Species Guides
Species-specific sanding, priming, and finishing guides for the most common Australian hardwood floors. Each guide covers grit sequence, primer selection, topcoat options, and common mistakes.
Blackbutt
Janka 9.1 kN. High tannin -- always prime with Prime Intense. The most common callback species in Australian floor sanding.
High TanninSpotted Gum
Janka 11.0 kN. Interlocked grain, natural oils, moderate-to-high tannin. Beautiful but technically demanding.
High TanninIronbark
Janka 14+ kN. The hardest commonly floored species in Australia. Budget 2-3x the abrasives. Start at P24.
Moderate TanninJarrah
Janka 8.5 kN. Rich red colour, moderate tannin. Finish choice (water-based vs solvent) dramatically affects the final look.
Low TanninTasmanian Oak
Janka 5.5 kN. Low tannin, easy to sand, excellent for staining. Prime with Classic UX -- no tannin control needed.
Low TanninCypress Pine
Janka ~6.5 kN. Soft, knotty, warm honey colour with dark knots. Prime with Classic UX. Sand finer around knots to avoid dish-out.
Low TanninBrushbox
Janka ~9.5 kN. Hard, even grain, pinkish-orange. Prime with Classic UX. Sands cleanly and takes stain exceptionally well.
Low TanninMessmate
Janka ~7.5 kN. Medium hardness, interlocked grain that can tear. Prime with Classic UX. Keep belts sharp and fresh.
Moderate TanninSydney Blue Gum
Janka ~9.0 kN. Hard eucalyptus, rich warm colour, moderate tannin risk. Prime with Prime Intense as a precaution.
Variable / High TanninRecycled Hardwood
Variable Janka (mix of species). Check for nails and staples. Prime with Prime Intense -- assume tannin from aged timbers. Start at P36.
Species not listed?
Ring with the species name, the floor condition, and the job timeline. Get a tailored grit sequence, primer recommendation, and topcoat advice.
Call 1300 950 551Related tools
Grit Sequence Picker → -- SIA grit sequence tuned to species, condition, machine and finish
Primer Picker → -- species-matched primer recommendation
Coverage Calculator → -- litres of primer and topcoat for the floor area