Three Recycled Timber Species, One Beautiful Renovation
August 2026
Many people instinctively think all the timber in a renovation needs to match. This Canberra renovation shows that's not always necessary. By selecting species that complement one another rather than trying to achieve a perfect match, the home feels natural, considered and lived in.
Canberra Local Ash Benchtop, with Blue Gum / Coastal Reds Overlay Flooring.
Located in Canberra's northern suburbs, this renovation was designed by Light House ArchiScience and built by RAW Building Industries. The existing home had little northern aspect, so the internal layout was completely reconfigured to create a new north-facing living area filled with natural light.
Bluegum / Coastal Reds overlay remilled flooring.
A Rich Foundation Underfoot
The customer was looking for a darker remilled recycled timber floor and chose our Bluegum / Coastal Reds overlay flooring. At 12mm thick, compared to 18mm for our standard remilled flooring, overlay flooring can be installed directly over existing sheet flooring.
It offers the authentic character of genuine recycled hardwood while reducing height build-up and minimising the need for modifications to doors and skirtings.
Mixing Timber Species Throughout the Home
Rather than using one timber species throughout the home, the owners chose to introduce different recycled timbers for the benchtops, internal door and external battens, creating an interesting contrast between each space.
Canberra Local Ash recycled timber benchtop.
Tongue & Groove internal sliding door.
A Kitchen Designed Around Timber
The kitchen benchtop was designed to be the feature of the space. White and pale green cabinetry was carefully selected to allow the Canberra Local Ash benchtop to become the focal point of the room.
A Flexible Living Space
Rather than a standard hinged internal door, the owners selected a Tongue & Groove sliding door for a flexible living space that doubles as a guest bedroom. The door provides privacy when guests are staying, while allowing the room to remain open and connected to the rest of the home the majority of the time.
Manufactured from Canberra Local Ash to complement the benchtop, the Tongue & Groove door provides a subtle contrast against the darker Bluegum / Coastal Reds flooring.
Carrying the Design Outside
Externally, Blackbutt / Dense Browns privacy battens were installed around the carport. Their warm tones complement the home's material palette while providing a durable solution suited to outdoor applications.
Connected by Recycled Timber
Every recycled timber species has its own story to tell. Rather than asking different timbers to look the same, this renovation celebrates what makes each one unique. From the rich Bluegum / Coastal Reds flooring, to the warmth of the Canberra Local Ash benchtop and the striking Blackbutt battens, the result is a home connected by recycled timber, not by matching timber.
Every renovation is different, and so is every piece of recycled timber. If you're planning a project and aren't sure which species will work best together, come and explore the range in our Canberra showroom. We'd be happy to help you find a combination that's right for your home.
SPECIFICATIONS (as pictured):
TIMBER SPECIES: Blue Gum / Coastal Reds, Canberra Local Ash and Blackbutt.
DIMENSIONS:
House Roof Overlay Flooring in recycled Bluegum / Coastal Reds, 78 x 12mm.
Benchtop in Canberra Local Ash, 3135 x 800 x 37mm
Tongue & Groove Door in Canberra Local Ash, 2420 high x 1000mm wide x 40mm thick
External Battens in Blackbutt, 125 x 50mm
