Timber Flooring

How to choose the right timber flooring

With so many plank constructions, species and finishes available in New Zealand, selecting the best timber floor for your project can feel overwhelming. This guide distils the essential considerations—performance, aesthetics, sustainability and budget—so you can specify with confidence.

1. Solid vs engineered timber

Solid timber flooring is milled from a single piece of wood. It can be re-sanded multiple times, making it a lifetime investment. However, it expands and contracts with humidity and usually needs to be nailed or glued to a timber or plywood substrate.

Engineered timber flooring uses a real wood wear layer bonded to a multi-ply or high-density fibre core. The cross-laminated structure delivers excellent dimensional stability, allowing wider planks and installation over concrete slabs as floating timber floors or glued-down.

2. Substrate and installation methods

• Concrete slab – Opt for engineered boards plus a moisture barrier to satisfy NZBC Clause E3 (download).
• Suspended timber floor – Both solid and engineered timber can be secret-nailed or glued. Ensure bottom plate fixing complies with NZS 3604.
• Floating – Quick to install and easy to replace. Ideal for office fit-outs and apartments where access to subfloor services is required.

3. Texture & finish

Matte UV oil brings out the grain, while high-build polyurethane offers maximum scratch resistance—popular in busy cafés and retail stores. If you’re chasing a reclaimed look, consider recycled timber flooring NZ suppliers salvage from old warehouses; every plank tells a story.

4. Sustainability credentials

Look for FSC, PEFC or Responsible Wood certification. Locally grown radiata pine and beech reduce transport emissions, and engineered boards use less precious hardwood overall.

5. Cost guide (installed)

• Entry-level engineered oak: $120–$180 per m²
• Premium European oak engineered timber flooring: $200–$300 per m²
• Solid native rimu: $300–$400 per m²
• Recycled heart kauri: $400+ per m²

Care & maintenance

Wondering how to clean timber floors? Sweep or vacuum daily, then damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner such as Selleys timber floor cleaner. Avoid steam mops and abrasive pads. Re-coat oil finishes every 2–3 years; polyurethane may last a decade before light sanding.

Design alternatives if timber isn’t the answer

If your brief shifts, explore complementary materials across our wider Finishes collection:

• Wood Flooring – broader species and parquetry patterns.
• Laminate Flooring – timber looks with high impact resistance.
• Carpet Flooring – acoustic comfort for bedrooms and theatres.
• Concrete Flooring – polished slabs for an industrial edge.
• Vinyl Flooring – waterproof timber-look sheet and plank options.
• Substrate & Underlay – essential for moisture control and impact sound.
• Glass Flooring – dramatic light-transmitting panels.
• Resin Flooring – seamless, chemical-resistant finishes.
• Entrance Matting – protect your new timber from grit.
• Rubber Flooring – slip-resistant surfaces for gyms and play areas.

Next steps

Ready to specify or install timber flooring NZ wide? Browse our range, compare suppliers, and click “Request a quote” to receive accurate pricing and lead times. For project inspiration, explore completed homes featuring real timber flooring or talk directly with flooring specialists on ArchiPro.