Everything you need to know about installing engineered timber floors in your home

Engineered timber flooring is made from real timber however they are comprised of several layers and are often more economical than solid timber floors. The top layer, which is the visible surface is timber that is then adhered to other, non-visible layers such as hevea or ply.

It’s important to understand that timber is a natural product and because of this, variations in colour, markings and tone can vary. This is the beauty of timber, and no two floors will be the same! If you love the idea of unique grains in your home, timber flooring is the perfect material for you.

Engineered floors should be installed in homes that are at the occupancy stage of construction and be completely waterproof and free of any debris. The subfloor must be suitably smooth and level before engineered boards are laid.

Engineered boards can be installed on concrete, particleboard or plywood (and sometimes existing finished floors). Every product will be different though, with varying manufacturer guidelines. This is why it’s important to purchase the flooring through a reputable company so they can assess the floor prior to installation and advise as well as using a professional installation team. Concrete, for example, needs a minimum time of drying before flooring is installed and floor heating is another consideration, with the installation and running of this required for a certain period prior to the timber being laid.

Professional installation teams are important for many reasons, some of which are already explored above. The installer will know the conditions of the subfloor required before installation, they understand the different methods of install (such as glue down method or floating). They know this because they draw from years of installation experience and knowledge!

They also understand from a design perspective how to create the most aesthetic look with the boards, they are experienced in understanding expansion gaps, reattaching trims and how to minimise waste (the list goes on!).

Professional installers also save time and money as they have all the required equipment on hand for timber floor installation, ready to go. It’s also important to note that some warranties will be voided if the floors are not installed by a professional.

There are several ways floorboards can be installed, in terms of the design or direction of the boards. The direction of board installation is a key design element and can impact how a space looks and feels. Running the boards the length of the room makes the space feel more expansive, although you might be dictated by the floorplan, such as a hallway or junctions. Diagonal patterns and herringbone are unique styles that are incredibly beautiful! They require a high level of skill to install and should definitely be installed by a professional.

Once your floors are installed, it’s important to ensure their longevity by caring for them properly. All flooring, hard or soft, timber or timber-look requires maintenance.

• Eliminate dirt and grit from entering the home by placing door mats at all entrances as well as adopting a “no shoe” policy where possible.
• Close blinds or window treatments at times of peak sun exposure.
• Keep pet paws and claws in check! Pets can cause damage to floors when their nails are too long.
• Vacuum or sweep regularly and make sure you have the vacuum on the right setting (bristles down). Don’t use harsh chemicals when mopping, water is enough
• Clean up spills or mess as soon as you can
• Be mindful when moving furniture
• Use protective pads on the feet of heavy pieces of furniture like tables and sofas.

You can read more about how to maintain your flooring in our Hard Flooring Guide and Care.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is constructed from several layers to create the appearance of timber or stone. Laminate floors utilise cutting edge photographic technology to simulate the grain, stain and texture of wood at a fraction of the price. It’s highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, with the top layer, known as the wear layer, usually made of a aluminium oxide or melamine resin which enhances its durability.

Are timber floors high maintenance? 

Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, which is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.

What type of flooring is easiest to maintain?

All flooring requires some level of maintenance to ensure it will look good for a long time. All carpet and hard flooring should be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove grit and dirt from the surface (which can lead to scratches and marks). Laminate and vinyl floors are excellent low-maintenance hard flooring options while solution dyed nylon and polypropylene carpets are also resilient.

Where can I find engineered timber flooring in Australia?

Flooring Xtra have store across Australia and are ready to help with your project! To find your closest store, head to our store finder.