What Determines the Cost of a Timber Floor?

What Determines the Cost of a Timber Floor?

Wood flooring is more than a feature, it’s an investment. Timber flooring yields one of the highest long-term values of any finish in your home, so it’s worth taking the time to choose carefully. Like with anything, there are many options at different price points. For example, our timber flooring ranges from $139/m2 to over $2000/m2 (RRP). Below we explore the factors involved in costing a timber floor, to help you decide what is most important or suitable for your project.

There are four main factors that determine the cost of a timber floor:

• The Look
• The Construction
• The Installation
• The Performance

‍

Let’s break these down;

The Look

There are many different treatments, textures, and formats of natural timber flooring. Timber can be processed in a variety of ways to get different looks. There are many factors to consider when selecting timber flooring to suit – and enhance – the type of interior space you are wanting to create.

• Texture – Added texture is something you can choose to create a different look and tactile surface. Textures include brushed, shrunk, hand scraped and band sawn. There are also other artisan techniques we offer to create your own one-of-a-kind floor, speak to us about our bespoke service. Adding more texture usually comes with an added cost, especially with hand-created textures. The level of texture can affect how the floor performs and gains character over time. Some textures can aid hiding wear and tear, and others can affect maintenance and functionality – refer to the maintenance section below.
• Finish – The most popular finish is a UV-cured matte lacquer finish. An oiled finish usually gives a more natural look and feel than a lacquer. A UV oil finish is cured to the surface so is harder than traditional oil, although both require particular care products and periodic conditioning over their lifetime (much like a leather couch, for example). Lacquer is a hard coating that forms on the surface, and there are a variety of quality levels, which reflected in cost differences. VidaSpace only promote flooring with premium finishing, as this is one of the most important factors in the performance and longevity of the floor. Read more about finishes here.
• Plank Width – From wide plank to ultra-wide (500mm+), to extremely narrow (60mm) – plank widths offer different aesthetics and can aid in making the design unique for your project. A wider plank means the larger, older, and straighter the tree must be. Typically, the wider the plank, the higher the cost.
• Length Range – Plank length is a key consideration if you are wanting to highlight a room length or draw your eye out to a view, and it is also worth considering the width in proportion to the length. Value options will have shorter lengths, and a percentage of short (“nested”) boards. Our standard percentage of nested lengths is 10%-25%, depending on the product range. You may have a preference to ensure no short boards are put in main areas of the room, we strongly advise discussing and outlining this with your contractor prior to installation. Longer planks, and a smaller percentage of nested boards, or fixed lengths, will cost more.
• Bevel – Bevelled edges are usually standard on a prefinished engineered timber floor. The smaller, more subtle bevel is an indicator of a very precisely made and quality floor. Our VidaPlank collection creates a unique look when laid as the bevel is only to the long edges of the planks, highlighting the length of a space since the end joints are less obvious.
• Grade – Every piece of natural timber is unique, reflecting the history and story of the tree it came from. There can be a wide range of features in a timber plank, which are carefully selected and grouped by hand. We categorise our wood into four grades, as shown on our wood grades page. Knots, which mark where branches were on the tree, are common and contribute to the natural beauty of the wood. As a result, the higher grades, like select or prime, only make up 5-20% of a 100+ year-old tree, making them a premium option.
• Smoked – Smoking timber, or fuming, is a special treatment process that enhances and deepens the colour of the wood. The process involves exposing the timber to ammonia vapour, which reacts with the tannins to create a rich, darker tone. This method can also bring out a distinctive, aged appearance, making it a popular choice for creating character and warmth in your space. Smoked timber floors are often considered a premium option due to the labour-intensive process involved, and they tend to cost more compared to untreated timber.
• Stain Colours & Processes – If a unique, complex colour is your key driver, then you will find some elaborate, multifaceted tones can only be with multiple layers and/or specialised finishes (such as reactive stains), so more artisan workmanship required in manufacture which will add to the cost of your flooring.
• Species – The species of timber you choose significantly impacts both the appearance and cost of your floor. Popular options like walnut, oak, and ash each offer unique characteristics. Walnut is known for its rich, warm hues and elegant grain patterns, making it a premium choice for those seeking sophistication. Oak provides a classic, timeless look with a prominent grain, range of tones, and it is highly durable, making it a popular and versatile option. Ash is slightly lighter and has a less pronounced grain than oak, which suits modern interiors. Oak and ash tend to be more affordable than walnut.

