Which Wooden Flooring is Right for You?

If you’ve been asking yourself “Which wooden flooring should I choose?”, you’re not alone. With so many types of wooden floors available today, it can be tricky to know which one best suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

The main options most homeowners consider are: solid timber, engineered timber, and laminate flooring.

Each has unique advantages and trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know.

Solid Wooden Flooring

What it is:
Solid wooden flooring is made from a single piece of hardwood such as oak, walnut, ash, or matai.

Pros:

• Authentic and traditional look

• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times

• Adds long-term value to your home

Cons:

• More sensitive to humidity and temperature changes

• Higher upfront cost and longer installation time

• Requires professional installation

Best for: Homeowners wanting a classic, premium wooden floor that will last for decades.

Engineered Wooden Flooring

What it is:
Engineered wooden flooring features a real hardwood top layer with multiple stable layers beneath.

Pros:

• Excellent stability in changing climates (less expansion and contraction)

• Suitable with underfloor heating

• Prefinished boards mean faster installation

• Looks and feels like solid wood

Cons:

• Can only be sanded a limited number of times (depending on wear layer)

• Still considered a premium option, though often more cost-effective than solid

Best for: Families and modern homes, especially in areas with humidity, coastal conditions, or where underfloor heating is used.

Laminate Flooring

What it is:
Laminate flooring is not real wood - it’s a manufactured product with a photographic timber-look surface.

Pros:

• More affordable than timber options

• Scratch and stain-resistant surface

• Quick and easy click-together installation

Cons:

• Cannot be sanded or refinished

• Doesn’t have the natural feel of wooden flooring

• Can be damaged by water or poor installation

Best for: Rental properties, investment homes, or when budget is the top priority.

Other Wooden Flooring Alternatives

Bamboo Flooring: Eco-friendly and stylish, though less common in New Zealand.

Hybrid Flooring: Combines vinyl and laminate technology for waterproof durability, but not a natural timber product.

So, Which Wooden Flooring is Best?

Your choice comes down to your priorities:

• Solid wooden floors → timeless and long-lasting

• Engineered wooden floors → stable, practical, and natural looking

• Laminate flooring → affordable and easy to install

At Timber Flooring Specialists, we find that engineered wooden flooring is the most versatile choice for New Zealand homes. It balances the beauty of real wood with the practicality needed for our climate and modern lifestyles.

Talk to the Experts

Still wondering “Which wooden flooring is right for me?” Our team can guide you through all the options, from solid and engineered timber to prefinished finishes.

Contact Timber Flooring Specialists today to find the perfect floor for your home.