Buyer’s Guide to Hardwood Flooring

The Ultimate Guide to Timber Floors by FLOOR

Timber flooring is a popular choice among Australians, offering a range of shapes, sizes, forms, and colours. Whether you prefer natural Australian hardwoods or imported wood, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your hardwood flooring.

How to Install Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood installations can be done over a subfloor on a concrete base or on supporting solid wood joists. Thicker boards are a better choice, though they come at a higher cost. Thicker boards can be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring they last a lifetime.

Choosing the Right Timber

The choice of timber for your floors is a personal decision based on your tastes and decor. There are many species to choose from, each with attractive grades. Unlike in school, grades in wood are based on appearance rather than performance. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Grades: Lower-grade hardwoods often feature more knots and varied patterns, adding unique charm to your floors. Higher grades have a more uniform grain pattern.
• Samples: While online comparisons are useful for price and performance, seeing real hardwood samples in natural light is the best way to understand their true appearance. Showroom samples can provide a realistic view of how the wood will look in a room.

Engineered Timber

For those who desire the look of real hardwood but need a more budget-friendly option, engineered timber is a great choice. Engineered wood consists of several layers of cheaper, sustainable wood with a top layer of solid hardwood. This type of flooring is:

• Cost-effective: It provides the appearance of solid hardwood at a lower cost.
• Durable: Engineered timber is often as strong or stronger than solid hardwood due to its layered construction.
• Stable: It is less affected by temperature changes compared to solid wood.
• Refinishing Limitations: Some engineered woods can’t be refinished, or can only be sanded a few times, depending on the thickness of the top hardwood layer. They come pre-finished from the manufacturer, eliminating the need for initial sanding and finishing.

Recycled Timber

A growing trend in hardwood flooring is the use of recycled timber. This timber often comes from old buildings that have been demolished, providing aged wood that offers an antique look. Using recycled timber is:

• Eco-friendly: It reduces the need for newly cut trees, making it a green choice.
• Charming: Aged wood can add unique character to your floors, perfect for those seeking an antique aesthetic.

For more information on hardwood flooring options, visit our homepage or explore our resources for expert advice and inspiration.