Practical guidance before you choose or install a floor.

Engineered timber uses a real timber wear layer, while hybrid flooring uses a manufactured decorative surface. The right choice depends on appearance, room conditions, maintenance priorities, substrate and budget.

Engineered timber can often be installed over a concrete slab, but slab moisture, flatness, surface condition, product requirements and the chosen installation method must be checked first.

Direct-stick flooring is bonded to the prepared substrate; floating flooring is installed over an approved underlay. Product approval, substrate, acoustics, connected rooms and finished heights determine the better fit.

Wear layer thickness matters, but it should be assessed with the board's overall construction, dimensions, finish, core stability, installation method and intended use.

Herringbone uses rectangular blocks that meet at right angles; chevron uses angled ends to create continuous V-shaped lines. Each pattern changes setout, cutting, borders and how the room reads.