Timber remains the top flooring material throughout Australia and is available in various species, colours, grains and finishes, so you should have no trouble finding something that accommodates your flooring project by viewing our online catalogue.
INSTALLING TIMBER FLOORS
Hardwood timber flooring may be installed on top of both sheeted floors and timber joists. Thicker planks are more durable and sturdy, but cost considerably more to supply and install than thinner floorboards.
Wider boards are luxurious and create an impression of space, but are more expensive and vulnerable to “cupping” when the timber expands and contracts in response to humidity fluctuations.
TYPES OF TIMBER AVAILABLE
When it comes down to it, your individual taste is the most important factor in what type of timber floor you choose. Timber “species” relates to the hardwood variety and usually indicates the timber’s colour, whereas “grade” pertains to the number of organic flaws in the timber, like gum veins, loops, irregular grain patterns, and bug holes.
The cheaper a grade of timber is, the more flaws it usually has, which is perfect for creating floors with a country style, while more expensive grades are commonly used in modern-style flooring because of their more consistent features.
It’s important to remember that timber is a product of nature, and its blemishes give it character. There will always be at least a few irregularities like knots and/or colour variances. For that reason, we offer sizable samples in our showroom rather than letting our clients choose from one tiny sample.
ENGINEERED TIMBER FLOORING
Engineered timber flooring is a more recent innovation that is steadily becoming popular for its affordability. This flooring is composed of layered wood – usually with plantation timber on the bottom – covered with a veneer (or lamella) of the species you prefer. It is more cost-efficient than solid timber flooring and comes already stained and lacquered, allowing you to save time and expense by not having to finish it in-house.
BAMBOO FLOORING
The sale of Bamboo floors has surged in popularity among environmentalists due to its status as an easily replenishable resource. Bamboo is a kind of hard grass that is naturally abundant and takes seven years to mature when grown without pesticides. You can find it in many different finishes and colours.
RE PURPOSED TIMBER FLOORING
Re purposed timber flooring is more environmentally friendly than new plantation-sourced timber, which takes nearly a full century to reach maturity. Reused planks are also effectively used in older houses, since they’re more likely to go with the original flooring.
Unfortunately, they are hard to come by and consequently are roughly 20% more expensive than plantation timber boards. Repurposed timber typically needs to be ordered well ahead of time so that your desired species can be properly sourced.
Speak to your local Melbourne flooring experts and let us help you decide on the best type of floor for your home or business. Visit our online flooring store to view hundreds of different colours and styles right now! We supply materials for DIYers, or let our professional installation team take care of the whole process for you.