What is the difference between engineered and solid timber?

Engineered timber has a real hardwood top layer bonded to a dimensionally stable plywood or HDF substrate. Solid timber is a single piece of hardwood throughout.Stability: Engineered timber resists expansion and contraction far better than solid timber — crucial in Australia’s variable climate.Installation: Engineered timber can be floated, glued, or nailed. Solid timber must be nailed or glued to a timber subfloor.Price: Engineered timber is generally more affordable than equivalent solid timber.Appearance: Identical — the top surface is the same real hardwood species.

What subfloors can engineered timber go over?

Engineered timber can be installed over:Concrete slabs — glue-down or floating installationTimber subfloors — nail-down, glue-down, or floatingExisting hard floors — floating installation over level surfacesThe subfloor must be level (within 3mm over 3m), dry, and structurally sound. A moisture barrier is essential over concrete, and a moisture reading should be taken before installation.

Engineered Timber.

Our engineered timber flooring range features real hardwood surfaces on a multi-layered plywood core for the beauty of solid timber with enhanced stability. Available in Australian hardwoods like Spotted Gum, Blackbutt and Blue Gum, plus European inspired oak finishes.

Choose from traditional plank formats or herringbone patterns in 15.3mm and 14.3mm thicknesses. Engineered timber is suitable for installation over concrete and timber subfloors and is compatible with underfloor heating systems. A premium flooring choice for homes that deserve the real thing.

Your Questions About Engineered Timber.

Got questions about engineered timber flooring? Here are the answers our customers ask most. Contact us if you need more help.

Yes, with care. Engineered timber can be used in kitchens as long as spills are wiped up promptly. The timber surface is sealed with a protective lacquer or oil finish that provides some moisture resistance, but it is not waterproof — standing water can damage the hardwood surface over time.

Use mats near sinks and dishwashers, and avoid wet-mopping with excess water. For kitchens where water resistance is a priority, our hybrid flooring range is fully waterproof and a better choice.

Our 15.3mm European Oak range has a wear layer thick enough for 2–3 full sand-and-refinish cycles over the floor’s lifetime. The 14.3mm Australian Hardwood range can typically be sanded 1–2 times.

This gives engineered timber a lifespan of 30–50+ years with proper maintenance — far longer than hybrid or laminate, which cannot be refinished at all.

Yes. Engineered timber’s stable construction handles the gentle heat of underfloor heating systems. Ensure the surface temperature does not exceed 27°C and use a glue-down installation method for best heat transfer.

Always check the specific product’s installation guide and consult your heating system supplier to confirm compatibility.

Engineered timber has a real hardwood top layer bonded to a dimensionally stable plywood or HDF substrate. Solid timber is a single piece of hardwood throughout.

Stability: Engineered timber resists expansion and contraction far better than solid timber — crucial in Australia’s variable climate.
Installation: Engineered timber can be floated, glued, or nailed. Solid timber must be nailed or glued to a timber subfloor.
Price: Engineered timber is generally more affordable than equivalent solid timber.
Appearance: Identical — the top surface is the same real hardwood species.

Choose hybrid for value, waterproof performance, and low maintenance. Choose engineered timber for authentic timber character, warmth, and the ability to refinish for a floor that lasts generations.

Engineered timber can be installed over:

Concrete slabs — glue-down or floating installation
Timber subfloors — nail-down, glue-down, or floating
Existing hard floors — floating installation over level surfaces

The subfloor must be level (within 3mm over 3m), dry, and structurally sound. A moisture barrier is essential over concrete, and a moisture reading should be taken before installation.

All our engineered timber flooring carries a 30-year structural warranty covering manufacturing and structural defects. The hardwood surface is warranted when installed and maintained according to our guidelines. Keep your invoice as proof of purchase.

Engineered Timber Flooring | Real Hardwood, Engineered Stability.

Nothing matches the warmth, depth, and character of real timber flooring. Our engineered timber range gives you a genuine hardwood top layer — the same species you’d find in a solid timber floor — bonded to a dimensionally stable substrate that resists the warping, cupping, and seasonal movement solid timber is prone to in Australian conditions.

Engineered timber can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime, making it a long-term investment for homes where authenticity matters. All products carry a 30-year structural warranty. Request free samples to see and feel the real timber difference.

Perspective view of Pacific Spotted Gum SPC Hybrid Floorboards Herringbone 7.5+2mm in Pacific Spotted colour warm tone herringbone flooring sample

Why choose engineered timber over solid?

Engineered timber gives you the identical look and feel of solid hardwood with far better dimensional stability. The plywood substrate resists expansion and contraction, making it suitable for Australian climates, underfloor heating, and a wider range of subfloors than solid timber.

Key benefits of engineered timber flooring:

Real hardwood top layer — identical look and feel to solid timber
Dimensionally stable — won’t cup, gap, or warp like solid timber
Can be sanded and refinished — extend the floor’s life by decades
Suitable for underfloor heating — stable construction handles temperature changes
Wide plank profiles — up to 190mm wide for a contemporary, spacious look
Versatile installation — glue-down, nail-down, or floating

Engineered timber pricing at Hippo Floors.

