Australian Hardwoods - What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever started looking into timber options for furniture or flooring, you’ve probably realised pretty quickly—it’s a whole world of names, colours, grains, and finishes. In Australia, we’re spoilt for choice with some incredible hardwoods. Four of the most popular timbers we use here at Common Wood are Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Tasmanian Blackwood, and Tasmanian Oak.

They’re all hardwoods, all stunning, and all well-loved for different reasons—but they’re not the same. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each timber unique, so you can pick the right one for your project.

Spotted Gum Pilbara table

Spotted Gum

• Look: Spotted Gum is one of those timbers that makes people stop and stare. It ranges from light grey/browns to deep chocolatey tones, often with a wavy, striking grain.

• Durability: It’s one of the toughest Aussie hardwoods, extremely hard-wearing and resistant to dents. That’s why it’s often used for decks, flooring, and heavy-use furniture.

• Best for: Big statement pieces, dining tables, or anywhere you want a timber that’s going to last generations.

Feature Grade Blackbutt Mirri Vanity

Blackbutt

• Look: Despite the name, Blackbutt is actually light in colour—usually pale cream to light brown, sometimes with a slight pinkish hue. It has a straight grain and a very clean, modern look. If you’re after a bit more excitement go for Feature Grade Blackbutt. Loads of black gum veins throughout gives it a real pop!

• Durability: It’s also a strong, dense timber, but a little lighter in tone compared to Spotted Gum. Other than furniture it is often used for flooring and externally in bushfire prone areas.

• Best for: Flooring, cabinetry, and furniture where you want a lighter, contemporary style.

Tasmanian Blackwood Rattan TV unit

Tasmanian Blackwood

• Look: Dark, warm, and luxurious. Tasmanian Blackwood ranges from golden brown to deep reddish-brown, often with beautiful figuring that gives it a rich, high-end appearance.

• Durability: While not as hard as Spotted Gum or Blackbutt, it’s still a reliable and stable timber. It’s often compared to American Walnut for its colour and character.

• Best for: Premium furniture, feature cabinetry, or statement joinery pieces. Perfect if you want that timeless, elegant look.

Tasmanian Oak Akuna & matching shaving cabinet

Tasmanian Oak

• Look: Don’t be fooled by the name—Tasmanian Oak isn’t actually an oak. It’s a mix of three eucalypt species that produce a light-coloured timber, ranging from straw to light reddish-brown.

• Durability: It’s not as hard as Spotted Gum or Blackbutt, but it machines well and takes stains beautifully. That means you can either keep it light and fresh or stain it to mimic darker timbers.

• Best for: Furniture, veneers, paneling, and projects where flexibility in colour and finish is important.

Quick Comparison

• Hardest & toughest: Spotted Gum

• Light & modern: Blackbutt

• Rich & luxurious: Tasmanian Blackwood

• Versatile & adaptable: Tasmanian Oak

At the end of the day, it really comes down to what look you’re after and where the piece will be used. Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are hard-wearing Aussie classics, Tasmanian Blackwood brings that moody richness, and Tasmanian Oak is the chameleon of the group. Honourable mention has to go out to Sydney Blue gum - the pinkest timber on the planet.

Whichever you choose, you’re working with a timber that’s not just beautiful but also a slice of Australia’s natural character.