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FAQs About Timber Flooring
We’re always happy to accommodate any timber-related questions over the phone or in person at our showroom. But for convenience, we’ve decided to compile the frequently asked questions about timber flooring that our team here at Middleton’s Carpets receives all the time.
These should cover most queries about installing timber for your home, including pricing, maintenance, installation, and how to choose the perfect colour and finish.
But, of course, even if you still have questions, please feel free to shoot us an email or visit our showroom so we can assist you further!
1. Which timber flooring species are the most durable for Australian homes?
If durability is your top priority, your best bet would always be Premium European Oak or locally sourced Australian hardwood, such as Blackbutt or Spotted Gum.
Their natural characteristics make them dense and ideal for resisting scratches and dents, so their surfaces will stay pristine, especially with proper maintenance. Most modern boards are engineered as well, so rest assured that they won’t easily shrink or warp when the weather fluctuates.
2. How much will it cost me to install timber flooring?
Timber will typically cost you anywhere from $150 to $300 per square metre on top of the actual installation fee. However, we always highly recommend getting a quotation, so you can get a proper estimate based on the scale, materials, and preparation required for your specific flooring project.
Every house and room is completely different, and installing timber is way more than just deciding which planks you choose, as it involves a detailed process like subfloor preparation and flooring underlay.
The good news is that you can book a free measure and quote with us. We’ll visit your place, see exactly what we are working with, and give you an exact quotation to avoid any surprises.
3. Should I choose real timber, hybrid, or laminate flooring?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best type of flooring for your home. However, here are some of the general guidelines we often share when customers ask for our expert opinions.
First, if you don’t mind spending a little extra money, go with genuine or engineered timber. As they say, there’s no beating the real deal. While high-quality hybrid or laminate can closely mimic the look of wood, the authentic, real feel and comfort underfoot can never truly be matched.
However, if you prefer a floor that can really take a beating, hybrid flooring will most likely be your best bet. It’s completely waterproof and more durable, as its surface is also made to withstand heavy wear and tear. So if your home is on the laid-back and busy side and you’re likely to spill or scratch the floors, this could be the perfect choice.
For those on a tighter budget, though, laminate flooring will be the best bang for your buck. It’s highly scratch-resistant and will still add that beautiful wood aesthetic to your space. But just know that it won’t provide the same luxurious feel of hardwood or the waterproof durability of hybrid flooring.
4. Can I install timber floors directly over a concrete subfloor?
Yes, our engineered timber flooring can be installed directly over a concrete floor. However, the concrete slab, also known as the subfloor, must undergo rigorous subfloor preparation first. Depending on the type of timber being used, a proper moisture barrier and acoustic underlay might be needed before the boards are laid.
The good news is that you usually won’t have to worry about these technical details on your own. If you work with trusted flooring experts, such as our team here at Middleton’s Carpets, an on-site inspection will be conducted. So, you’ll be advised on the necessary procedure for the best results before you even invest any money.
5. Does my concrete slab need levelling and testing before installation?
Yes, almost always! Timber needs a perfectly flat, clean, and dry surface to sit on. Even if the subfloor looks fine to the naked eye, the moisture meter or a quick level check might say otherwise.
Instead of viewing it as just another costly expense, you should treat subfloor preparation as a vital layer of insurance for your new timber flooring. It’s one of the most guaranteed ways to ensure your floors last for decades, as it stops moisture from seeping up and causing the boards to warp.
And, believe it or not, subfloor preparation might not cost as much as you think! The entire slab is rarely reworked, so depending on its condition, only certain low spots need levelling and imperfections patched up, or just filling in minor cracks.
6. Will my home’s air conditioning system affect natural timber floors?
Yes, your home’s air conditioning, as well as heating, will naturally affect your timber flooring. But it won’t be as problematic as you may expect. When you work with a local expert, like Middleton’s Carpets, for example, every project installation already takes into account the swelling and shrinking of the timber throughout the seasons.
