WHEN it comes to natural beauty, it's hard to beat a timber floor.
Boral Timbers national market development manager Clinton Skeoch said solid strip timber flooring was a timeless and durable flooring solution.
"Our Australian hardwood timber floorboards are available in a broad range of species to suit a variety of interior and personal styles," he said.
"Select overlay boards [to lay directly onto an] existing floor, or 19-millimetre when laying over bearers and joists."
Mr Skeoch said parquetry was another popular decorative timber flooring option.
"Blocks of timber are manufactured and then laid individually to create custom patterns and designs, such as classic herringbone and basket weave," he said. "Contrasting coloured timbers can be used to create depth in the flooring design."
He said solid timber had natural appeal, with colouring and characteristics unique to each species.
"Once a timber floor is installed, it's important that it is looked after so that the surface of the timber is maintained.
"After years of wear, the entire floor can be sanded and resealed to restore it to close to its original condition.
"Although laying timber flooring may take a little longer than carpet, for example, Boral solid strip flooring can handle foot traffic soon after it is laid, allowing for other renovation jobs to be completed by tradespeople before the floor's final sanding and finish.
"Parquetry is particularly suited to high traffic areas, such as halls, steps and entrance ways, as it is easy to replace small sections should they become damaged."
Mr Skeoch said timber flooring ranged in price from $75 a square metre for parquetry and $60 to $136 a square metre for solid strip flooring.
Details: boral.com.au/timber, 1800 818 317.
