Floating / engineered floors are fast and easy to install, ready to use immediately,
They don’t require sanding and polishing (vast majority),
They have better sound insulation rating thanks to the underlay, therefore are more suitable for multi storey buildings, offices etc.
Depending on the thickness of the upper veneer layer, a timber floating floor can be re- sanded and re-coated at least once. This doesn’t apply for laminate floating floors.
Timber floating floors come up pre-coated from the factory. The gloss level is an even finish without dust particles, blemishes and sanding marks.
After installation the new floor level will be typically between 10-20mm higher than the original floor.
The length of a sinlge plank is set and usually measures between 1-2.3m in length.
The majority of floating floors are imported from Asia and Europe.
Solid timber floors have a much longer life, because they can be sanded and polished many times (well this depends on the skills of your floor sander) as the name suggests they are more riggid and feel more solid under your feet.
You need a good floor sander and polisher to create a high quality professional finish.
The standard thickness of tongue and groove (T&G) flooring is 19mm.
You may run three scenarios:
1. If you lift up the existing timber flooring which is installed over bearers and joists, and replace this floor with a new installation, then the new floor level will be almost the same. (Sometimes old timber may be thicker - 22mm or thinner-due to being repeatedly sanded overtime.
2.Installation of a new timber floor over an existing one will increase the height by 19mm.
3.If you have to install 19mm battens or plywood first then your new floor level will be 38mm higher.
The timber boards are available in random lengths varying from 1-6m.
They can also be installed in units but the cost will be higher due to the sound insulation protection and plywood, which the floor is laid upon. (The new floor level will be typically 38-50mm higher).
Majority of solid timber floors are produced from different types of trees grown in Australia from plantation or natural forests.
The property value will be higher with a solid timber floor than with a floating floor.
