Timber flooring is a beautiful and timeless choice for your home. On top of that, they’re also durable and easy to maintain, making it a great option for busy families. But with so many different timber flooring installers to choose from, how do you know who to hire?

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know, including:

• What timber flooring installers do
• Common issues with timber flooring
• What to consider before installing timber flooring
• The cost of hiring a timber floor installer
• How to hire a reputable installer
• Getting quotes 

What does a timber floor installer do?

As their job title suggests, timber floor installers are responsible for laying and repairing timber flooring. They have the skills and experience to ensure that your new timber floor is installed correctly and will last for many years to come.

To complete the installation, a timber flooring installer will:

• Measure and prepare the subfloor
• Lay the timber flooring
• Sand and finish the timber flooring

Common timber flooring issues

While timber flooring is a beautiful choice for your home, they can encounter potential issues. Some of the most common timber flooring issues include:

• Gapping: This occurs when timber boards shrink or expand due to changes in humidity
• Squeaking: This can occur when the timber boards rub against each other or against the subfloor
• Cupping and crowning: Caused when the timber boards warp or become uneven

What to consider before installing timber flooring

Before you install timber flooring in your home, it's important to consider a few things.

The type of timber

There are many different types of timber available, each with its own unique properties and appearance. Choose a type of timber that's suitable for your climate and the level of traffic in the room where it will be installed. A professional can advise you on this.

The subfloor

The subfloor must be level and free of defects before timber flooring can be installed. If the subfloor is not level, it will need to be levelled before the timber flooring can be laid.

The humidity

Timber is a hygroscopic material, meaning that it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. This can cause the timber to expand and contract, which can lead to problems such as gapping and buckling. For this reason, it's important to acclimate the timber to the humidity in your home before it's installed.

The finish

Timber flooring can be finished with a variety of different finishes, such as wax, oil, or polyurethane. Choose a finish that will protect the timber and give it the desired appearance.

The cost of hiring a timber floor installer

Timber floor installers estimate costs based on the type of timber flooring and installation method required. Two methods of installation are available: direct stick and floating floor.

Direct stick installation costs 

Installing timber flooring using the direct stick method is more expensive, at $40 to $60 per square metre. Direct stick must be used on timber flooring if it’s thicker than 20mm and it must be laid on top of a plywood base. If your existing subfloor is concrete, you’ll need to factor in an additional $20 to $40 per square metre for the plywood base.

Floating floor installation costs 

Floating floor installation is a cheaper option, priced at $30 to $40 per square metre. It can be used on flooring that’s thinner than 20mm, such as engineered timber.

It’s important to note that these costs are only for installation and exclude the cost of materials. For exact material costs, you can expect to pay around $75 to $130 per square metre for solid timber and $65 to $110 per square metre for engineered timber. You can also use a flooring cost calculator to gain a more specific estimate of your timber flooring job, based on your home's unique square meterage. 

Read more: How much does hardwood timber flooring cost? and Flooring costs in Australia

How to hire a reputable timber floor installer

When choosing a timber floor installer, it is important to do your research to ensure you are hiring a reputable company with experience and a good track record.

Here are some questions you can ask:

• What is your process for laying timber flooring?
• What are the different types of timber flooring materials that you offer?
• What are the different colours and finishes that I can choose from?
• Can you recommend the best timber flooring option for my home and the local climate?
• What type of warranty do you offer on your work?

Getting quotes from timber floor installers

When getting quotes from timber floor installers, provide as much information as possible about your project and compare quotes carefully. Consider the price, services offered, experience, reputation, and warranty. Don't choose the cheapest quote, but rather an experienced and reputable tradie.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.