How Australian seasons affect timber floors, and when to choose engineered timber vs solid hardwood.
Engineered vs Hardwood Floors in Australian Climates
Australia’s dry winters and humid summers can stress timber floors. Here’s how the two compare:
Engineered Timber
- Construction: Real timber veneer over a stable multi-ply or HDF core
- Pros: Better dimensional stability on slabs; faster install; wide board options
- Cons: Limited refinishing depending on veneer thickness (e.g., ~2–4 mm)
Solid Hardwood
- Construction: One species all the way through
- Pros: Longevity; multiple sand & polishes; traditional character
- Cons: Needs careful acclimatisation and expansion allowance; generally higher installed cost
When to choose what
- Apartments / slab-on-ground: Engineered (floating or glue-down with acoustic layer)
- Long-term forever home with prestige finish: Solid hardwood (with correct slab moisture control)