Concrete Timber

What Is Concrete Timber?

Concrete timber refers to any system where timber and concrete work together—either structurally or aesthetically. You’ll see it in hybrid floors that pour concrete over engineered joists, in concrete formwork that leaves the grain of macrocarpa visible, and in precast panels coloured and textured to imitate cedar. The appeal is simple: concrete adds compressive strength and mass, timber adds flexibility, speed of construction and natural beauty.

Key Applications Around New Zealand

1. Suspended Floors

Architects often compare suspended timber floor vs concrete floor cost when aiming to save weight without sacrificing acoustic or fire performance. A composite slab on plywood achieves the best of both worlds and can be faster to install than steel alternatives.

2. Ground Slabs & Frames

Fixing a timber frame on a concrete slab is standard practice in NZ. Opt for H3.2 treated bottom plates and stainless anchors to meet NZS 3604. For renovations, products designed for fixing timber to concrete NZ—such as epoxy anchors or nail-in plates—speed up workflow.

3. Decks & Outdoor Living

Want a deck that sits flush with your interior? Timber decking on concrete uses adjustable pedestals so boards float above the slab, allowing drainage while avoiding ground moisture. It’s ideal for coastal builds where saltwater can corrode steel.

4. Formwork & Feature Walls

Bush-sawn boards used as concrete formwork timber leave a tactile imprint once the pour cures. The result: a monolithic wall with the memory of wood grain, perfect for brutalist-meets-biophilic designs.

Concrete vs Timber vs Steel—How Do They Stack Up?

• Strength & Span: Steel excels in long spans, yet composite concrete-timber panels can outperform pure timber and reduce embodied carbon compared with steel.
• Thermal Mass: Concrete moderates temperature swings, while timber insulates. A thin concrete topping over timber joists delivers both benefits.
• Carbon Footprint: Sustainably harvested timber sequesters CO₂; concrete can incorporate supplementary cementitious materials to reduce emissions.
• Cost & Programme: Studies on steel vs timber vs concrete in NZ show timber generally installs fastest; concrete wins for durability; hybrids sit in the middle on cost but beat both on performance per dollar.

Installation Tips & Fixings

Correct detailing ensures your assembly meets Clause B2 Durability of the NZ Building Code. Keep the following in mind:

• Adhesives: Use a high-bond timber to concrete adhesive when laminating feature battens to masonry walls.
• Mechanical Fixings: For timber post fixing to concrete, choose hot-dip-galvanised brackets with 12 mm anchors at max 600 mm centres.
• Overlay & Floating Floors: A floating timber floor on concrete slab needs a 200 µm vapour barrier plus acoustic underlay to satisfy intertenancy sound ratings.
• Maintenance: Remove spills promptly; if you’re wondering how to remove timber stain from concrete, oxalic acid cleaners are usually effective.

Finishes & Design Detail

Current trends include timber-look concrete tiles that bring consistency to wet areas, and charred larch battens set against in-situ off-white concrete. Pair these with textured surfaces from our designer wallpapers, acoustic wall fabrics or decorative plaster finishes to complete the palette.

Sustainability & Code Compliance

Hybrid assemblies allow you to lower cement content while still achieving the fire rating a pure concrete floor vs timber floor can provide. Refer to MBIE’s guidance on Building Code clause B2 for minimum durability requirements, especially where timber connects to exterior concrete elements.

Next Steps

Ready to specify? Browse the full range below, or head back to our wall & ceiling finishes hub for complementary products. From fixing kits to precast panels, ArchiPro connects you with NZ’s most reputable suppliers—request quotes, download BIM files and compare lead times in minutes.