So, to ensure the floor doesn’t buckle or warp, we include expansion gaps around the edges and sometimes between rooms. Don’t worry, these gaps aren’t really noticeable to the naked eye. But they will give the timber plenty of room to move safely.
However, to guarantee you’re really giving your timber the best protection against cold and heat, make sure that you:
- Ensure it isn’t too humid or dry indoors
- Avoid ever letting standing water or puddles sit
- Do not ever use a wet mop to clean your floors
Sometimes, clients mistakenly blame the weather for damage when it’s moisture-related, when really—sometimes the real culprit, unfortunately, comes down to other cleaning habits.
7. What should homeowners plan for during on-site sanding and coating?
The beauty of solid timber is that it can be resanded and coated every few years and restored to a like-new condition. And whenever it’s time for this exciting flooring refresh, here’s all you need to know before our expert team gets to work:
- Prep Your Furniture and Belongings. It’s best to clear all your furniture out of the rooms being treated. But if you lack the manpower, please just let our team know, and we can easily arrange to help.
- Move Out Temporarily. It usually takes a few days to sand and coat your timber. So, most clients choose to move out temporarily, or maybe take a quick vacation. If it’s a room that can be easily isolated, like perhaps a basement, it might be possible to seal off that section. But this is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and we can discuss it during the on-site inspection.
- Allow the Flooring to Fully Cure. Depending on the exact finish, your newly resanded and recoated floors will need some time to fully dry and harden. While they can typically be walked on a day or two later, it might take several days before you can return heavy furniture, clean, or cover the floor.
Don’t worry—we’ll walk you through this timeline step-by-step before work begins, so you feel completely prepared before your flooring transformation!
8. How should I maintain my timber flooring?
We’ve made an entire guide for maintaining your timber flooring. But if you prefer something bite-sized, here are some quick tips:
- Moisture or water is your floor’s worst enemy, so immediately wipe up any spills.
- Sweep your floors regularly, so the dust and dirt don’t scratch the surface.
- When cleaning them, never use a steam mop, and only use a barely damp mop with a proper timber cleaner.
If you have kids or pets that you know will still do a little bit of spilling or track in dirt, it will probably be best to add rugs in high-traffic living areas to preserve the finish.
9. Which direction should my floorboards run?
There is definitely room for creativity when deciding how your floorboards should be laid and installed. But here are some tried-and-tested tips that work best for Classic Straight Lay Planks:
- Follow the longest wall: This is the go-to method, as it naturally draws the eye in a way that makes any space feel much larger and more open.
- Widen narrow spaces: The tip above generally works for most rooms, but when it comes to a tight hallway, the trick is to lay the boards horizontally across the width to make it feel wider.
- Chase the natural light: Running boards parallel to your main windows or glass doors will highlight the timber’s grain, giving even more credit to your beautiful timber flooring.
Keep in mind that these are just simple guidelines for straight planks. If you really want to be creative, there are also other laying styles like Chevron, Herringbone, and Parquetry. So if you want the best result for your space, it’ll probably be handy to consult the experts here at Middleton’s Carpets, who can show you previous project samples and offer their expert opinions on how the right flooring can further enhance your home.
10. Why partner with Middleton’s Carpets for your timber flooring?
We don’t have the biggest team, showroom, or collection. However, that’s exactly what makes us refreshingly different here at Middleton’s Carpets.
We handpick only the finest engineered timber and oak planks from reputable brands. And instead of focusing on expanding rapidly, our small team is dedicated to continuously improving our services, selection, and customer service.
Working with us, you can rest assured that you’ll be dealing with the same group of experts from start to finish. You can ask the silly questions, ask for help regarding anything flooring, and you’ll have a group of experts who will always be a friendly resource by your side.
That’s how we, Middleton’s Carpets, have served the local area and earned the trust of families here in Albury-Wodonga for over 40 years. We are not just some faceless flooring corporation that wants every transaction done fast and at the highest price possible.
As locals ourselves, we just want to help our community improve in the way we know best—and that’s by supplying and installing the best flooring, one house at a time.
