Frequently Asked Questions About Timber Flooring

Installation costs depend on the method. Glue-down installation (the recommended standard for concrete slabs, underfloor heating, and commercial environments) typically costs $85–$110/m² +GST including adhesive and consumables. Floating installation is around $45/m² +GST. Herringbone and chevron installation by a specialist costs $120–$150/m² +GST due to the additional setting-out and angle cutting involved. See our pricing guide for full details.

When installing timber flooring, boards must be cut to fit at walls, doorways, and around obstacles. These off-cuts cannot be reused. A 10% wastage allowance is standard for straight-lay plank installation — so for a 50m² room, order approximately 55m². Herringbone requires 15% and chevron approximately 20%, due to the angle cuts involved.

Engineered European oak is the primary timber floor type sold by Vienna Woods, ranging from $99–$320+/m² (incl GST) depending on collection and specification. Herringbone parquet boards are typically the same supply price as their plank equivalent, but installation costs more. Chevron boards cost approximately 25% more than the equivalent herringbone to supply due to the angled factory cuts. Engineered walnut is available from approximately $280–$350+/m². Vienna Woods does not supply solid timber or pine flooring.

Engineered timber flooring consists of a real hardwood wear layer — typically European oak — bonded to a stable structural plywood core. This construction gives it the look and feel of solid timber while providing significantly greater dimensional stability, making it suitable for concrete slabs, underfloor heating, and New Zealand’s varied climate conditions. Wear layer thickness (typically 3–6mm in quality products) determines how long the floor lasts and whether it can be refinished.

Solid wood flooring is cut from a single piece of timber throughout. Engineered wood has a real hardwood wear layer bonded to a plywood core. In New Zealand conditions — particularly over concrete slabs or with underfloor heating — engineered timber is the recommended specification. It is more dimensionally stable, requires no site sanding or finishing, and uses significantly less hardwood resource. Vienna Woods supplies engineered European oak exclusively and does not supply solid timber flooring.

Engineered timber is dimensionally stable under New Zealand’s humidity fluctuations, compatible with concrete slabs and underfloor heating, available in a wide range of finishes and formats, and typically more cost-effective than solid timber. A thick wear layer (4mm+) means the floor can be lightly refinished after years of use. It also uses less hardwood per square metre than solid timber, making it a more sustainable choice.

With correct specification, installation, and maintenance, engineered European oak typically lasts 20–30+ years in residential use. The key factor is wear layer thickness — a 4mm or thicker top layer can be lightly sanded and refinished to extend floor life. In commercial environments, well-specified and maintained engineered oak regularly performs for 20–30 years. See our commercial flooring page for specification guidance.

The three main methods are glue-down, floating, and (for solid timber only) nail-down. Vienna Woods recommends and installs glue-down for most projects — it provides the most stable result, is required for underfloor heating, and produces a solid, quiet underfoot feel. Floating installation is also available and suits certain subfloor situations. Our team assesses your subfloor as part of every supply-and-install quote.

Yes — engineered timber is specifically designed for installation over concrete slabs, which is the most common subfloor type in New Zealand residential and commercial builds. Glue-down installation is the recommended method. Moisture testing and, where required, a moisture barrier or DPM treatment are carried out prior to installation. Vienna Woods includes subfloor moisture assessment in all supply-and-install quotes.

The subfloor must be clean, dry, level (within 3mm over 1.8m), and structurally sound. Any moisture issues must be addressed before installation. For concrete slabs, a moisture test is essential — Vienna Woods includes this in all supply-and-install projects. For timber subfloors, check for flex, squeaks, and any areas of rot or damage before proceeding.

Floating floors are laid over a subfloor using a click-lock system without glue or nails. An underlay is placed beneath for cushioning and moisture protection. This method has a lower installation cost but requires a very flat subfloor and additional perimeter trims at walls and doorways. Vienna Woods generally recommends glue-down for engineered oak, as it produces a more stable and better-performing result.

Timber flooring should be stored flat in the installation environment for 3–7 days before installation, allowing it to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Engineered oak is more stable than solid timber and requires a shorter acclimation period, but the step remains important — especially in new builds where the environment may be drier or more humid than normal occupied conditions.

Lacquered finishes apply a protective coating over the timber surface, providing excellent abrasion and moisture resistance with low maintenance — ideal for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and commercial environments. Oiled finishes penetrate into the wood, enhancing its natural character with a matte appearance — they require periodic re-oiling but allow easier spot repairs. See our guides for caring for lacquered floors and oiled floors.

UV-cured lacquered finishes are recommended for high-traffic residential and commercial areas. They provide a hardwearing, moisture-resistant surface that requires minimal maintenance. For commercial environments including offices, restaurants, and retail, lacquer is the standard specification. For lower-traffic spaces such as bedrooms or executive offices, oiled finishes remain an excellent option.

The main choice is between lacquered and oiled. Lacquer suits kitchens, hallways, open-plan living areas, and commercial spaces — it’s more durable and easier to maintain. Oil suits bedrooms, studies, and spaces where you want a more natural matte look and are willing to re-oil periodically. Finish also affects sheen: matt and satin lacquers are popular in NZ for their contemporary look. Vienna Woods can advise on the right finish for your space in a showroom consultation.

Both are parquet patterns. Herringbone uses rectangular planks laid in a broken zigzag — the plank ends meet at 90°. Chevron uses planks cut at a precise angle so the ends meet in a perfect V-point. Chevron costs approximately 25% more to supply than herringbone due to the angled factory cuts, and both require specialist installation at $120–$150/m² +GST. Herringbone also requires 15% wastage and chevron approximately 20%.

Parquet flooring features timber pieces arranged in geometric patterns — most commonly herringbone or chevron. It is installed by gluing individual pieces down over a prepared concrete slab or subfloor. Parquet installation requires a specialist who can accurately set out the pattern, maintain consistent joint widths, and manage angle cuts at room perimeters. Vienna Woods works with specialist parquet installers for all herringbone and chevron projects.

Wide plank flooring refers to boards typically 180mm wide or more. Wider planks show more of the timber’s natural grain and character, make rooms feel more spacious, and read as more premium than narrower boards. They’re popular in both residential and commercial NZ interiors. Vienna Woods stocks wide plank options across most collections, from 180mm through to 220mm+.

Current NZ trends include wide plank formats (180–220mm+), lighter natural and blonde tones, matt lacquered finishes, and herringbone parquet as a feature floor. Smoked oak — where the entire board is fumed rather than surface-stained — is increasingly popular for its depth of colour. European-made flooring is consistently preferred by designers and specifiers for its quality consistency and compliance standards.

Consider the room’s natural light, your wall colours, and the overall tone you want. Lighter oaks (natural, blonde, lightly grey-washed) make spaces feel larger and work well with Scandinavian and contemporary interiors. Medium tones (honey, warm oak) are the most versatile. Smoked and darker oaks add warmth and sophistication and work well in dining rooms, studies, and hospitality spaces. Always view full-length sample boards in your actual space — small samples can be misleading. Vienna Woods provides sample packs by colour tone.

Wide planks (180mm+) suit larger rooms, open-plan spaces, and contemporary interiors where you want the floor to make a statement. Narrower planks (90–150mm) are more traditional and can work better in smaller or more formal rooms. Wide planks are currently the dominant preference in NZ residential and commercial fit-outs. Vienna Woods carries a full range of plank widths across its collections.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification guarantees that the timber in a product has been sourced from responsibly managed forests with full chain-of-custody traceability. Vienna Woods holds FSC Chain of Custody certification — meaning every piece of flooring we supply can be traced from forest to floor. FSC certification is increasingly required in commercial tenders, green building ratings (Green Star, NABERSNZ), and sustainable design specifications. Learn more on our sustainability page.

Yes. Vienna Woods has been supplying and installing engineered timber flooring for commercial projects since 2009 — offices, hospitality venues, retail environments, and multi-residential developments. We’re MasterSpec listed and FSC Chain of Custody certified, and we provide full NZBC technical documentation including acoustic performance data. See our commercial timber flooring page for full details, including our work on The CAB Residences in Auckland CBD.

Timber is a renewable, carbon-sequestering material. Engineered timber uses significantly less hardwood per square metre than solid timber while delivering equivalent or better performance. Vienna Woods’s FSC Chain of Custody certification ensures our flooring comes from responsibly managed forests. European oak from sustainably managed forests is one of the most environmentally responsible flooring choices available. Read more on our sustainable flooring page.

