Engineered timber

Engineered timber is a product constructed from a number of layers: the veneer on top, and then one or more layers of less expensive wood below. “The multi-layer construction means the boards are more stable, and less susceptible to the expansion and contraction that’s a natural feature of timber,” says Brett Talbot, national merchandise manager for hard flooring at Carpet Court (carpetcourt.com.au).

As engineered timber is a pre-finished product, that also means you can see the final finish straight away; no sanding or coating is needed. On the flipside, this means you’ll need to protect the floor carefully while renovating, or lay it as a last step.

The quickest and easiest installation method is to ‘float’ the floor over an existing hard floor (think concrete, tiles or timber). This involves laying a foam underlay, then laying using the click-together or tongue-and-groove system. “It’s important to ensure a sufficient expansion gap around the edges where it meets walls or cabinetry,” says Brett. For a more stable result, and less likelihood of creaking or movement, engineered floors should be glued to the subfloor with a special adhesive. In either case, it’s vital to ensure the subfloor is sound, dry and level.

Need to know Engineered timber won’t last as long as a solid timber floor, and the veneer layer can usually only be refinished once. “We find there’s a 7 to 10 year cycle of people either renovating or moving, so most people are happy with a product that will last well for at least that length of time,” says Brett.