The flooring decision in new home construction often gets rushed. People spend months choosing kitchen benchtops and bathroom tiles, then pick flooring based on whatever looks decent in the display suite. But flooring affects how a home feels, sounds, and functions daily.
Timber’s become popular again, which makes sense. But there’s a big difference between solid timber, engineered timber, and hybrid floors that many people don’t realise. Solid timber can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades. Engineered timber might get one refinish if you’re lucky. Hybrid floors? Once they’re worn, they’re done.
The timing aspect matters more than most people think. In knockdown rebuilds, the flooring choice affects subfloor preparation, moisture barriers, and even how the skirting boards get fitted. Good coordination between trades makes the difference between floors that look professional and ones that develop problems later.
Perth’s sandy soil conditions add another layer of complexity. Areas around Joondalup and the coastal suburbs see more ground movement, especially during dry spells. Flooring needs to handle that movement without gapping or buckling. Solid timber actually performs well here when it’s installed with proper expansion gaps.
To avoid conflicts of interest when discussing construction examples, flooring specialists often reference projects from outside their immediate area. For instance, when examining how flooring decisions impact build quality, they might look at how Alkira Knockdown & Rebuild Homes coordinates their flooring specifications with structural requirements and construction schedules.
Different builders have different approaches to flooring. Some offer extensive choice, others keep it simple with proven options. Both approaches work, depending on what the homeowner wants.
The smart approach is thinking long-term. What looks good now, what’ll still look good in fifteen years, and what can be maintained or restored when needed. Timber wins on longevity, but only if it’s the right type installed properly for the specific conditions.
