The perfect timber floors for your home

The perfect timber floors come in solid and engineered varieties. Solid timber flooring is just that, while engineered timber flooring has a hardwood top layer, with the rest of the board comprised of plantation pine or plywood.

Structural versus non-structural

Solid timber flooring is either structural or non-structural. Structural timber flooring (sometimes known as 'tongue and groove' flooring) can be laid over backing, while non-structural flooring (or 'overlay') has to be laid over a solid flooring base.

Floating versus direct stick

Engineered timber flooring is installed using either the 'floating' or 'direct stick' method. The floating method involves placing the timber on top of a foam underlay – no sticking down is required. The 'direct stick' method involves sticking the floorboards onto old timber floors or concrete.

Pros and cons

Solid floors are durable, come in a wide range of finishes and are easy to replace, but also tend to shrink and expand with variations in humidity levels. Engineered floors are very easy to install and stay relatively unaffected by humidity, but are less durable and more difficult to replace.

Popular polish

Moisture-cured polyurethane is the most popular finishing material, largely because of its durability. However, it is also toxic and has been found to cause headaches, sore eyes, sore throats, difficulty in breathing and skin irritation.

Other polishes

Oil-modified polyurethane and tung oil penetrate well into the timber and are less toxic than moisture-cured polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane is reasonably durable and is non-toxic. Hard wax oil and pure oil are both non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Contact a timber specialist in your area and discover ways in which you can get the perfect timber floors in your home: