How to read the numbers in our product names

Every board here is named by two figures, such as 14/3mm. The first is the total thickness of the board. The second is the depth of real timber on top, often called the wear layer. That second number matters most. A 4mm layer can be sanded back and recoated in years to come; a 2mm layer leaves far less timber to work with. Our range runs from 14/2mm to 15/4mm, so you can choose how much future life you are paying for.

Engineered oak flooring

Most of the range is oak, in every tone from chalky white to near-black.

• Swish Oak Natura 14/3mm: 190mm by 1900mm boards in 16 colours, plus 3 Handcrafted finishes. Laid floating or glued down.
• Swish Oak Wideboard 14/4mm: 220mm by 2200mm boards with a 4mm oak layer and a glueless click joint. 8 colours.
• Swish Oak Contemporary 14/2mm: 190mm by 1900mm with a UV lacquered matt finish. 6 colours.
• Prestige Oak from Preference Floors: 35 colours across a 14/2mm board and a 15/4mm board.
• Bonita 14/2mm from HTT: 1900mm by 190mm, nine colours from charcoal Brescia to pale Cotton Oak.
• Quercus 15/4mm from HTT: the same board size as Bonita with twice the oak on top, and a Janka hardness of 6.6 kN.

Blackbutt, spotted gum and Tasmanian oak

If you want an Australian species rather than oak, two ranges carry real native hardwood on top.

Godfrey Hirst's Pioneer comes in Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Tassie Oak. It has a 3mm wear layer that can be sanded and recoated two or three times, and an Insta Clic joint, so it floats without glue or nails. The finish changes where it belongs. Satin is rated P2 for slip resistance, while Brushed is rated P3 and suits entries and kitchens better.

Eco Flooring's Swish Native Hardwood offers blackbutt and spotted gum in three grades. Natural is a 189mm board with the most character. Neat and Select are 136mm boards with progressively cleaner grain. Those names are grades, not colours, so pick the one that suits how much knot and gum vein you like.

Herringbone and chevron

People often mix these up. Herringbone blocks have square ends and meet in a staggered zigzag. Chevron boards are cut at an angle, so the ends meet in a clean continuous point.

• Crosswood herringbone from HTT: 600mm by 127mm blocks, 14/3mm, in nine colours including Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Walnut.
• Swish Oak Natura Herringbone: 148mm by 888mm, 14/3mm, six colours. This one is glue down only.
• Corsica Chevron from Godfrey Hirst: 620mm by 125mm, supplied as matched left and right boards with a 3mm French oak layer. Four colours.

Pattern floors are set out from the middle of the room and every block is cut to its neighbour. They take longer to lay than a straight plank, which we allow for when we quote.

Supply and installation across Sydney

There are three ways to buy. We can supply and install the floor ourselves. We can supply only, if you are laying it yourself. Or you can bring your own installer, and we stay on hand to help through the job.

For a full install we measure first, check the subfloor, and give you a written quote. Some boards are glued straight to the slab, others can float on an underlay, and the supplier's instructions decide which. HTT, for instance, recommends direct fixing for its 14mm and 15mm boards. We tell you which method your floor needs before you commit. We supply and install flooring within Sydney only. See flooring supply and installation in Sydney, or talk it through with us at the Auburn showroom.

Engineered timber questions

Is engineered timber real wood?
Yes. The top layer is solid oak or hardwood. Only the core underneath is made from layered ply or timber. Our guide what is engineered timber flooring explains how it is made.

Engineered timber or hybrid?
Hybrid has a printed timber image over a rigid waterproof core. Engineered timber is the real material and, depending on its wear layer, can be sanded and refinished. Hybrid copes better with water. Our engineered timber vs hybrid guide compares them using Sydney jobs, or browse hybrid flooring.

Can it be sanded?
It depends on the wear layer. Pioneer and Corsica Chevron, both 3mm, can be sanded and recoated two or three times. Quercus and Swish Oak Wideboard carry 4mm. With a 2mm layer, ask us before planning on a future sand.

Can it go over underfloor heating?
Sometimes. Each supplier sets its own limits. HTT, for example, covers its engineered boards only where the subfloor stays at or below 35 degrees. Tell us about the heating before we quote and we will check the board you like.

How do I clean it?
Vacuum or sweep, then use a damp, well wrung mop with a pH neutral cleaner. Skip steam mops and bleach: HTT, for one, excludes both from its warranty. More in our flooring cleaning guide.

Shop by brand: Eco Flooring Systems, Godfrey Hirst, HTT Flooring and Preference Floors. Still comparing? See laminate or the full flooring range.