KNOW YOUR FLOORS

Not all timber flooring is created equal. Solid planks are just that and come in raw, unfinished condition. Installation means possible acclimatising, fixing to a subfloor or joists, sanding and finishing. They are unbeatable for longevity. “Plenty of solid timber floors more than 100 years old still serve the purpose they were put down for,” says managing director Bill Durkowyak of Sydney Flooring 1959. On the other hand, engineered floorboards have a timber face on a multi-plywood base and come pre-finished, such as the engineered oak featured in this kitchen by

Blakes London. They are quick to install, with no sanding, staining or sealing required. Some products are compatible with underfloor heating and the stability of the base also allows for wider board widths.