RENOVATE | Timber flooring types

TIMBER FLOORING TYPES

Have you ever tried to choose timber flooring only to find yourself overwhelmed by the prices and types of timber available? Same! … and let’s not get started on all the different species and colours. To understand what is available I think it’s important to know the distinction between these types of timber (and timber look) flooring so you can make an informed decision between prices and brands.

1 | Solid timber floor boards

Solid timber floor boards are 100% timber that has been milled into a variety of lengths and widths. Will vary depending on species of timber and stain used (Australian species - blackbutt, Tasmanian oak, ….

Installation - each floor board will need to be nailed down (which is also how you can identify solid timber boards in an existing space). You will see rows of nails every metre or more.

Price - approx. $65-150+ per metre square (will vary greatly depending on the species and grade of timber)

Price will vary depending on the species you choose. For example blackbutt timber is a much harder timber (and slower growing) than say Tasmanian oak which will mean that generally blackbutt boards will be more expensive.

Pros - High control over final colour with variety of species and stains. Can be easily sanded and refinished in years to come without wearing through the layer of timber.

Cons - Time consuming to lay and nail each plank of timber and get them all level.

Suppliers

Hardwood Floors (Sydney) - also have a huge range of engineered boards.

Tait Flooring (Melbourne) - also stock engineered boards.

Solid timber vs. engineered floorboard.

2 | Engineered floorboards

Engineered floorboards are a very consistent product that have the same look and feel as solid timber planks but can be more stable over time and are faster to install.

Installation -

Price - approx. $80-$150 per metre square

Pros - As the layer of timber is veneered onto cross laminated pieces of timber the planks are very stable and won’t warp or change too much over time making them easy to install. Engineered boards all come prefinished with the stain so you don’t have to make this decision yourself like you would with solid timber boards. Look forward boards that have 5mm or more thickness of solid timber on the top which gives you the flexibility to be able to sand back and refinish in years to come.

Cons - Also because they are prefinished means if you manage to damage this finish it can be hard to patch it.

Suppliers

Tongue n Groove (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) - European oak flooring, range of finishes

Royal Oak Flooring - (Melbourne) Oak flooring, range of finishes

Hardwood Floors (Sydney) - one of the largest ranges of engineered board brands I’ve seen

Choices Flooring - (Australia wide) - stocks brands including Quickstep, Plantino and Prestige who offer oak and blackbutt engineered flooring.

Engineered flooring - solid timber veneered onto cross laminated ply.

3 | Vinyl + laminate planks (timber look)

These types of products are made from man made materials to have a timber look and feel printed on top of either a rubber backing or more solid timber. These will be by far the cheapest option in terms of “timber” flooring.

Installation - easy to install over the top of existing flooring. Vinyl is great to go over uneven floors as it’s very flexible.

Price - approx. $20-$60 per metre square

Pros - I think the price point is the most tempting thing about this kind of product. Easy to replace individual planks and therefore can be a good choice for a rental property.

Cons - Not being made from timber means this product will aesthetically look like timber but does not feel like timber when you walk on it. It can often feel a bit tinny or soft to walk on. Depending on the brand some of these products can be made with some less than friendly chemicals that I would want to avoid in my home. While it can be a cheap option, the longevity of this product won’t compare to a good quality timber option.

Suppliers

Choices Flooring - (Australia wide)

Bunnings - (Australia wide)

Vinyl (left) and laminate (right).