Engineered vs. Solid Timber: What’s the Difference?

Choosing the right timber flooring is a key decision for your home or project. Two of the most popular options are engineered timber and solid timber flooring. While both offer the natural beauty and warmth of wood, they differ in construction, performance, and suitability for different environments. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice that suits your needs and lifestyle.

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What is Solid Timber Flooring?

Solid timber flooring is made from a single piece of hardwood, milled from a solid timber log. Each plank is uniform in thickness and cut to size. This traditional flooring type has been used for centuries and is prized for its authenticity, natural look, and ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan.

Key characteristics of solid timber:

• Typically 18-20mm thick.
• Can be sanded and refinished many times.
• Expands and contracts naturally with changes in humidity.
• Best suited for above-ground installations (not recommended for basements or areas with high moisture).

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What is Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber flooring consists of multiple layers of wood veneer bonded together, with a real hardwood top layer called the wear layer. The core layers are made from plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF), which provide enhanced stability. This multi-ply construction helps the floor resist moisture and temperature changes better than solid timber.

Key characteristics of engineered timber:

• Typically 14-15mm thick, with a real hardwood wear layer between 3-6mm.
• Can be sanded and refinished, but fewer times than solid timber.
• More dimensionally stable and resistant to moisture.
• Suitable for installation over concrete slabs, underfloor heating, and areas with fluctuating humidity.

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Comparing Engineered and Solid Timber

Feature	Solid Timber	Engineered Timber
Construction	Single solid hardwood plank	Multi-layer plywood core + hardwood veneer
Stability	Expands/contracts significantly	More stable, less movement
Moisture Resistance	Less resistant	More resistant
Installation Options	Nail down or staple	Glue down, floating, or nail down
Refinishing Potential	Can be sanded many times	Limited sanding, depending on wear layer thickness
Suitable for Wet Areas	Not recommended	Suitable with proper finish and installation
Cost	Generally higher	Often more cost-effective

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Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Solid Timber if:
  • You prefer a traditional, classic timber floor.
  • Your installation is above ground and in a dry environment.
  • You want a floor that can be refinished multiple times over decades.
• Choose Engineered Timber if:
  • You need a floor with better dimensional stability.
  • You want to install over concrete, radiant heating, or areas prone to humidity.
  • You prefer quicker installation options like floating floors.
  • You desire a high-quality timber floor with custom finishes and durability.

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Bespoke Timber Coatings: Your Partner in Timber Flooring

At Bespoke Timber Coatings, we specialise in engineered timber flooring that combines beauty, strength, and versatility. Our floors are designed to withstand New Zealand’s unique climate while allowing you to customise finishes to match your style perfectly.