Ultimate Buying Guide to Engineered Timber Flooring

The Only Engineered Timber Flooring Guide You Need

Finding the right floor type for your home is a huge investment. As it takes up the majority of your space, you would want to find one that not only fits your aesthetic and personality but one that would provide the least amount of problems. Most residential homes want to have natural wood flooring as it actually increases one’s home value and provides a classic look and feel. 

So, how are we going to turn that ‘want’ into a ‘have’ inexpensively? While there are various floor solutions you may have already been considering, let us end it by introducing you to engineered timber flooring. 

What Is Engineered Timber Flooring?

Essentially, engineered timber flooring is formed by multilayers of plywood with a veneer hardwood glued above. Unlike laminate flooring, its top layer is made of solid timber wood whereas laminate flooring’s top layer mimics the appearance of wood. 

Engineered Timber Flooring Pros and Cons

How to install engineered timber flooring

Engineered timber flooring installation or how to lay engineered timber flooring is actually quite simple. We will be teaching you the floating installation method. All you need are the tools, which we will tell you in a bit, and a whole lot of patience. Just follow these steps and you will be walking on your own engineered timber floor in no time. 

Tools you need: 

• Pencil (to mark areas) 
• PVA Glue
• Underlay 
• Measuring Tape 
• Hand Saw
• Duct Tape
• Hammer 
• Pry Bar

Steps: 

1. Before anything else, it is important to examine your site conditions. When site conditions are unstable, it could cause your flooring to react badly such as wood flooring lifting, splitting, creaking and having gaps. 

Make sure humidity levels are 45% to 65% with a moisture content of 12% and below. Concrete sub-floors below should also be of 12% or lesser and levelled. 

2. Next, acclimatise your engineered timber flooring before installing them. This can greatly affect the performance of your flooring after installation. As timber flooring could react to even the moisture and temperature of your space, be sure to take them out of the box and place them around the designated space. It will take about a week for them to be fully acclimatised. 

3. Once the first two steps are completed, you are now ready to lay your flooring. Firstly, clear up the floor and vacuum any dirt and dust to create an even and levelled subfloor. Then, unroll the foam underlay and cover the entire space with this single layer. Trim any access to fit your space and seal the seams with duct tape. 

4. Lay down the first plank while placing a spacer against the wall to allow room for expansion in the future. Measure the plank and mark the remainder on the new plank with your pencil. Using the hand saw, cut the new plank according to the marking and glue in the new piece to install. 

5. Repeat this step as you go along. Remember to keep the spacers against the wall before you place the next plank. Use the hammer to bring the planks tightly together. 

6. Now that you are at the final few planks, be sure to measure the width of the last few planks to fit the entrance or doorway. Cut the piece accordingly to fit the space. 

7. Remove the spacers and take the pry bar to pull the final piece tightly against the rest. Allow the glue to dry for at least 12 hours before wiping down and removing any leftover tape. 

It’s important to remember that this is only a guide. If in doubt, we always recommend speaking with a professional before taking on any work.

Cost of engineered timber flooring

The difference in pricing does reflect the grade and quality of the timber flooring. Keep in mind that these are engineered timber flooring costs per square metre. Beginning with $50 with visible minor, natural imperfections followed by $55 to $80 for mid-tier quality and $100 to $150 for top-grade quality timber flooring with little to no imperfections. 

If you are looking at the specifics according to different types of engineered timber flooring in the market, here are the average costings: 

1. Blackbutt: Between $80 to $150 per square metre 
2. Ironbark: Between $70 to $110 per square metre
3. Parquetry: Between $60 to $150 per square metre 
4. Bamboo: Between $80 to $100 per square metre 
5. Jarrah: Between $80 to $120 per square metre
6. Tasmanian Oak: Between $50 to $80 per square metre

Note that engineered timber flooring price will differ in terms of quality, grade and installation methods. 

Best engineered timber flooring

While we cannot decide on just one best engineered timber flooring, there are three favourites amongst the people here in Australia: Blackbutt, Tasmanian Oak and Jarrah. Many have opted to have engineered oak flooring in spaces like basements and living rooms. 

Engineered timber flooring vs laminate

Engineered timber flooring vs solid timber

Engineered timber flooring vs Hybrid 

Where to get more information

Engineered timber flooring has vastly improved over the years that many homes and commercial spaces have opted to install. If you are still on the fence, reach out to Jupps Floor Coverings for your engineered timber flooring needs here in Western Australia.
From the costings of the products to the best way to install them according to your space, our team is more than ready to consult you on your new flooring space. Contact us today to get started on your new engineered timber flooring space!