Oscar Ono

High-quality timber flooring can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. The main factor in a floor’s lifespan is how thick the wear layer is. We offer flooring with wear layers up to 10mm thick. As a general rule, you can get one sand to every 0.8mm of wear layer. Some people choose to never sand and refinish their floor, which is absolutely fine, it will just show the wear and tear that has accumulated over the years. Every VidaSpace floor comes with VidaCare lifetime service, meaning we will do everything we can to make your floor last a lifetime.

This can vary depending on the specification of your product and whether the product is being used in a residential or commercial setting. Typical residential warranties are between 10 and 20 years, however we offer up to 25 years and lifetime structural warranties. All warranty documents can be found in the downloads section of our website.

An engineered board is, quite simply, a timber board which consists of more than one layer. By placing each layer so that the grain runs perpendicularly it becomes virtually impossible for the timber to swell or shrink with changes in humidity and so it dramatically increases the stability. The top layer of an engineered board (the lamella) is solid wood and obviously the thicker the surface layer the more times it can be sanded and refinished to remove the ravages of wear; the thickest wear layers are equivalent to those on solid timber boards. The lamella is securely bonded to one or two further layers – this may be a multi-layered plywood or a sandwich with either a softwood or hardwood core. Engineered boards should not be confused with laminate or veneer. Laminate uses an image of wood on its surface whilst veneer uses only a very thin layer of wood over a core of some type of composite wood product, usually fibreboard.Engineered timber is now the most common type of wood flooring used globally and the technology has enabled the production of much wider boards as well as the application of an enormous variety of interesting finishes.

No matter how well seasoned, oiled, waxed or lacquered it may be, wood remains hydroscopic. This means that when the humidity is high it will absorb some of that moisture, swell and rise or ‘crown’ in the middle. If that same piece of timber is placed in a dry environment – as happens when using heating or air conditioning – it will release its moisture, dry out and shrink. Lay pieces of timber side by side in a confined space and those changes in humidity, over time, may well result in them bowing, warping, cupping or gapping – gaps between the planks. This is what can happen with a solid wood floor, wall or ceiling.

Engineered boards are like solid timber planks with lots of benefits:

• They are far more stable than solid wood planks so there is far less likelihood of eventual problems and much wider boards can be produced.
• Engineered boards are usually available pre-finished which means a reduced installation time, cost, and no surprises on site.
• Unlike the vast majority of solid timber planks, engineered boards can usually be fitted over underfloor heating.
• Engineered boards make far more efficient use of slow-growing, lamella layer timbers (oak, walnut, etc).
• Engineered boards offer alternative, easier methods of installation.

Engineered timber flooring is generally considered the best option due to its stability and compatibility with New Zealand building methods.

Timber flooring is a premium option, but it offers long-term value due to its durability and timeless appeal.

When choosing timber flooring in NZ, it’s important to understand the different options available and how they perform in local conditions.

Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered timber flooring is the most popular choice in New Zealand due to its structural stability and compatibility with modern construction methods. Made from a real timber surface layer bonded to a stable core, it performs well in fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels.

Solid Timber Flooring
Solid timber flooring is made from a single piece of wood. While traditional and highly durable, it is more susceptible to movement and is less commonly used in modern NZ builds.

European Oak Flooring
European oak is a premium timber flooring choice, known for its consistent grain, durability, and ability to take a wide range of finishes. It is widely used in architectural homes throughout New Zealand.

The cost of timber flooring in New Zealand can vary depending on the product, installation method, and site conditions. Premium European oak timber flooring sits at the higher end of the range due to its quality, finish, and longevity.

Investing in high-quality timber flooring ensures better performance, fewer issues over time, and a more refined final result. Learn more about what determines the cost of timber flooring.

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Smoked timber refers to wood that has been subjected to a smoking process, that penetrates the surface of the wood, providing a natural form of preservation by inhibiting the growth of fungi and other microorganisms that cause wood rot. Additionally, smoking can impart unique colours and patterns to the wood, resulting in visually striking pieces with rich, warm tones and interesting grain patterns.

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