Quick answer
Choose jarrah if you want a deep red Australian floor with high hardness, or you're restoring or matching an existing jarrah floor in a period home. Choose European oak if you want a lighter, neutral floor that suits contemporary interiors, finish flexibility, or herringbone and chevron patterns. Jarrah wins on hardness and heritage character; oak wins on versatility and steady supply.
Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is a hardwood from south-west Western Australia, prized for its rich red to burgundy colour. European oak (Quercus robur and Q. petraea) is a temperate hardwood with a honey-to-straw colour and straight grain.
European oak vs jarrah at a glance
| European oak | Jarrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Europe | South-west Western Australia |
| Janka hardness | about 4.2–6.1 kN | about 8.5 kN |
| Colour | Honey, straw, light brown | Rich red to deep burgundy |
| Finish range | Natural, white, smoked, stained | Usually clear finishes to show the red |
| Formats | Boards, herringbone, chevron | Boards; parquet in heritage homes |
| Supply | Steady import supply | Limited new supply since 2024; recycled common |
| Best for | Contemporary, Scandinavian, French, pattern floors | Heritage homes, warm traditional interiors |
Look
These two are almost opposites. Jarrah is a statement – a deep red floor that dominates a room's palette and pairs with warm, traditional interiors and Federation or Californian bungalow homes. European oak is neutral; it works as a backdrop, and finishes can take it from pale Scandinavian to dark smoked. If you want to change wall colours and furniture over the years without fighting the floor, oak is easier to live with.
Hardness and durability
Jarrah is harder: about 8.5 kN on the Janka scale against 4.2–6.1 kN for European oak (PFC, Flooring Expert). It dents less under heels and furniture. Oak floors handle daily life well with a good finish, and marks blend into the grain more than on a smooth, dark floor. See the Janka hardness chart.
Stability
Both perform well indoors when dried and installed correctly. Many Perth homes are built on concrete slabs, where flatness and moisture control matter as much as species: expect flatness within about 3mm over 3m and a moisture barrier or moisture-barrier adhesive (Bowens). Install any timber floor within about ±2% of its expected in-service moisture content (WoodSolutions). Oak parquet's short blocks spread seasonal movement across many joints.
Cost
New jarrah is harder to source than it was, which can push prices up, and recycled jarrah varies widely in price and condition. The research we rely on doesn't give a jarrah-specific price, so use the general benchmarks below and get current quotes.
| Item | Typical range (incl. GST) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Australian hardwood, supply | $55–$130/m² | D&G, HH Timber |
| Solid Australian hardwood, installed | $120–$367/m² by city | HH Timber |
| Raw solid French oak herringbone, supply | $94.99/m² retail | SET Timber Supplies |
| Herringbone labour only | $60–$100/m²; $90–$120+/m² complex | The Flooring Guys |
| Sanding and coating | $30–$70/m² | WhatsTheDamage |
If you already have a jarrah floor, restoring it (sanding and coating at $30–$70/m²) is almost always cheaper than replacing it.
Installation
Jarrah boards are commonly nailed to joists or battens in older homes, or glued to slab or ply. European oak parquet is glued to a flat, dry slab or ply substrate. Where an oak extension meets an original jarrah floor, plan the threshold and level change with your installer. See installing parquet over a concrete slab.
Maintenance
Both need the same care: sweep, damp-mop with a timber-safe cleaner, felt pads and entry mats, and recoat before the finish wears through. Dark, smooth jarrah shows dust and fine scratches more readily than a mid-tone oak.
Sustainability and supply
Jarrah's supply changed in 2024. Western Australia ended commercial logging of its native forests on 1 January 2024 under its Forest Management Plan 2024–2033, with timber now coming mainly from forest-health work and approved mine-site clearing (WA Government). Recycled jarrah is a good low-impact option where available. European oak is imported; Australian importers must run a due-diligence system under the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act (DAFF). Ask for FSC or PEFC certificates where they matter – see FSC and PEFC certification.
Suitability by room and climate
| Situation | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Restoring a heritage home with existing jarrah | Jarrah (restore it) |
| New extension, contemporary style | European oak |
| Herringbone or chevron feature floor | European oak |
| Bold warm red palette | Jarrah |
| Light Scandinavian or Japandi palette | European oak |
Which should you choose?
- You love red timber or are matching existing floors: jarrah, new or recycled.
- You want a neutral, adaptable floor or a pattern: European oak – see herringbone vs chevron.
- Hardness is the deciding factor: jarrah.
- In Perth or WA and want oak parquet: Timbo is appointing partners in WA – see Perth.
Timbo is a trade supplier. Homeowners can find a partner or email partnerships@timbo.com.au to be connected; flooring businesses can become a Timbo partner.
Sources
- PFC – Janka rating; Flooring Expert – European oak vs Australian hardwood
- WA Government – commercial native logging ends
- Bowens – hardwood timber flooring; WoodSolutions – moisture guide
- D&G Floors; HH Timber; SET Timber Supplies
- The Flooring Guys; WhatsTheDamage
- DAFF – illegal logging
Frequently asked questions
Is jarrah harder than oak?
Yes. Jarrah rates about 8.5 kN on the Janka scale against about 4.2–6.1 kN for European oak, so it resists dents better. Both need a good finish to resist scratching.
Is jarrah still available for flooring?
Yes, but supply is tighter. Commercial logging of Western Australia's native forests ended on 1 January 2024; some timber still comes from forest-management work, and recycled jarrah boards are widely used. Check availability and price with your flooring supplier.
Can I sand an old jarrah floor and add oak elsewhere?
You can, but the colours contrast strongly. Many renovators keep and restore original jarrah in period rooms and use a different floor, such as oak herringbone, in a new extension with a clear threshold between them.
Does jarrah darken over time?
Jarrah tends to deepen in colour with age and light exposure. Oak also mellows but stays in the honey-brown range.
Which suits a modern interior better, jarrah or oak?
Most contemporary Australian interiors favour lighter, more neutral floors, which suits European oak. Jarrah suits heritage homes, warm traditional schemes and anyone who wants a bold red floor.
Is European oak a sustainable alternative to jarrah?
It can be, when it is legally harvested and documented. Ask for chain-of-custody certificates such as FSC or PEFC and the importer's due-diligence information.