Flooring Frequently Asked Questions

Imperial Flooring Australia® supplies premium flooring solutions Australia-wide, specialising in Engineered Timber Flooring, Herringbone Flooring, SPC Hybrid Waterproof Flooring, Laminate Flooring, and professional flooring accessories for residential and commercial spaces.

Explore our most frequently asked flooring questions below.

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Engineered Timber Flooring FAQs

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What is Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber flooring is a premium real timber flooring solution constructed using multiple layers of hardwood and plywood for enhanced stability and durability. The surface layer features genuine hardwood, delivering the authentic warmth, texture, and character of natural timber flooring.

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Designed for Australian conditions, engineered timber flooring is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than traditional solid timber flooring, making it ideal for modern homes, apartments, and commercial interiors.

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Imperial Flooring Australia® offers engineered oak flooring in plank, herringbone, and chevron designs across a wide range of colours, finishes, and timber grades.

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What are the Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring?

Engineered timber flooring combines luxury aesthetics with long-term durability and practicality.

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Key benefits include:

• Real hardwood surface for an authentic timber appearance

• Greater stability than solid timber flooring

• Suitable for Australian climates

• Low maintenance and easy cleaning

• Adds value and sophistication to homes

• Suitable for residential and commercial spaces

• Available in modern timber colours and finishes

• Compatible with multiple installation methods

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Engineered timber flooring is a long-term investment that enhances both comfort and property value.

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Is Engineered Timber Flooring Suitable for Kitchens?

Yes. Engineered timber flooring can be installed in kitchens when installed correctly using glue-down installation methods. Its stable multi-layer construction provides improved resistance to environmental changes compared to traditional solid timber flooring.

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Imperial Flooring Australia® recommends professional installation and proper subfloor preparation for kitchen applications.

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What Timber Flooring Grades are Available?

 

AB Grade

AB Grade engineered timber flooring features a cleaner and more uniform appearance with minimal knots and natural characteristics. Ideal for contemporary and luxury interiors.

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ABC Grade

ABC Grade flooring includes moderate natural variation, small knots, and subtle colour movement while maintaining a refined overall appearance.

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ABCD Grade

ABCD Grade timber flooring embraces natural timber character with larger knots, variation, and organic features for a more natural and rustic aesthetic.

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What is a Timber Flooring Wear Layer?

The wear layer is the top layer of real hardwood on engineered timber flooring.

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Thicker wear layers generally provide:

• Longer lifespan

• Better durability

• Future sanding and refinishing potential

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Engineered timber flooring can last for decades depending on maintenance, traffic levels, and wear layer thickness.

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Can Engineered Timber Flooring Be Installed on Concrete?

Yes. Engineered timber flooring can be installed over concrete subfloors when the slab is properly levelled, dry, and moisture tested. Moisture barriers are required to protect the flooring system and ensure long-term stability.

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What Adhesive is Recommended for Engineered Timber Flooring?

Imperial Flooring Australia® recommends high-quality timber flooring adhesives designed for engineered timber installations.

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Professional flooring adhesives provide:

• Strong long-term bonding

• Moisture resistance

• Improved acoustic performance

• Compliance with Australian flooring standards

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What Expansion Gaps are Required?

Expansion gaps allow timber flooring to naturally expand and contract with environmental changes.

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General recommendations:

• Glue-down installation: minimum 8mm

• Floating floor installation: minimum 10mm

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Correct expansion gaps are essential for long-term flooring performance.

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How Do You Clean Engineered Timber Flooring?

To maintain engineered timber flooring:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly

• Use a damp microfiber mop

• Clean using a pH-neutral timber floor cleaner

• Avoid excessive moisture and harsh chemicals

• Use felt furniture protectors to minimise scratches

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Proper maintenance helps preserve the natural beauty and longevity of timber flooring.

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Herringbone Flooring FAQs

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What is Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone flooring is a premium parquetry flooring pattern created by laying rectangular boards in a staggered zigzag arrangement.

 

This timeless flooring style adds:

• Luxury visual appeal

• Architectural detail

• Greater depth and movement within spaces

• Increased property value

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Imperial Flooring Australia® offers engineered oak herringbone flooring collections suited to both modern and classic interiors.

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What are the Benefits of Herringbone Flooring?

Herringbone flooring combines timeless elegance with practical durability.

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Benefits include:

• Sophisticated European-inspired appearance

• Durable engineered timber construction

• Suitable for high-end residential and commercial projects

• Low maintenance

• Comfortable underfoot

• Adds premium visual impact to interiors

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Is Herringbone Flooring Durable?

Yes. Engineered herringbone flooring is designed for long-term durability and stability. Its multi-layer construction helps minimise movement caused by moisture and temperature fluctuations.

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Can Herringbone Flooring Be Installed on Concrete?

Yes. Herringbone flooring can be installed over concrete subfloors when the slab is level, dry, and properly prepared with a moisture barrier. Glue-down installation is required for parquetry flooring systems.

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How Do You Maintain Herringbone Flooring?

Maintenance is simple:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly

• Damp mop using a pH-neutral cleaner

• Avoid harsh chemicals

• Use felt pads under furniture

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Routine care helps maintain the natural appearance and finish of herringbone timber flooring.

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SPC Hybrid Waterproof Flooring FAQs

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What is SPC Hybrid Waterproof Flooring?

SPC Hybrid Flooring (Stone Plastic Composite) is a highly durable waterproof flooring solution featuring a rigid limestone and PVC core construction.

