear.
Building or renovating in many parts of Australia, means considering the risk
of bushfires. The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is the national standard
that determines how your home must be constructed to withstand a bushfire.
This guide explains what BAL ratings mean for choosing the right hardwood
timber for your project.
What is a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)?
A BAL rating measures a building’s potential exposure to bushfire attack. The
assessment, conducted by a qualified consultant, considers several factors:
Proximity to vegetation: How close the building is to bushland.
Type of vegetation: Different types of bush burn at different intensities.
Slope of the land: Fire travels faster uphill.
Fire Danger Index (FDI): The weather conditions in your region.
The result is one of six ratings, which dictates the construction methods and
materials you must use under Australian Standard AS 3959.
The 6 BAL Ratings and What They Mean
The ratings are tiered based on the level of risk, measured in radiant
heat flux (kW/m2).
Bushfire Resisting Timber (BRT) species:
AS 3959 identifies seven key species that are naturally
resistant to fire due to their high density and unique properties
– The seven Bushfire Resisting Timber (BRT) species:
Blackbutt
Kwila (Merbau)
Red Ironbark
River Red Gum
Silvertop Ash
Spotted Gum
Turpentine
