faqs
frequently asked questions

engineered timber flooring comprises of more than one layer, as opposed to a single piece of timber. a timber floor collective engineered timber floor consists of a solid timber wear layer (known as the veneer, or top lamella) and a multi-layered plywood core substructure.

timber floor collective engineered timber is more stable than solid timber flooring and is less susceptible to expansion and contraction, cupping, crowning, and warping. as a result, engineered timber flooring is particularly suitable for the australian climate, which is prone to significant temperature and humidity fluctuations due to our volatile climate.

yes. the wear layer of engineered flooring is solid timber. the wear layer of timber floor collective engineered flooring ranges from 3mm to 6mm in thickness. the wear layer is bonded to multi-layered plywood. this means that our engineered timber flooring is a real timber floor and will look as beautiful and natural as solid timber flooring.

absolutely! a high-quality engineered floor has a genuine veneer of solid timber, which can be sanded back just like a solid timber floor. sanding and polishing by a professional floor sander removes a small portion of the surface timber. depending on the timber floor collective floor you choose, you’ll be able to sand your floors one, two, or even three times over.

engineered timber allows many more planks to be created from a single log than with solid timber floor products. the result is many times more square meters of flooring is made from each tree.

the choice of engineered timber flooring is one of the most eco-friendly building materials you can select. timber floor collective only sources its timber from ethical suppliers, ensuring that each tree harvested is replaced, protecting the forest and environment for future generations.

engineered timber flooring was first introduced into australia more than two decades ago and is now the most common type of wood flooring used around the world for the following reasons:

1. engineered timber flooring does not typically require acclimatization on site like solid timber flooring and can be delivered as a pre-finished product to be installed straight out of the box.
2. unlike solid timber flooring, engineered timber flooring can be fitted over underfloor heating (typically hydronic) with adherence to strict guidelines.
3. engineered timber flooring is highly suited to australian climatic conditions and is much more stable than solid timber flooring.
4. engineered timber is a better environmental choice than solid timber flooring as many more timber floorboards can be produced from a single tree, in comparison to sold timber flooring.

yes. engineered timber flooring is a natural wood product. both solid timber and engineered timber flooring can be scratched or marked if not cared for. please speak with the timber floor collective team about the best way to maintain your engineered timber floor.

hard wax oil is the most beautiful looking timber floor finish you can choose. an oil finish penetrates the timber to enhance the colour and grain pattern, whilst allowing the floor to ‘breathe’ and delivering long term protection for the floor.

timber floor collective uses a hard wax oil that is solvent and VOC free. In addition, our hard wax oil is cured immediately with an LED light, leaving the floor surface instantly resilient and protected against dirt and moisture.

timber floor collective uses an ultra-matte, water based polyurethane coating which is applied to the surface. this type of floor finish uses 7 coats that protect the flooring from dirt and moisture penetration of. lacquered floors if scratched cannot be as easily spot repaired like an oil floor.

yes. engineered timber flooring can be installed over various existing substrates, such as:

• solid timber flooring
• particleboard flooring (also known as yellow-tongue or structaflor)
• plywood sheeting
• concrete slabs
• tiled floors

whilst engineered timber flooring can be installed over the abovementioned substrates, there are prerequisite requirements that must be met.

existing or new substrates must be level, and flat to within 3mm over 3m (+/-) maximum, when assessed with a 3m straight edge, over all parts of the substrate. substrates must be permanent and structurally sound.

all timber substrates must be rough sanded and levelled to the required tolerances prior to the installation of new engineered timber flooring.

concrete slabs must meet the same levelling and flatness criteria, and properly prepared by grinding and the application of self-levelling compound to achieve the minimum requirements.

tiled floors must be structural and firmly bonded to the substrate on which they are installed. tiled floors can be prepared using the same principals used on concrete slabs, however, the tiles must be scuff-ground prior to the application of self-levelling compound.