Timber flooring has been a popular choice for centuries for its luxury, beauty and elegance. There are many styles, colours and finishes available to suit any decor. Timber floors are also easy to maintain with the right care and attention – minor scratches and marks simply add character to your floors rather than making them look worn and damaged.

When choosing a premium timber floor, there are two types to choose from: Solid Timber or Engineered Wood. Both offer their own benefits, but each has its own unique characteristics.

Solid Timber is a floorboard that’s made of real, natural hardwood from slow-growing trees. This makes the boards thick and durable, and they can be sanded and refinished multiple times to extend their lifespan. However, they can be susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, which may cause them to warp or cup.

Engineered Timber floorboards are a more sustainable option, as they use less of the rare and expensive hardwood to make one board. They are made from layers of timber that are glued and laminated together, and the top layer can be sanded back and re-coated several times. Engineered timber is also more stable and can be used in areas where solid timber is not suitable, such as underfloor heating.

There are a wide range of finishes available for both solid and engineered timber floors. Whether you prefer dramatic whitewashed floors, classic colour tones or flat dressed or hand scrapped surface finishes there’s sure to be a flooring to meet your exact preferences. There are also a range of coating options available for both timber and engineered timber floors, including polyurethane lacquer, oil, hard wax oil etc. Each coating results in a different appearance, maintenance regime and has its own set of advantages.

Both solid and engineered Premium Solid Timber Flooring are extremely durable when installed correctly. However, the installation process can be complicated and requires a highly experienced installer to ensure that the boards are nailed and glued tightly to the subfloor without leaving gaps or unevenness.

Regular sweeping and mopping are essential to keep your floors clean and free of dust, dirt, sand, pet hair and debris that can scratch the finish. It is recommended that you use a soft microfibre cloth and recommended cleaning products to avoid damaging your floors.

If you are concerned about termites then you should consider opting for a hardwood floorboard that is resistant to them, such as Spotted Gum or Blackbutt. It’s worth noting that softer woods like Pine and Merbau are more vulnerable to termites, so these are not ideal for homes with this concern.

While a high-quality timber floor will be a long-term investment, it’s still a more affordable option than vinyl and carpet flooring. When comparing costs, it’s important to factor in the installation, refinishing and maintenance expenses over the lifespan of the floor. When you factor in that timber floors are likely to outlast most other flooring options, this can quickly pay for itself.