Our engineered timber pricing is transparent and competitive. We carry two ranges to suit different budgets and style preferences, both backed by a 30-year structural warranty.

European Oak Range (15.3mm)

Colours: 10 designer finishes (Pale Oak, Natural Limed, Midnight Grey, etc.)
Wear layer: can be sanded 2–3 times
Width: wide plank profiles up to 190mm

Australian Hardwood Range (14.3mm)

Species: Victoria Ash, Tallowood, Spotted Gum, Grey Iron Bark, Blue Gum, Blackbutt
Wear layer: can be sanded 1–2 times
Character: natural grain variation and colour depth of Australian native species

Installation costs

Engineered timber care tips.

Keep your engineered timber floor looking its best for decades with these essentials.

1

Protect from water

Wipe up spills promptly. Use mats near sinks, dishwashers, and entry points. Never wet-mop with excess water — a damp microfibre mop is all you need for regular cleaning.

2

Use felt pads on furniture

Attach felt pads to the legs of chairs, tables, and sofas. Real hardwood surfaces can dent and scratch under concentrated pressure — felt pads spread the load and prevent marks.

3

Schedule periodic recoating

Depending on traffic, engineered timber benefits from a professional recoat every 5–10 years. This restores the protective surface layer and keeps the floor looking fresh without a full sand-and-refinish.

Is engineered timber worth the investment?

If you value authentic natural timber character and want a floor that can be refreshed and refinished over decades, engineered timber is the premium choice. It’s a long-term investment that adds genuine warmth and value to your home.

Engineered timber makes sense when:

You want the look and feel of real hardwood — not a printed replica
You plan to stay in the home long-term and want a floor that lasts 30–50+ years
You’re willing to invest in periodic maintenance (recoating, eventually refinishing)
Your project avoids wet areas (use hybrid flooring for bathrooms and laundries)

Consider hybrid instead when:

Waterproof performance is essential (kitchens, bathrooms, laundries)
Low maintenance is a priority (no sanding, no recoating)

Request free samples to compare engineered timber and hybrid side by side.

Learn more from our blogs.

Best Flooring for Brisbane and Queensland Homes (2026 Climate Guide)

May 7, 2026|Hippo Floors

Brisbane's subtropical climate - hot summers, high humidity, and intense storm seasons - makes choosing the right flooring more important than in most Australian cities. The wrong floor can warp,...

Best Flooring for Living Rooms in Australia (2026 Style Guide)

May 7, 2026|Hippo Floors

Your living room is the centrepiece of your home - the room guests see first, where your family spends the most time, and the single largest floor area on display....

Best Flooring for Apartments in Australia (2026 Strata Guide)

May 7, 2026|Hippo Floors

Quick answer: SPC hybrid flooring is the best choice for most Australian apartments - it meets strata acoustic requirements with proper underlay, handles concrete slab installation, and provides waterproof protection...

What Our Customers Say.

5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love the flooring

“The quality exceeded my expectations. Installation was straightforward and the finished result looks incredible. Would highly recommend to anyone renovating.”

Best value for money

“Compared dozens of options and nothing came close to the value here. SPC flooring is durable, waterproof, and looks like real timber. Couldn't be happier.”

Great product, fast delivery

“Ordered on Monday, arrived Wednesday. The planks are solid and the click system makes installation a breeze. Took me a weekend for the whole living room.”

Really happy

“Really happy with the selection of flooring, made it hard to choose! Floor came undamaged and looks even better in person. Will definitely use them again.”

Great Flooring

“Great flooring & wonderful service. Definitely recommend!!”

Amazing experience

“Amazing experience with Hippo Floors! Couldn’t be happier with how our floors turned out!”

Ordering again soon

“Ordered the hybrid SPC in the ash grey colour and it arrived faster than expected. Packaging was solid, no damage. Laid it myself over a long weekend and it clicked together really easily. Looks amazing, my partner couldn't believe we did it ourselves. Will be ordering for the second bedroom soon.”

Highly Recommend

“Had a few questions before ordering and Jordan got back to me same day with actually useful answers. Ended up going with the herringbone SPC for our entryway and it's a showstopper. Highly recommend.”

Flooring quality is genuinely good

“Third time ordering from Hippo Floors now. Prices are the best I've found online and the flooring quality is genuinely good. Had one plank arrive with a slight chip on an edge, sent a photo and they sorted it out no drama.”

Would buy again

“Good range, decent prices, fast shipping to regional QLD which I didn't expect. Took off one star only because the colour looked slightly different on my screen vs in person, but honestly once it was down I was happy with it. Would buy again.”

Great product

“Renovating our entire ground floor and went with Hippo Floors after getting quotes from a few places. Saved a decent chunk going direct online and the product is exactly what they describe. Installation team they referred us to was great too.”