Timber flooring brings warmth, character, and value to any home. Melbourne homeowners have a wide range of options, from solid hardwood boards to engineered timber and floating floor systems. Here is what you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining timber floors.
Solid timber vs engineered timber
Solid timber flooring is exactly what it sounds like. Each board is a single piece of timber, typically 19mm thick. Solid timber can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime, which is why well-maintained hardwood floors can last 50 years or more.
Engineered timber flooring has a real timber veneer bonded to a plywood or HDF base. The veneer is typically 3 to 6mm thick and can be sanded and refinished once or twice. Engineered boards are more dimensionally stable than solid timber, meaning they are less likely to expand and contract with changes in humidity.
Choosing the right timber species
Australian hardwoods are the preferred choice for flooring in Melbourne. Spotted gum is the most popular species, offering a range of natural colours from light brown to deep chocolate with distinctive gum veins. Blackbutt provides a lighter, more uniform appearance. Tasmanian oak offers warmth with honey tones.
For something truly special, ironbark flooring is incredibly hard and durable. Lucas's favourite timber, ironbark is one of the hardest species available and develops a deep, rich patina with age. It is ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets.
Installation methods
Secret nailing is the traditional method for solid timber floors, where each board is nail-fixed through the tongue at an angle. This provides a secure, permanent installation that allows the timber to move naturally with seasonal changes.
Direct stick installation uses adhesive to bond the boards to a concrete or plywood subfloor. This method works well for both solid and engineered timber and provides excellent stability. Floating installations, where the boards are not fixed to the subfloor, are common for engineered timber and are the fastest to install.
Interested in new timber floors or restoring your existing ones? We can help.
Get a Free QuoteMaintaining your timber floors
Regular sweeping or vacuuming prevents grit from scratching the surface. Use a damp mop rather than wet cleaning, as excess moisture can damage timber. Felt pads on furniture legs prevent scratches from daily use.
Depending on traffic levels, timber floors typically need recoating every 5 to 10 years and a full sand and refinish every 15 to 20 years. We offer flooring restoration services that can bring tired timber floors back to their original beauty.