Choosing the right flooring is one of the most crucial decisions in any home or commercial renovation. Greenhill Timbers Engineered flooring stands out as a premium choice for those seeking the perfect combination of elegance, durability, and practicality. Whether you’re upgrading a residential living room or planning a high-traffic commercial space, engineered wood flooring delivers timeless appeal with modern performance benefits.
What is Engineered Flooring?
Engineered flooring is composed of multiple layers of wood pressed together under high pressure. The top layer, known as the wear layer, is made of real hardwood, providing the authentic look and feel of solid timber. Beneath this lies a core made from high-density plywood or HDF (High-Density Fiberboard), offering enhanced stability and resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Unlike traditional solid hardwood, engineered timber is specifically designed to withstand modern building challenges, such as humidity, subfloor imperfections, and underfloor heating systems.
Benefits of Engineered Flooring
1. Natural Beauty with Enhanced Performance
Engineered flooring delivers the genuine warmth and character of hardwood, available in species like oak, walnut, maple, and spotted gum, while being more adaptable and resilient than solid wood.
2. Stability and Moisture Resistance
The multi-layered construction minimizes expansion and contraction due to environmental changes. This makes engineered timber ideal for areas prone to humidity, such as kitchens, basements, and even bathrooms (with proper sealing).
3. Easy Installation
Engineered flooring comes in tongue-and-groove or click-lock systems, making it suitable for both floating and glue-down installations. The flooring can often be laid directly over concrete or existing flooring, significantly reducing labor and time.
4. Compatibility with Underfloor Heating
Unlike solid wood, engineered timber flooring works well with underfloor heating systems, offering warmth and luxury underfoot without the risk of warping.
5. Eco-Friendly Option
Engineered flooring uses less slow-growing hardwood than solid planks, making it a more sustainable choice. Additionally, many manufacturers use FSC-certified wood and low-VOC adhesives, promoting better indoor air quality.
Types of Engineered Flooring Finishes
Matte Finish
Provides a natural, subtle look and hides small scratches and dust better than glossy finishes.
Glossy Finish
Adds a luxurious, shiny surface that enhances the wood grain. Best suited for low-traffic areas.
Brushed & Oiled
Enhances the wood’s texture and depth, offering a rustic, lived-in feel. Requires periodic re-oiling to maintain its beauty.
UV Lacquered
Extremely durable and resistant to UV rays and daily wear, making it ideal for sunlit or high-traffic spaces.
Popular Engineered Flooring Styles
Wide Plank Oak Flooring
Modern interiors often feature wide plank designs that showcase the natural grain patterns of European or American oak.
Chevron and Herringbone Patterns
Engineered flooring can be laid in intricate parquet styles, such as chevron and herringbone, adding visual interest and a touch of sophistication.
Rustic and Distressed Looks
Perfect for farmhouse and industrial aesthetics, these floors highlight knots, cracks, and character marks that make each plank unique.
Engineered Flooring vs. Solid Hardwood
| Feature | Engineered Flooring | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High (multi-layer core) | Medium (natural movement) |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Installation | DIY-friendly | Professional required |
| Underfloor Heating | Compatible | Not recommended |
| Refinishing | 1–3 times | Multiple times |
| Price | More affordable | Expensive |
Engineered flooring offers nearly all the aesthetic benefits of solid wood with enhanced practicality and often at a lower cost.
Maintenance and Care Tips
To extend the lifespan and beauty of your engineered floors:
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Use soft brooms or microfiber mops for regular cleaning
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Avoid wet mopping – use a damp cloth with wood floor cleaner
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Place rugs or mats at entrances to reduce dirt and moisture
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Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches
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Avoid high heels and pet claws on the surface
Depending on the thickness of the top hardwood layer, engineered floors can be lightly sanded and refinished 1–3 times over their lifetime.
Engineered Flooring Installation Options
Floating Installation
Ideal for DIYers, this method involves clicking the planks together without nails or glue. Suitable over underlay and for quick renovations.
Glue-Down Installation
Provides maximum stability and sound insulation. Recommended for commercial spaces and areas with high foot traffic.
Nail or Staple Installation
Common for wooden subfloors. Offers strong anchoring but requires professional tools and expertise.
Where to Use Engineered Flooring
Engineered flooring is versatile and perfect for:
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Living rooms and bedrooms for natural warmth and comfort
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Kitchens and dining areas for easy cleaning and moisture resistance
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Hallways and entryways where high durability is essential
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Retail and office spaces that need a professional yet inviting look
Cost of Engineered Flooring
The cost of engineered wood flooring in Melbourne or other regions can vary depending on:
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Wood species (oak, walnut, spotted gum, etc.)
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Wear layer thickness
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Finish type (brushed, UV lacquered, oiled)
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Brand and warranty coverage
On average, prices range from $60 to $120 per square meter, excluding installation. Installation costs may vary between $30 and $50 per square meter.
Why Choose Our Engineered Flooring Solutions
We are trusted suppliers and installers of engineered timber flooring in Melbourne, offering:
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A wide range of premium timber species and finishes
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In-house expert design advice and site consultation
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Competitive pricing and complete installation services
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Sustainable and eco-friendly flooring solutions
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Long warranties and after-sales support
Our flooring solutions are tailored to meet both residential and commercial needs, ensuring quality, style, and long-term performance.