If you’re wondering “What is the best commercial timber flooring for high-traffic areas in Melbourne?”, the answer depends on finding a balance between durability, style, and easy maintenance.
The best commercial timber flooring for high-traffic areas in Melbourne includes Australian hardwoods like Spotted Gum and Blackbutt for their exceptional hardness and durability, as well as Ironbark for extreme wear resistance. Jarrah offers a premium, rich finish, while engineered European Oak and Australian hardwood wear layers on stabilised cores provide excellent stability and easier installation. The right choice depends on your space’s foot traffic, design style, slip-resistance needs, and maintenance budget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the best commercial timber flooring for high-traffic areas — from timber species to finish types, installation methods, and maintenance tips.
What Makes Commercial Timber Flooring a Good Choice for High-Traffic Areas?
Commercial timber flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas because it combines durability, timeless aesthetics, and the ability to be refinished multiple times, extending its lifespan. It can handle heavy footfall while maintaining a professional and stylish appearance, making it suitable for offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues.
Before we dive into specifics, let’s look at why timber flooring is a strong contender for commercial spaces.
Professional image – Timber flooring instantly elevates the aesthetics of any space.
Durability – High-quality commercial timber can withstand decades of use.
Refinishing potential – Unlike many flooring types, timber can be sanded and polished to look brand new.
Sustainable choice – Timber is renewable, recyclable, and often sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Design flexibility – Available in a wide range of species, colours, grains, and finishes.
How to Choose the Right Commercial Timber Flooring for Your Business in Melbourne
To choose the right commercial timber flooring in Melbourne, match the timber species and finish to your space’s traffic levels, design style, and maintenance needs. Consider hardness ratings, slip resistance, installation method, and local climate conditions to ensure long-term performance.
1. Timber Species
Not all wood species are equally suited for heavy use. The Janka hardness rating is a good indicator of durability.
| Timber Species | Janka Rating | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Spotted Gum | 11 | High-traffic offices, retail |
| Blackbutt | 9.1 | Commercial lobbies, restaurants |
| Jarrah | 8.5 | Hotel foyers, boutiques |
| Oak (European) | 6 | Lower traffic areas or engineered option |
Tip: For very high-traffic environments, choose Australian hardwoods like Spotted Gum or Blackbutt for superior dent and scratch resistance.
2. Solid vs Engineered Timber Flooring
Made from a single piece of hardwood.
Extremely durable and can be refinished multiple times.
More affected by humidity changes — best in stable indoor climates.
Multi-layer construction with a hardwood top layer.
More resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Often easier and quicker to install, making it a cost-effective choice for large commercial projects.
Read more: Solid vs. Engineered Timber Flooring: Which is Better for Your Melbourne Home?
3. Finish Types
The finish determines not only the look but also the longevity of your flooring.
Polyurethane (Water-Based) – Fast drying, low VOCs, and durable for high foot traffic.
Oil-Based Finishes – Rich, natural appearance but require more upkeep.
Hardwax Oils – Blend of oil and wax, offering a matte finish with decent protection.
Recommendation: In commercial settings, opt for a high-durability, low-maintenance finish such as a commercial-grade polyurethane.
4. Slip Resistance
For public and commercial safety compliance, choose flooring with a slip resistance rating that meets Australian Standards (AS 4586).
5. Colour and Grain
Lighter timbers can make spaces appear larger and hide dust, while darker timbers create a luxurious, formal feel. Grain patterns can help camouflage wear and tear.
Best Commercial Timber Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas
The best commercial timber flooring options for high-traffic areas in Melbourne include Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Ironbark, Jarrah, engineered European Oak, and Australian hardwood wear layers on stabilised cores. These timbers offer a balance of strength, stability, and visual appeal.
1. Spotted Gum (Solid or Engineered) — The Melbourne All-Rounder
Why it works: Very hard, resilient, and naturally variegated tones that help hide scuffs and dirt.
Where it shines: Retail aisles, office corridors, hotel/public lobbies.
Spec tips (Melbourne):
Engineered wear layer 4–6 mm over multi-ply core for large floorplates.
Full trowel glue-down to concrete slabs; include moisture barrier where RH is uncertain.
Commercial water-based polyurethane or UV aluminum-oxide finish (low-VOC).
Maintenance: Daily dust-mop; buff & recoat every 2–4 years (traffic dependent)
2. Blackbutt (Solid or Engineered) — Bright, Modern Workplaces
Why it works: High hardness with light tones that lift ambient light and disguise dust.
