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Hippo Floors

Engineered Timber

Premium through and through. Engineered timber brings a 3mm layer of real timber veneer,vauthentic wood looks that lift the value of your home. The ideal choice for renovations and forever homes.

Colour
Thickness

28 products

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Range comparison
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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Can engineered timber be used in kitchens?

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.

How many times can engineered timber be sanded?

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.

Is engineered timber suitable for underfloor heating?

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.

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.
How does engineered timber compare to hybrid flooring?

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.

What subfloors can engineered timber go over?

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.

What warranty covers your engineered timber?

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.