The Construction

How the flooring is made plays a big part in determining the cost. Factors include solid versus engineered, materials used in the core, and origin.

• Solid vs. Engineered – Solid flooring is made from a single piece of wood, while engineered flooring features a core made of plywood or other materials, providing enhanced stability and performance. Most engineered is prefinished in a factory which saves on costs and simplifies the installation process. Standard engineered timber is generally cheaper than solid and offers the added benefit of wider planks due to its greater stability. Engineered timber is also a more sustainable option as it utilises less of the slower-growing hardwood resource.
• Core Materials – The species used in the core or backing of your engineered floor plank plays a key role in both long-term stability and dent resistance. For the best performance, look for slower-growing species like birch or eucalyptus, these dense species offer greater durability. Other core materials can include spruce or pine, which are softer woods and are less effective in terms of dent resistance. When it comes to construction, multiply design is considered the most stable, as it uses cross-directional ply as the core. 3-layer construction, which features small "fingers" of timber running perpendicular to the lamella, often with visible gaps between, is generally less stable, and cheaper than the multiply option.  
• Wear Layer – Timber veneer can be sliced to less than 0.5mm thick, which is why thinner veneer is popular for joinery panels, it costs less, and it is very sustainable as it maximises the use of the tree. For flooring however, thicker veneer is better as the number of times the floor can be sanded is dependent on the thickness of the wear layer (1mm per sand as an indication). The thickness of the top layer of hardwood will contribute to the cost. Usually, 3mm+ is preferred as it generally results in a longer lifetime of the flooring, and standard is 4mm, but we have produced flooring with up to 10mm of wear layer to maximise the number of times it could be sanded and refinished.
• Reclaimed Timber – reclaimed and aged timber is generally more expensive than virgin timber due to its scarcity and the additional processing required to repurpose it for flooring. However, reclaimed timber offers a unique character and patina that is difficult to replicate through other processes, making it highly sought after for its distinctive look and history.
• Sustainability – whilst wood is a natural resource, we still need to ensure it is harvested ethically and using best practice. So not just wood, but the right wood. European Oak is harvested from plots that are replanted after a harvest, and this is mandated by European law. This can add to the costs of the product. For more on certifications that add traceability to the process, look for FSC® or PEFC® certification, and read more about our sustainability practices here.
• Origin – European Oak comes out of a large band of forests throughout the European nations and all of it offers similar characteristics although processing techniques can vary country to country. The best of material quality, coatings, and sustainability comes from a 100% European-made product like VidaPlank. Other options could be manufactured using European hardwoods as the top layer, but a different quality of backing, which will make them cheaper.

The Installation

There are many factors that affect the price of installation, it is recommended to have an installation professional assess your site and provide a quote to determine the exact cost. Please get in touch with us for a recommended installer in your area.

