Start here
New to timber flooring? Start with the floorboards buying guide for Australia, which covers construction types, species, grades, patterns, subfloors, finishes and costs in one place. The guides below go deeper on each topic.
Every guide follows the same approach: a direct answer first, then tables, steps and sources. Where a detail depends on a specific adhesive, finish, heating system or product, we say so – the manufacturer's instructions govern. Timbo is a trade supplier of Prime grade European solid oak parquet; homeowners buy and install through a Timbo partner, and flooring businesses can become a partner.
Buying
Choosing the right floor: construction, species, grade and pattern.
Installation
Getting the subfloor, moisture and layout right – the foundations of a floor that lasts.
Finishing and care
Sanding, choosing a finish and keeping the floor looking good.
Compliance
Standards and regulations that affect timber flooring in Australia and New Zealand – from slip resistance and bushfire zones to legal timber sourcing and import rules.
Costs
What timber flooring costs per square metre, and how much to order. All prices are cited, and GST treatment is stated.
Comparisons and FAQs
Weighing up two options? Our flooring comparisons cover solid vs engineered, European oak vs Australian hardwoods, herringbone vs chevron and more. For quick answers about Timbo, ordering and partners, see the FAQ.
How we write these guides
- Answer first – each section starts with the direct answer.
- Sourced numbers – standards, moisture figures and prices link to their published source, such as ATFA, WoodSolutions, BRANZ and Australian and New Zealand retailers. For example, typical Australian interiors sit at about 8–14% equilibrium moisture content (WoodSolutions).
- Honest about limits – where a figure depends on a product or site, we say so rather than guess.
- Kept current – each guide shows the date it was last updated.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Who are Timbo's flooring guides written for?
Both trade and homeowners. Retailers and installers can use them as a reference and share them with clients; homeowners can use them to understand options before talking to a Timbo partner.
Are the prices in these guides Timbo's prices?
No. Price ranges are published figures from Australian and New Zealand retailers and installers, cited with links. Timbo is a trade supplier and doesn't publish retail prices – partners quote the finished job.
Do the guides replace manufacturer instructions?
No. Adhesive, moisture-barrier, finish and heating manufacturers' instructions, and relevant standards, always govern. The guides explain common practice and the questions to ask.
Where should I start if I'm new to timber flooring?
Start with the floorboards buying guide, then read the guide for your subfloor – usually a concrete slab – and the finishing guides.
Can I suggest a topic for a new guide?
Yes. Email partnerships@timbo.com.au or use the contact page with the question you'd like answered.