Blackbutt
timber is an Australian classic hardwood. Not all hardwoods are genuinely hard.
Hardwoods are a species of timbers as opposed to a statement regarding
hardness. However Blackbutt scores on both stakes. It is a hardwood that is truly hard. Hardness
is measured on a German scale called the Janka scale. This involves testing a
timbers resistance to pressure such as that caused by things that cause dents.
High heels for example. Some timbers score very low on this scale. Anything
below 4.5 may be regarded as prone to dent easily. So where does Australian Blackbutt score?
Australian New South Wales Blackbutt scores 9.1 on the scale making it harder
that Jarrah and making it an ideal timber for all domestic and commercial
applications.
In fact
for internal use Blackbutt is an ideal flooring choice. It doesn't work too
well outside as it tends to turn grey very easily. Internally it is the light
coloured king of timbers. It is also a single species timber which is important
in timber selection. Many local timber varieties are a blend of trees. There is
nothing wrong with timber blends however they often result a great variety of
colours and extreme differences can result in a busy looking floor. Not that
there isn't a large range of colours in Blackbutt however the differences are
toned down in comparison to some of the timber blends that Blackbutt competes
with. It is often used.
It is
used as a whole of home timber because everything is available. With some
timbers the flooring is available but none of the ancillary items are
manufactured. So for example you can get the
floor boards but no trims to finish off the floor. A floor often
requires much more in the way of support items. Trim for the edges in beading
or quad. Then transition boards at entries. Stair nosing may also be required.
If these support items aren't available then close alternatives may be needed
but with several timbers this can be a pick and mix approach. It can look ok
but it's not the same as drawing on this single species.
It has
become a common timber used in homes and in shops. For Europeans it is worth
noting that Blackbutt is more than twice as durable as timbers such as oak or
mahogany. It is a superb timber.
Certain
timbers stand out in flooring because the whole range of timber plus
accessories are readily available at a reasonable cost. Blackbutt, Jarrah and
oak are all good examples. This introduces an important factor in flooring. For
many timbers you certainly can obtain nosing’s
and trims but these must be especially manufactured. They are not off the shelf
items. This more than doubles the cost and the waiting time is usually tripled.
With NSW Blackbutt this is not the case.
This timber is in constant use and the support items are always
obtainable.
The
colour of the timber is suited to modern colour choices. The trend towards
light, bright and practical homes has contributed to the use of Blackbutt. It's
tones range from pale fawns, light browns and soft grey. Some pink tones and
darker browns keep the colour interesting. If you desire to keep the colouring
light the timber can be finished in a natural Bona or OSMO finish. If you want
darker tones then coat the floor in a solvent borne floor finish using
traditional polyurethane.
A few
notes on sanding and finishing. Blackbutt is a lovely timber to sand. It
finishes very well. Floor sanders take care not to over sand the timber as it
can polish up very quickly. This is very important. We have seen cases where
floor sanders over polished the timber and it became so shiny that the surface
wouldn't take coatings. In fact they stuck but peeled off after a short six
week period. If the sander checks the instructions on the coatings used they
will find that the manufacturer actually specifies the finishing sanding stage.
Usually somewhere between 100 grit and 220 grit depending on the type of finish
whether oil or waterborne. Blackbutt coats with all types of floor coating
designed for internal timber surfaces.
