Jarrah Timber Flooring Guide
Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is one of Australia’s most iconic hardwoods, prized for its rich red tones and exceptional durability. Endemic to south-west Western Australia, Jarrah has been used in flooring, structural timber, and furniture for well over a century.
Appearance & Character
Freshly cut Jarrah ranges from salmon-pink to deep red-brown, darkening over time to a rich burgundy patina. The grain is frequently interlocked or wavy with a medium to coarse texture, and some boards display a sought-after “fiddleback” figure. Every Jarrah floor develops a unique character as it ages.
Technical Specifications
| Scientific Name | Eucalyptus marginata |
| Janka Hardness | 8.5 kN |
| Density | 820–835 kg/m³ (air-dry) |
| Durability Class | Class 2 (AS 5604) |
| Termite Resistance | Resistant |
| Bushfire Rating | BAL rated — good fire resistance |
| Above-Ground Life | 40+ years |
Why Choose Jarrah for Flooring?
- Exceptional hardness — handles heavy foot traffic with ease
- Naturally termite-resistant heartwood — ideal for Australian conditions
- Stunning colour that deepens and develops character with age
- Long lifespan — easily 100+ years with proper maintenance
- Excellent dimensional stability under varying humidity
- Fire-resistant properties — suitable for bushfire-prone areas
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its life
Considerations
- Dense timber requires specialist sanding equipment and experienced operators
- Dark red tones can absorb light in smaller rooms
- Supply is increasingly limited since the 2024 WA native logging ban
- Colour will darken significantly over time with UV exposure
Sanding & Refinishing
Jarrah is excellent for sanding and refinishing. Solid boards of 19mm+ can handle 8–10 full sands over their lifetime. Due to its extreme hardness, professional-grade equipment is recommended. After sanding, Jarrah accepts both polyurethane and oil-based finishes beautifully, revealing rich colour beneath the surface.
Maintenance Tips
- Sweep or vacuum weekly to prevent grit scratching the finish
- Damp-mop with a pH-balanced hardwood floor cleaner — never wet-mop
- Avoid vinegar, ammonia, and steam mops
- Use felt pads under furniture legs and doormats at entries
- Protect from prolonged direct sunlight with curtains or blinds
- Re-coat (screen and re-coat) every 7–10 years depending on traffic
Sustainability
As of January 2024, Western Australia banned all commercial native forest logging, making new-growth Jarrah no longer commercially available. Current sources include recycled/salvaged timber from demolished buildings and existing stockpiles. Recycled Jarrah is highly prized for its aged patina and character, making it both an environmentally responsible and premium flooring choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is Jarrah compared to other Australian timbers?
With a Janka hardness of 8.5 kN, Jarrah is among Australia’s harder flooring timbers. It’s harder than Blackbutt (9.1 kN is close) and Tasmanian Oak (5.5 kN), though softer than Ironbark (14.0 kN) and Spotted Gum (11.0 kN).
Is Jarrah flooring termite resistant?
Yes. Jarrah heartwood contains natural oils and resins that make it resistant to termites, which is a significant advantage for Australian homes.
Can old Jarrah floors be restored?
Absolutely. Many heritage homes in Perth and WA have had their original Jarrah floors (80–120+ years old) successfully restored through professional sanding and refinishing.
Why is Jarrah becoming more expensive?
The WA Government’s 2024 ban on commercial native forest logging means new-growth Jarrah is no longer harvested. Supply is now limited to recycled timber and existing stockpiles, driving prices upward.
What finish works best on Jarrah?
Both polyurethane and oil-based finishes work well. Polyurethane provides a durable, low-maintenance finish with re-coating every 7–10 years. Oil finishes offer a more natural look and allow easier spot-repairs but require annual re-oiling.