Where it shines: Open-plan offices, education, healthcare waiting areas.
Spec tips:
Matte/satin sheen (≤15% gloss) to reduce visible traffic lanes.
Acoustic underlay where NCC/Body Corporate ratings apply in multi-storey buildings.
Glue-down install for a solid feel and better footfall acoustics.
Maintenance: Routine microfibre clean; scheduled recoat to maintain slip and sheen.
3. Ironbark (Solid) — For Extreme Footfall
Red Ironbark
Why it works: Among the toughest Australian hardwoods; excellent dent resistance.
Where it shines: Entrances, bar fronts, cashier/checkout zones, stadium concourses.
Spec tips:
Pre-finished UV coat for rapid turnarounds, or on-site commercial poly for seamless joins.
Allow for movement; manage slab moisture carefully due to timber density.
Maintenance: Low; plan recoats to keep high-wear lanes uniform.
4. Jarrah (Solid or Engineered) — Premium & Heritage
Why it works: Rich, premium appearance with strong durability.
Where it shines: Boutique retail, premium hospitality, heritage refurbishments.
Spec tips:
Satin finish to better mask scuffs on darker tones.
Skilled sanding/colour-matching putties for invisible transitions.
Maintenance: Regular clean; slightly shorter recoat intervals in very dark schemes.
5. Engineered European Oak (Commercial-Grade) — Design-Led & Scalable
Why it works: Excellent dimensional stability, wide-board aesthetics, consistent supply.
Where it shines: Corporate fit-outs, galleries, cafés, coworking.
Spec tips:
4–6 mm wear layer; birch/eucalyptus multi-ply cores (avoid HDF for heavy traffic).
Factory UV-cured aluminum-oxide finish; specify stain/chemical resistance (coffee, wine, sanitizer).
Confirm AS 4586 slip rating for your use zone (foyers, ramps, kitchens).
Maintenance: pH-neutral cleaners; periodic buff & recoat.
6. Hybrid: Australian Hardwood Wear Layer on Stabilised Core
Why it works: Local species look (Spotted Gum/Blackbutt) with engineered stability—ideal for big floorplates and Melbourne’s humidity swings.
Where it shines: Mixed-use towers, education, healthcare corridors.
Spec tips:
≥4 mm wear layer, E0/E1 core, full glue-down over moisture-controlled slabs.
Pair with compliant acoustic underlay to meet target RW/L’n,w.
Maintenance: Similar to engineered oak; predictable lifecycle with planned recoats.
7. Commercial Hardwax-Oil Systems — Fast Turnaround & Spot-Repairable
Why it works: Tactile, low-sheen surfaces that can be spot-repaired without shutting the site.
Where it shines: Restaurants, boutique retail, venues with after-hours maintenance windows.
Spec tips:
Choose commercial-grade formulations; set a maintenance-oil program.
Use on dense species (Spotted Gum/Jarrah) or commercial engineered oak.
Maintenance: More frequent light care; minimal downtime and strong total-lifecycle value.
Melbourne-Specific Spec Checklist
Finish: Commercial water-based polyurethane or UV aluminum-oxide for longest wear; hardwax-oil for rapid spot fixes and minimal downtime.
Sheen: Matte/satin (≤15%) to hide micro-scratches and traffic lanes.
Slip Resistance: Confirm rating to AS 4586 based on space type (foyer, ramp, kitchen).
Installation: Full glue-down to concrete slabs; verify slab RH and include moisture barrier as required.
Acoustics: In multi-storey/commercial strata, specify underlay to meet NCC/Body Corporate targets.
Zoning: Darker tones/runners at entries; lighter, open-grain boards along heavy paths to mask wear.
VOC/Green Building: Low-VOC adhesives/finishes support WELL/Green Star goals.
Indicative Melbourne Cost Bands (Installed, ex-GST)
Solid Australian Hardwoods (Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Ironbark): ~$120–$180/m²
Engineered European Oak (Commercial Grade): ~$90–$140/m²
Engineered Australian Hardwood Wear Layer: ~$110–$160/m²
Prices vary with subfloor prep, access, board width, finish system, and project size—always request a like-for-like spec when comparing quotes.
Pro Tip — Align the Timber to Your Brand Experience
Premium hospitality/retail: Jarrah or wide-plank engineered oak in matte for understated luxury.