For day-to-day care: sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit (the most common cause of surface scratching). Mop with a barely damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner. Never use excessive water, steam mops, or harsh chemicals. Wipe spills immediately. Vienna Woods provides specific care guides for lacquered floors and oiled floors — the maintenance approach differs between the two finish types.

Oiled floors require regular cleaning with a damp mop and an oil-specific timber cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals and excess water. Spot-treat scratches with matching maintenance oil. Re-oil the full floor every 1–3 years depending on traffic — this restores the surface and extends floor life. Oiled floors are easier to spot-repair than lacquered floors but require more consistent maintenance attention.

Sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle attachment. Mop with a barely damp microfibre mop and a timber-specific floor cleaner — never a wet mop. Wipe up spills immediately. Avoid abrasive cleaners, steam mops, and products containing bleach, ammonia, or wax. For lacquered floors, use a lacquer-compatible cleaner; for oiled floors, use an oil-compatible product.

For fresh spills, wipe immediately with a slightly damp cloth. For dried stains, use a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner on a damp cloth — work gently and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive products. For stubborn marks on lacquered floors, a small amount of methylated spirits on a cloth can help. For oiled floors, spot-apply matching maintenance oil after cleaning to restore the surface.

Use felt pads under all furniture legs and replace them regularly. Place entrance mats at external doors to catch grit before it reaches the floor. Avoid walking on timber floors with sharp-heeled footwear. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove abrasive particles. For high-traffic areas, a quality lacquered finish provides better scratch resistance than an oiled finish.

Fit felt pads or furniture cups under all chair and table legs. Check and replace worn pads regularly. When moving heavy furniture, lift rather than drag. Place rugs under dining tables and in high-traffic areas. Avoid rubber-backed mats directly on timber floors as they can discolour the finish over time.

Use a microfibre flat mop that is barely damp — wring it out thoroughly before use. Mop in the direction of the boards. Use a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner diluted according to instructions. Never use a soaking wet mop, bucket-and-mop method, or steam mop on timber flooring — excess moisture is one of the most common causes of timber floor damage.

Small seasonal gaps (less than 1mm) in timber flooring are normal and usually close as humidity levels change. Persistent or larger gaps can be filled with a colour-matched flexible floor filler. For engineered timber, maintaining stable indoor humidity (35–55%) will minimise gapping. If gaps are widespread or significant, contact us — it may indicate a subfloor moisture issue or an acclimation problem.

Cupping — where plank edges rise higher than the centre — is caused by moisture imbalance, typically moisture entering from below or excess humidity above. First, identify and address the moisture source. Minor cupping in engineered timber may correct itself once humidity is stabilised. Severe or persistent cupping may require professional assessment. Vienna Woods can assist with diagnosis for floors we’ve supplied and installed.

Act quickly — remove standing water immediately and dry the area thoroughly. Minor surface staining on lacquered floors can sometimes be addressed with targeted refinishing. Severe or prolonged water exposure may require board replacement. Address the source of moisture before any repair work. Contact Vienna Woods for assessment of floors we have supplied.

Refinishing involves lightly sanding the wear layer to remove surface marks and reapplying the finish — either lacquer or oil. This is only possible if the wear layer is thick enough (4mm+ is ideal). Vienna Woods’s engineered oak collections are specified with wear layers suitable for light refinishing when required. Full sanding back to bare wood is not required or recommended for engineered timber — light screen-and-recoat is the appropriate method.

With correct maintenance, most quality engineered oak floors won’t need refinishing for 10–15+ years in residential use. High-traffic commercial areas may benefit from a light recoat sooner. The right maintenance routine — regular sweeping and appropriate cleaning products — is the best way to extend the interval between refinishing. Vienna Woods can advise on the appropriate approach for your specific floor and finish.

Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Maintaining stable indoor humidity levels (35–55%) minimises movement, gapping, and cupping in timber floors. Engineered timber is significantly more stable than solid timber in response to humidity changes, which is why it’s the recommended specification for New Zealand conditions. Underfloor heating can reduce indoor humidity — ensure adequate ventilation or humidification to keep levels within range.

For glue-down engineered timber (the recommended installation method), underlay is typically not required — the adhesive bonds directly to the prepared subfloor. For floating installations, a 3mm foam underlay with a moisture barrier layer is standard. For multi-storey residential or commercial buildings where acoustic performance is required, a fully adhered acoustic underlay system is specified separately beneath a glue-down floor at approximately $50/m² +GST. Vienna Woods advises on underlay requirements as part of every project.

