Timber Floor Types in New Zealand Homes
New Zealand homes are blessed with some of the most beautiful native timbers in the world. From the deep reds of Rimu to the honey gold of Matai, knowing what is under your carpet is the first step to a successful restoration.
Here is a guide to the most common timber floor types found in Auckland homes.
1. Rimu (The Classic)
Found in: Villas, bungalows, and state houses from 1920s-1960s.
Appearance: Distinctive mix of colors. Heart Rimu is rich brown/gold, while sapwood is lighter. It often features a strong grain pattern.
Restoration Notes: Sands beautifully. Generally looks best with a clear finish to highlight the color variation, but can be stained.
2. Matai (Black Pine)
Found in: High-end villas and commercial buildings.
Appearance: When old/oxidized, it looks dark orange/red (hence the name "black pine"). When freshly sanded, it is a stunning bright golden-yellow.
Restoration Notes: A true hardwood. Very dense and durable. The high oil content gives it a natural sheen. We recommend water-based poly to stop it turning orange over time.
3. Kauri
Found in: Early colonial villas (pre-1920s).
Appearance: The "King of Timbers". Incredible shimmering grain (chatoyancy) with a pale golden/amber hue. Knot-free and very wide boards.
Restoration Notes: Very soft! It dents easily. Requires a delicate touch when sanding. Never stain Kauri—it's a crime against heritage!
4. Tawa
Found in: 1950s-1970s homes.
Appearance: The "New Zealand Oak". Light, blonde, pale brown color with a straight grain.
Restoration Notes: Very hard and good for high traffic. Takes stain very well, especially if you want to mimic an Oak look.
5. Radiata Pine
Found in: Recent builds and budget housing.
Appearance: Light, creamy white/yellow with distinctive knots.
Restoration Notes: Softest of all. It can be susceptible to "orange peel" look if purely clear coated, so a whitewash (blonding) is a very popular modern choice for Pine.
Identify Your Floor
Unsure what timber you have? Send us a photo or book a free inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what wood floor I have?
Color is the biggest clue. Scrape back a small hidden area (like inside a cupboard) to see the raw timber. Red/Gold/Brown is likely Rimu. Pale yellow/honey is often Matai. Light blonde/pale brown is usually Tawa or Pine.
Is Rimu a hardwood?
Technically Rimu is a softwood (conifer), but it is harder and denser than Pine. It is excellent for flooring but can dent more easily than true hardwoods like Matai or Oak.
Can I stain Matai floors?
Matai has a very high oil content, which can make staining difficult. It is possible, but requires specialized preparation. We generally recommend leaving Matai natural as its honey-gold color is stunning.