• Unfinished vs. Prefinished – Prefinished products are typically more cost-effective because the coating is applied efficiently in a factory setting. In contrast, unfinished products require sanding and coating on-site, which means you’ll incur the cost of the unfinished product, installation, and the additional labour for on-site finishing.
• Parquet vs. Plank – Parquet floors feature intricate patterns that create a visually striking look, but typically cost more than plank floors due to the complex installation process and higher wastage factor. In some cases, the cost of parquet installation can be up to 1.5 times more than plank flooring.
• Glued Down Installation vs Floating Installation – Floating floors can provide a soft or spongy feeling underfoot and are often noisier when walked on. Floor preparation needs to be perfect for floating floors, which can add to the cost, while glue-down floors offer more tolerance for imperfections. Additionally, with a floating installation, large aluminium trims may be required at transitions to carpets or other floor finishes to allow space for expansion. While glued-down installation typically requires a slightly higher upfront investment, it offers benefits such as the ability to incorporate more intricate details and a longer lifespan, as the floor can be sanded multiple times. We recommend glued down installation, wherever possible. Learn more: www.vidaspace.co.nz/news-advice/glue-down-vs-floating-timber-flooring-installation
• Type of Substrate – Concrete substrates require more preparation than timber substrates, typically needing a moisture barrier or primer. This extra preparation can increase costs compared to timber substrates, which are generally simpler to prepare.
• Substrate Preparation – A qualified installation professional will check that your substrate is ready for installation. A properly prepared, flat, clean, and dry surface will ensure the best results. Skipping preparation steps can lead to issues with bonding, floor movement, height differences at sills, and transitions with other floor coverings. Floor levelling and preparation can add to the overall cost, but it’s essential for the function and appearance of the floor. Look for a manufacturer with a solid track record and systems in place to help you maximise your investment and the lifespan of your floor.
• Wastage – 8-10% wastage is considered industry standard, but it can be slightly higher for parquet, bespoke products, or if the area is an odd shape. For the most accurate estimate, it's best to get a site measure and quote from a recommended installation professional to ensure you order the right amount of product for your floor.
• Renovation or New Build – A new build is usually more cost-effective than a renovation. Renovations often involve extra steps like removing or undercutting skirting, dealing with different subfloor materials, removing existing floors, and sometimes moving furniture, all of which add time and costs to the project.
• Access – Access plays a big role in pricing a floor. If access is right next to a car park with space for machining, it makes things easier and quicker for the contractor, which can keep costs down. If access is difficult, on multiple levels, and the cutting station is far away from the floor, the contractor will need more time, which can increase the cost.
• Programme – Sometimes the programme for flooring is split into stages which adds to the cost as it is more efficient to do the entire installation at the same time.
• Travel – A local installer is going to be more cost effective than one that must travel far to site. Please get in touch with our team if you would like a recommended installer in your area.

The Performance

There are ongoing costs associated with maintaining your floor once it's installed. The type of coating, different lifestyles and affiliated wear and tear, play a key role in determining both the maintenance and refinishing costs over time.

• Coating – The number of coats and quality of materials used in the coating determine the durability of the coating system. The more coats and higher quality of material would mean a higher initial cost but a more durable product, which would require less maintenance costs over time.
• Repairs – There is a lot that can be done to repair a floor that has been scratched or dented. The area can be repaired by a remedial specialist, or a plank can be replaced. There is a cost associated with both options, so it’s advisable to follow care guidelines to help extend the life of your floor and minimise expenses. For more information, check out our Care Guide.
• Deep Cleaning – Lighter floors with deep brushing will show more wear and will require more deep cleaning over time. It’s recommended to hire a professional for this type of work, which can add costs over the lifetime of the floor.
• Refinishing – There are several refinishing options depending on the type of coating. Oiled floors typically require more frequent re-oiling, while lacquered floors are refinished less often – either by lightly abrading the surface and applying a new coat, or by performing a full sand and re-coat. The cost of frequent re-oiling can sometimes outweigh the cost of a full sand, especially when considering the cost impact of furniture removal and the need for temporary accommodation during the coating process. The wear layer thickness also plays a role in how many times the floor can be sanded before it needs to be replaced.
• Warranty and Support – A reputable supplier of timber will offer local personal support and a warranty that covers both finish and the structural build-up of the timber layers. Product backed by comprehensive warranties will usually be at a higher cost. All VidaSpace floors have a lifetime structural warranty, for more information on our warranties click here.

‍

As you can see, when it comes to timber flooring, cost is influenced by a vast range of factors. Understanding these elements allows you to make an informed choice that balances budget with quality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're seeking an affordable, shorter-term option or a premium, one-of-a-kind statement floor, investing in the right timber flooring ensures lasting beauty and value for your space. If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, the return on investment of a timber floor can be significant, as high-quality wood flooring is a sought-after feature for homebuyers. We hope that this article assists with your decision, and VidaSpace offers a consultative service so please get in touch with us to discuss your budget and requirements, and we will find a timber floor perfectly suited to your project.

‍

‍