Solid Timber Flooring

What Is Solid Timber Flooring?

Solid timber flooring consists of hardwood
boards made from solid wood throughout
their thickness. Unlike engineered timber,
these boards do not have a layered
plywood or composite core.

The timber species determines the natural
grain, colour and hardness. As a result,
each solid timber floor has individual
character and natural variation.

Why Choose Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring appeals to
homeowners who value authentic timber
construction and a traditional floor.
With suitable care, it can remain
a feature of the home for many years.

• Genuine hardwood throughout each board
• Natural colours and distinctive grain
• Classic appearance for residential interiors
• Potential for future sanding and refinishing
• Choice of timber species and surface finishes
• Suitable options for traditional timber subfloors

Solid Timber vs Engineered Timber

Both flooring types feature real wood.
However, their construction is different.

Solid timber uses hardwood throughout
each plank. Engineered timber combines
a genuine timber surface with a
multi-layer supporting core.

Engineered construction generally offers
greater dimensional stability when
indoor humidity changes. Solid timber,
meanwhile, responds more directly to
changes in its environment.

Installation methods also differ.
Therefore, consider the substrate,
building conditions and flooring
manufacturer’s requirements.

COMPARE ENGINEERED TIMBER FLOORING →

Australian Solid Timber Species

Australian hardwood species offer
distinctive natural colours and grain.
Common examples include Blackbutt,
Spotted Gum, Jarrah and Ironbark.

Each species has different appearance,
hardness and movement characteristics.
Product availability and board dimensions
can also vary between manufacturers.

EXPLORE AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERED HARDWOOD →

Blackbutt Solid Timber Flooring

Blackbutt often features pale cream,
golden and warm brown tones.
Its natural appearance suits
contemporary and traditional interiors.

Grain and colour variation occur
between individual boards.
Therefore, view a suitable sample
area when selecting your floor.

Spotted Gum Solid Timber Flooring

Spotted Gum is known for strong
natural grain and colour variation.
Depending on the timber, tones
can range from lighter browns
to deeper warm shades.

Its distinctive character can
create a striking hardwood floor.
However, the appearance varies
with species, grade and finish.

Jarrah and Other Hardwood Species

Jarrah commonly features rich
red-brown tones. Other hardwood
species offer their own natural
colours, grain patterns and
performance characteristics.

When comparing solid timber,
consider the species, grade,
board dimensions and finish.

Understanding Solid Timber Grades

Timber grading describes the
natural features visible in
the boards. These may include
knots, grain variation, gum
veins and other markings.

Cleaner grades generally offer
a more consistent appearance.
Character grades allow more
visible natural features.

Grading definitions vary between
species and suppliers. Always
check the exact product standard.

Solid Timber Board Width & Thickness

Solid timber floorboards come
in different dimensions.
Board thickness and width affect
the installation requirements
and finished appearance.

Wider boards can create a bold,
contemporary look. However, they
may require additional attention
to moisture and natural movement.

The suitable board size depends
on the flooring system and site.

How Is Solid Timber Flooring Installed?

Solid timber installation depends
on the board profile, substrate
and manufacturer’s instructions.

Traditional systems may use
mechanical fixing over suitable
timber subfloors or battens.
Some products allow approved
adhesive or combined fixing methods.

Unlike many engineered timber products,
solid timber should not be assumed
suitable for standard floating
installation over underlay.

Can Solid Timber Be Installed Over Concrete?

Concrete installation requires
special consideration. Solid timber
should not be installed directly
over a slab unless the selected
product and complete installation
system specifically allow it.

Moisture testing, substrate preparation
and an approved fixing or
moisture-management system may be required.

For many concrete-floor projects,
suitable engineered timber may
offer a more straightforward option.

Moisture & Timber Movement

Solid wood naturally expands
and contracts as its moisture
content changes.
Seasonal gaps or movement may
occur when indoor conditions vary.

Correct storage, site conditions,
acclimatisation where specified
and expansion allowances are important.

The installer should follow
the requirements for the
selected timber flooring system.

Subfloor Preparation Matters

A suitable subfloor supports
the finished timber floor.
Before installation, assess
moisture, flatness, structural
condition and fixing suitability.

Depending on the project,
additional preparation may
be necessary. The required
work depends on the existing
floor and installation method.

Pre-Finished vs Unfinished Solid Timber

Pre-finished solid timber arrives
with a factory-applied surface
coating. This can reduce the
finishing work required on site.

Unfinished timber normally requires
sanding and coating after installation.
The process allows the selected
finish to be applied on site.

Both options have different
costs, installation times
and finishing requirements.

Can Solid Timber Be Sanded and Refinished?

Many traditional solid hardwood
floors can be sanded and refinished
more than once.

However, the number of possible
refinishes depends on the board
profile, remaining usable timber,
previous sanding and floor condition.

A flooring professional should
assess the boards before sanding.

Is Solid Timber Suitable for Underfloor Heating?

Solid timber is sensitive to
temperature and moisture changes.
Therefore, compatibility with
underfloor heating should never
be assumed.

Only use a system when both
the timber flooring manufacturer
and heating specification approve it.

How to Maintain Solid Timber Flooring

Regular maintenance helps protect
the timber surface and its coating.
Choose cleaning methods suited to
the exact finish.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly.
• Remove spills promptly.
• Use suitable timber flooring cleaners.
• Avoid excessive water and steam cleaning.
• Use protective pads under furniture.
• Place mats near busy entrances.
• Maintain appropriate indoor conditions.

Solid Timber Flooring Cost in Melbourne

The cost depends on timber species,
board dimensions, grade, finishing
and installation requirements.

Existing floor removal, subfloor
preparation and site finishing
may also affect the final price.

For an accurate estimate,
request a quote based on
your selected flooring and site.

Choosing Solid or Engineered Timber

Solid timber may suit projects
where traditional hardwood construction
and future refinishing are priorities.

Engineered timber can be a practical
alternative when dimensional stability
and certain substrate conditions
are more important.

Our team can help you compare
suitable options for your home.