Flooring timber is used as the finished wearing surface of floors and includes: strip flooring, (T&G) parquet and block, proprietary laminated products and overlays.
Selecting the right timber for flooring involves considering factors like wood hardness, grain patterns, and colour options. Hardwood species such as oak, maple, hickory, and cherry, and in New Zealand, Silver Beech, Matai, Rimu, Tawa and Totara, are preferred for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand wear and tear. These timbers not only provide long-lasting functionality but also add a touch of timeless beauty to any interior space, making them the preferred choice for both residential and commercial flooring projects.
Suitable timbers to select for flooring are:
New Zealand
- Native timber species: Silver Beech, Matai, Rimu, Tawa, Totara. (Sapwood should be treated for borer H1.2)
- Exotic pine species: Radiata Pine, Treated H1.2
- Imported timbers species: American White Ash, Balau, European Beech, Iroko, Kwila, Maple, Meranti, American Oak and other species which may be available
- Cypress species: Lawson Cypress, Mexican Pine, Macrocarpa. (Sapwood should be treated for borer H1.2.)
Australia
- Native timber species: Alpine Ash, Mountain Ash, Blackbutt, Box-Brush, Forest Red Gum, Shining Gum, Blue Gum, Grey Gum, Mountain Grey Gum, Rose Gum, Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Messmate, Tallowwood, White Cypress and mixed species.
- Imported timbers species which may be available
Technical Specifications
Size
- Strip flooring – 19mm thick or as required – 60mm to 80mm wide
- Parquet – 8 mm to 19 mm thick various panel sizes between 200 mm x 200 mm and 500 mm x 500 mm
- Proprietary laminated and overlays – 7 mm t0 20 mm thick – various sizes
Finish
Machined to profile – some products are refinished (e.g., a protective and decorative coating is applied)
Grade
Premium or dressing or clears
Durability
Not critical to dry timber but H1.1 treatment for borer recommended for susceptible species where not exposed subfloor moisture and H1.2 for ground floor use
Moisture content
Kiln-dried to the appropriate EMC – note: ensure substrate moisture content has stabilised