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SPC hybrid flooring combines:

• Waterproof performance

• Scratch resistance

• Stability

• Easy maintenance

• Timber-look aesthetics

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It is one of Australia’s most popular flooring options for modern homes and commercial spaces.

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Is SPC Hybrid Flooring 100% Waterproof?

Yes. SPC hybrid flooring is fully waterproof, making it ideal for:

• Kitchens

• Laundries

• Apartments

• Living areas

• Commercial spaces

• Rental properties

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Unlike traditional laminate flooring, SPC hybrid flooring resists moisture damage, swelling, and warping.

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What are the Benefits of Hybrid Flooring?

Benefits of SPC hybrid flooring include:

• 100% waterproof construction

• Scratch and dent resistance

• Low maintenance

• Pet and child friendly surfaces

• Realistic timber-look finishes

• Acoustic comfort underfoot

• DIY-friendly click-lock installation

• Suitable for most subfloors

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Hybrid flooring provides a practical and stylish flooring solution for busy Australian households.

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Is Hybrid Flooring Better Than Laminate Flooring?

Hybrid flooring offers improved waterproof performance compared to traditional laminate flooring, making it better suited for moisture-prone areas.

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SPC hybrid flooring is often preferred for:

• Kitchens

• Laundries

• Family homes

• High-traffic spaces

• Pet-friendly homes

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Laminate flooring remains a cost-effective and stylish alternative for dry internal areas.

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What Thickness Hybrid Flooring is Best?

Thicker hybrid flooring boards generally provide:

• Better acoustic insulation

• Improved underfoot comfort

• Increased stability

• Enhanced durability

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Imperial Flooring Australia® offers premium 8mm, and 9mm hybrid flooring collections suited to various residential and commercial applications.

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Does Hybrid Flooring Need Underlay?

No. All Imperial Flooring Australia® SPC hybrid flooring collections include a pre-attached acoustic underlay designed for comfort and sound reduction.

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Additional underlay is not recommended and may void manufacturer warranties.

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Can Hybrid Flooring Be Installed Over Tiles?

Yes. SPC hybrid flooring can often be installed over existing tiled subfloors provided the surface is level, stable, and properly prepared.

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Professional subfloor preparation is recommended for the best installation results.

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Is Hybrid Flooring DIY Friendly?

Absolutely. Hybrid flooring features a click-lock floating floor installation system designed for efficient professional or DIY installation.

 

Before installation:

• Ensure subfloors are clean and level

• Allow flooring to acclimatise

• Follow manufacturer installation guidelines

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How Do You Clean Hybrid Flooring?

To maintain SPC hybrid flooring:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly

• Damp mop using a microfiber mop

• Use pH-neutral floor cleaners

• Avoid abrasive cleaning products

• Wipe spills promptly

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Hybrid flooring is extremely low maintenance and easy to care for.

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Laminate Flooring FAQs

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What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a durable multi-layer flooring product designed to replicate the appearance of natural timber or stone flooring.

 

Modern laminate flooring features:

• Protective wear layers

• Realistic timber-look designs

• Stable core construction

• Easy click-lock installation systems

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Laminate flooring is a popular and cost-effective solution for Australian homes and investment properties.

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What are the Benefits of Laminate Flooring?

Benefits include:

• Affordable timber-look flooring

• Scratch-resistant surfaces

• Easy maintenance

• DIY-friendly installation

• Wide variety of colours and styles

• Suitable for families and pets

Laminate flooring offers an excellent balance between affordability, durability, and aesthetics.

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Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

Most laminate flooring is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.

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For wet areas or moisture-prone spaces, SPC hybrid waterproof flooring is generally recommended.

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Is Laminate Flooring Good for Pets?

Yes. Modern laminate flooring features durable wear layers designed to resist scratches and daily wear from pets and high foot traffic.

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How Do You Clean Laminate Flooring?

Maintenance includes:

• Sweeping or vacuuming regularly

• Damp mopping with minimal moisture

• Using pH-neutral floor cleaners

• Avoiding excessive water exposure

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Flooring Accessories FAQs

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What Flooring Accessories are Available?

Imperial Flooring Australia® supplies a complete range of flooring accessories including:

• Flooring trims and scotia

• Acoustic underlays

• Moisture barriers

• Timber flooring adhesives

• Self-levelling compounds

• DIY flooring installation tools

• Floor protection products

• Bona floor care and cleaning products

• Skirting boards and mouldings

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Why are Flooring Accessories Important?

Flooring accessories help ensure:

• Professional installation finishes

• Long-term flooring durability

• Improved acoustic performance

• Moisture protection

• Warranty compliance

• Better overall floor performance

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Using the correct flooring accessories is essential for achieving high-quality flooring results.

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Are Flooring Accessories Necessary for DIY Installation?

Yes.Correct installation accessories help simplify installation, improve accuracy, and protect your flooring investment.

 

DIY flooring installations commonly require:

• Spacers

• Pull bars

• Moisture barriers

• Underlays

• Flooring trims

• Installation kits

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Why Choose Imperial Flooring Australia®?

Imperial Flooring Australia® is a leading Australian flooring supplier specialising in premium Engineered Timber Flooring, SPC Hybrid Waterproof Flooring, Herringbone Flooring, Laminate Flooring, and professional flooring accessories.

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We proudly offer:

• Australia-wide shipping

• Supply-only and supply + install packages

• Premium flooring collections

• Waterproof flooring solutions

• Timber flooring specialists

• Sample ordering online

• Residential and commercial flooring solutions

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Explore our premium flooring collections online or visit Imperial Flooring Australia® to transform your space with modern, durable, and high-quality flooring solutions.

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