5 questions to ask yourself when buying timber flooring in Melbourne

Whether you are going to renovate or build a new home, flooring is something you should decide beforehand. There is nothing that can beat the aesthetics, durability and warmth of European oak timber flooring.

What makes timber flooring a popular choice is that it can easily add authenticity to a space, which isn’t easy to replicate. I mean, if you look at other flooring solutions, you would figure out that mimicking the touch and appeal of timber is nearly impossible.

Timber flooring is a big investment, so you should benefit from doing some research to better understand the options when purchasing timber flooring in Melbourne. To help with the selection process, we recommend you ask the following questions:

1. What types of timber flooring are out there?

Predominately, there are two types of timber flooring — solid timber and engineered timber. Solid timber is obtained from solid wooden logs and is arranged with the traditional tongue and groove method. Engineered timber consists of multiple layers of plywood and composite material. It is topped with a layer of solid timber and is usually the cheaper of the two.

2. What colour and style would best suit my space?

Timber is generally a neutral palette you can use in harmony with a variety of other materials, finishes and textures to achieve the desired look. You can go for lighter timbers to make a smaller room feel more spacious by providing a fresh and neutral canvas for interior designs. Wide boards are also ideal when it comes to making an impact in larger rooms and connecting open-plan spaces.

3. Can I install timber flooring in a kitchen or bathroom?

Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that timber flooring is not waterproof flooring. Thus, it may need a waterproof coating or finishing. Also, timber is a natural product and reacts differently compared to man-made products. So, you should be aware of the care and maintenance part if you are going to install a timber floor in your kitchen or bathroom.

4. What does finished and unfinished timber mean?

Unfinished means there is no protective coating applied to the wood boards. This allows you to lay the timber floor and then apply whatever products you want to protect the hybrid flooring. Whereas, pre-finished flooring eliminates the need for on-site finishing. It is because it is sanded and prefinished in the factory.

5. What types of surface finishes are great?

While you don’t need to have the same type of wood finish, the finish of your existing cabinetry and furniture matters. If you choose engineered hardwood, it is typically finished in the factory with water-based polyurethane. You can use oil-based polyurethane if you’re finishing the timber floor yourself.

Wrapping up

When looking for timber flooring in Melbourne, ask these questions to make the right decision for your space. Make sure you get in touch with the manufacturer to know everything about the timber flooring you are buying. Lastly, don’t forget to get it professionally installed.

Happy flooring!