High-energy retail corridors: Spotted Gum or Ironbark to absorb heavy abuse.
Modern offices & education: Blackbutt or engineered oak in lighter tones to boost brightness and hide wear.
What Are the Main Installation Methods for Commercial Timber Flooring?
The main installation methods for commercial timber flooring are nail-down, glue-down, and floating. Glue-down is most common for high-traffic spaces in Melbourne because it provides a solid feel, reduces noise, and increases durability.
1. Nail-Down Installation
- Ideal for solid timber flooring.
Provides a firm, stable floor.
Longer installation time.
2. Glue-Down Installation
Used for both solid and engineered timber.
Offers a more solid feel underfoot and better soundproofing.
3. Floating Installation
Primarily for engineered timber.
Quick to install and can be placed over existing floors.
May have a slightly hollow sound under heavy steps.
How to Maintain Commercial Timber Flooring in High-Traffic Spaces
To maintain commercial timber flooring in high-traffic spaces, clean daily with a soft broom or vacuum, use mats at entry points, and schedule professional recoating every 2–4 years. Avoid excessive water to prevent swelling or warping.
Commercial spaces require proactive maintenance plans to keep timber flooring looking pristine.
1. Daily Maintenance
Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush head.
Use entry mats to reduce dirt and grit.
2. Weekly Maintenance
Damp mop with a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner.
Avoid excessive water to prevent swelling.
3. Annual/Periodic Maintenance
Professional buffing and re-coating to maintain finish.
Address scratches immediately to avoid deep damage.
Pro Tip: Partner with a specialist like CB Timber Floors for scheduled commercial timber flooring maintenance in Melbourne, ensuring your floors stay in top condition year-round.
How Much Does Commercial Timber Flooring Cost in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, commercial timber flooring typically costs between $90 and $180 per square metre installed, depending on the timber species, finish, and installation method. Engineered options are generally more cost-effective, while solid Australian hardwoods are at the higher end of the price range.
The cost of commercial timber flooring varies depending on timber species, installation method, and finish.
| Flooring Type | Average Installed Price (AUD/m²) |
|---|---|
| Solid Australian Hardwood | $120 – $180 |
| Engineered Timber | $90 – $140 |
| High-End European Oak | $130 – $200 |
Note: Prices are indicative for Melbourne and exclude GST for commercial projects. Bulk commercial orders may qualify for discounts.
Commercial Timber Flooring vs Other Flooring Types: Which Should You Choose?
Choose commercial timber flooring if you want a premium, long-lasting surface that can be refinished and repaired over time. Other flooring types like vinyl or carpet may have lower upfront costs but generally require more frequent replacement.
| Feature | Timber Flooring | Vinyl Flooring | Carpet Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | High (refinishable) | Medium | Low–Medium |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Premium, timeless | Good | Average |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Sustainability | High | Low | Medium |
| Lifespan | 20–40 years+ | 10–15 years | 5–10 years |
How to Extend the Lifespan of Commercial Timber Flooring
Extend the lifespan of commercial timber flooring by protecting it from grit and moisture, applying felt pads to furniture, and following a regular maintenance schedule. Recoating before the finish wears through helps prevent deep damage.
- Use Rugs & Mats in high-traffic zones.
- Implement No-Heels Policy in certain areas.
- Schedule Professional Re-Coating every 3–5 years.
- Train Cleaning Staff to use timber-friendly products.
Where to Find the Best Commercial Timber Flooring Specialists in Melbourne
The best way to find commercial timber flooring specialists in Melbourne is to look for experienced installers with local references, proven high-traffic projects, and clear warranty terms.
Selecting the best commercial timber flooring is only half the equation — the installer you choose determines how well it performs over time.
CB Timber Floors, a Melbourne-based timber flooring specialist, has extensive experience in commercial projects ranging from boutique retail spaces to large corporate offices. They offer expert advice, professional installation, and tailored maintenance plans to keep high-traffic floors looking flawless.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
When choosing commercial timber flooring for high-traffic areas, consider durability, slip resistance, maintenance needs, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. By selecting the right timber species, finish, and installation method — and partnering with experienced professionals like CB Timber Floors — you can create a stunning, durable floor that will serve your business for decades.
Need expert advice on commercial timber flooring in Melbourne?
Contact CB Timber Floors today for a consultation, competitive quote, and a flooring solution that combines beauty, strength, and practicality for your commercial space.
