Timber floor installation in Sydney: where to start
Timber floor installation in Sydney ranges from floating engineered boards over an old floor to solid hardwood fixed to joists and sanded on site. The right system depends on what's underneath, moisture levels and how you use the room. Getting the subfloor right is what makes a timber floor quiet, flat and long-lasting.
Solid and engineered systems have different installation requirements. Ask for an assessment of the existing substrate and any moisture issues before ordering the floor.
What’s usually included
Every property is different, but a good quote for timber floor installation should spell out items like these.
- Substrate and moisture assessment
- Product and installation-system specification
- Preparation and levelling
- Transitions, trims and skirting interfaces
- Installation and care instructions
How much does it cost?
Preparation, floor area, access, product selection and trim details affect cost. Ask whether removal, levelling and finishing are included.
How long it takes: Many rooms can be laid in a few days, while sanding and coating solid timber on site adds more days for coats to dry.
Licences, insurance and approvals
In NSW, laying timber floors worth more than $5,000 (incl. GST) is residential building work that usually needs a contractor licence, for example in carpentry. In apartments, hard floors are a minor renovation that needs owners corporation approval.
Every member of our crew has their NSW licence verified and insurance sighted before joining, and agrees to quote in writing with their licence number shown. Before you sign, confirm the licence number on the quote using the NSW Government licence check, and make sure residential work over $5,000 (including GST) has a written contract.
Have these details ready
A clear brief gets you faster, more accurate quotes.
- Floor area and existing surface
- Chosen product if any
- Known moisture or unevenness
- Furniture and access arrangements
Timber floor installation: common questions
Can flooring cover an uneven substrate?
The system has preparation requirements. The contractor should identify any levelling or repairs needed before installation.
Solid or engineered timber flooring: which should I choose?
Solid timber boards are one piece of wood that can be sanded and refinished several times, and they are often sanded and coated on site. Engineered boards have a real timber top layer over a stable core, come pre-finished and are often quicker to install. Engineered boards can suit slabs and apartments where solid boards may be harder to lay.
Can timber flooring go on a concrete slab?
Yes. Engineered boards are often floated or glued to concrete, and solid timber can be glued down or fixed to battens. The slab must be dry, flat and clean, so installers usually test moisture first. Moisture barriers and levelling may add to the job.
Do apartment timber floors need approval?
In NSW, installing or replacing hard floors in a strata apartment is a minor renovation that needs owners corporation approval. Buildings commonly ask for details of the flooring and underlay, and an acoustic rating to limit noise to the unit below. Check your by-laws before buying flooring.
Does timber flooring need to acclimatise before laying?
Many manufacturers recommend letting boards adjust to the room before laying so they settle to your home's humidity. The time needed depends on the product and the conditions, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rushing this step can lead to gaps or cupping later.