If you want to replace the flooring in your home, it doesn't get much better than real, hardwood timber. It is long-lasting, durable, and provides a warmth you can't mimic with any other type of flooring. Once you have decided to go with solid timber, you then need to choose the species of wood. This can either be a species native to Australia, or come from other countries like Canada or the U.S. Here are some different wood species to consider for your new flooring.

Maple

A popular option for solid timber flooring is maple. This is native to the U.S. and parts of Canada, though you can often find it in home improvement stores in Australia. Maple is a little harder than oak and is a lighter colour than many of the hardwood species. It offers a sleek look and works great in both contemporary and modern style homes. However, it can also be a little pricey in comparison to other species, so that is something to keep in mind. A drawback to maple is that it can get yellowish over time.

Oak

If you are looking for an affordable species of hardwood for your timber flooring, consider using oak. This is a medium coloured wood with a uniform grain pattern. It is one of the most affordable types of hardwood timber you can get for your flooring, so it also one of the most common to use. There are different types of oak as well, which change the colour and features, such as the darker red oak or the lighter white oak. The grain of oak is very strong and can handle a lot of damage, so you won't see scratches quite as easily.

White Cypress Pine

This is a type of pine timber that is native to Australia. While technically a softwood, white cypress pine is actually pretty high up on the hardness scale and is often used for solid timber flooring. The wood comes in a white colour, which can range from ivory white to yellowish white or a light brown and white. It does change over time, so keep that mind when choosing this wood variety. As long as you take good care of it, white cypress pine can last a long time in your home.

White Mahogany

If you like the white shades of wood for your home, you can also choose white mahogany. This is a hardwood also native to Australia, primarily in Queensland and Sydney. It comes in a grayish-cream colour, so it works great in modern and contemporary styles looking for a light-coloured wood.

Keep these ideas in mind as you shop for timber products for your new floor.