For glue-down installations in multi-level buildings, a fully adhered acoustic underlay system is the most effective approach. Vienna Woods provides acoustic performance data for specific product and underlay combinations to support NZBC compliance in multi-storey buildings. For commercial projects, we recommend early engagement with your acoustic consultant to confirm the specification.

Prefinished flooring arrives sanded and finished from the factory — installation is immediate, the finish quality is consistent, and there is no drying time or site disruption. Unfinished flooring is sanded and finished on-site after installation, allowing custom staining but requiring significantly more time and labour. Vienna Woods supplies prefinished engineered oak exclusively — factory finishing under controlled conditions produces a more consistent, durable result than site-applied finishes.

Engineered timber can be used in bathrooms with appropriate care — a lacquered finish is essential for moisture resistance, and any gaps around fittings must be properly sealed. It is not suitable for wet areas such as shower recesses or anywhere subject to standing water. Vienna Woods recommends a conversation with our team before specifying timber in bathroom environments, as subfloor moisture and ventilation conditions vary significantly.

For high-traffic residential areas — hallways, kitchens, open-plan living — specify engineered oak with a 4mm+ wear layer and a UV-cured lacquered finish. For commercial high-traffic environments such as offices, restaurants, and retail, the same specification applies with glue-down installation. Vienna Woods carries collections specifically suited to high-traffic use in both residential and commercial settings.

European oak is the dominant hardwood flooring species in NZ — valued for its grain character, hardness, stability, and wide range of available finishes. Vienna Woods supplies European oak exclusively across its collections. Engineered walnut is available as a premium alternative. NZ native species (rimu, kauri, matai) are typically only available as reclaimed solid boards at very high cost, and are not supplied by Vienna Woods.

Hardwood flooring comes from deciduous trees such as oak, walnut, and ash. Softwood comes from conifers such as pine. Hardwoods are denser and more resistant to denting and wear, making them the appropriate choice for quality residential and commercial floors. Vienna Woods supplies engineered European oak — one of the world’s most durable and widely specified hardwood flooring species. We do not supply softwood or pine flooring.

Yes — quality timber flooring is consistently rated as one of the highest-return flooring investments in NZ residential property. European oak in particular is regarded as a premium finish that signals quality to buyers and tenants. A well-specified, properly installed floor will outlast multiple carpet and vinyl replacements, making it cost-effective over the life of the property.

Start with the practical requirements: subfloor type (concrete or timber), whether underfloor heating is present, traffic levels, and whether the space is wet-adjacent. Then consider the aesthetic: wide plank or parquet, light or dark tone, matt or satin finish. Vienna Woods offers showroom consultations where you can view full-length boards in context, and sample packs to take home and assess in your own space.

Floating click-lock installations are DIY-friendly for experienced home improvers. However, glue-down installation — which Vienna Woods recommends for most engineered oak projects — requires proper subfloor preparation, moisture testing, the right adhesive, and installation technique. Errors in a glue-down installation are difficult and expensive to correct. For herringbone and parquet, professional installation is essential. Vienna Woods provides full supply-and-install services for Auckland projects.

Vienna Woods carries several curated collections of engineered European oak — from accessible entry-level ranges through to premium slow-grown European and Austrian oak. Collections include the Distilled Collection (FSC-certified slow-grown European oak) and Admonter Austrian Engineered Oak. Browse the full Vienna Woods collections online or visit our Newmarket showroom to see full-length boards.

Sample packs are available online and from our Newmarket showroom. We offer samples grouped by colour tone — Light/Natural, Medium, Grey, and Dark — so you can view a relevant range together. We recommend always viewing full-length boards in your space before specifying, as small tile-sized samples can be misleading. Order samples online →

Yes. Vienna Woods works directly with architects, interior designers, fit-out managers, and developers on commercial projects. We’re MasterSpec listed and can provide product data sheets, acoustic performance documentation, and NZBC compliance information. CPD presentations for design firms are also available. See our commercial page or book a consultation.

Vienna Woods is located at 2 Roxburgh Street (corner of Roxburgh & Melrose), Newmarket, Auckland. Open Monday–Friday 8am–4pm and Saturday 10am–1pm. Call us on 0800 843 662 or book a showroom consultation online. We carry full-length board samples across all current collections.