The Unique Benefits of Hardened Timber Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

At Flooring Xtra, we’re proud to offer two new brands, Parky and Bjelin, with six curated ranges including Parky Summit, Deluxe and Pro Enhanced and Bjelin S, L and XL - all manufactured to the highest standard in Europe.

What is European Hardened Timber?
European hardened timber is one of the most durable, stable and dent and scratch-resistant hard flooring options available. It is made with a top layer of real timber - showcasing the natural beauty of woods such as oak and walnut, while allowing for sustainable management of Europe's precious forestry resources.  Beneath this is a super strong ultra high-density board, which contributes significantly to the material's strength, stability, and impact resistance. While the technology varies slightly between brands, a wood backing layer adds further stability, and the protective surface lacquer ensures durability and resistance to scratches and dents. Our collection of products from Parky and Bjelin all have commercial grade class 33 finishes and come with a residential warranty of 35 years - so you know this flooring is made to last.

Enhanced Durability
One of the most significant advantages of European hardened timber flooring is its exceptional durability, as its multi-layered design is significantly more resistant to everyday wear and tear. This means you can enjoy your beautiful floors without constantly worrying about damage from furniture, pets, or foot traffic. Additionally, European hardened timber is impact and dent-resistant, making it an ideal choice for busy households. Whether you choose the larger planks from our Parky Summit and Bjelin XL collections, or the more compact options of Parky Pro Enhanced and Bjelin S, you can expect a flooring solution that maintains its beauty over the years.

Enhanced Stability
Unlike traditional solid timber flooring, which is prone to expansion, contraction, and warping, European hardened timber features an engineered, technologically advanced construction that significantly reduces these issues. The layered structure of the flooring is designed to maintain its integrity over time, providing enhanced durability and resistance to environmental changes. This makes it a reliable choice for homes in New Zealand, where humidity levels can fluctuate.

Easy Maintenance
One of the common concerns with flooring materials is maintenance. Hardened timber is incredibly easy to care for, requiring minimal effort to keep it looking its best. Unlike traditional timber floors, which often need to be oiled or sanded to maintain their appearance, hardened timber does not require such intensive care. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are all it takes to maintain its lustre.

Versatile Applications
Hardened timber flooring is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various applications throughout your home. These floors feature a water-resistant surface and bevelled edges, making them a perfect choice throughout the home including areas like kitchens, laundries and even bathrooms as they resist water penetration for up to 24 hours. With our collections offering different plank sizes, you can achieve a seamless look that fits your aesthetic preferences and the size of the space while providing durability where it’s needed most.

An Eco-Friendly Choice
Choosing hardened timber is also an eco-friendly decision. Our products are sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that you are making a responsible choice for the environment. By utilising only a thin layer of real timber, the harvested wood can be used in a more optimal way. By opting for hardened timber flooring, you are not only investing in your home but also contributing to the preservation of our planet's resources.

European hardened timber flooring is an exceptional choice for homeowners who want a real timber floor but also seek a durable and stable solution. With our Parky Summit, Deluxe and Pro Enhanced and Bjelin S, L and XL collections, you have a range of options to suit your home and work within your budget. The unique benefits of European hardened timber over regular timber flooring—such as enhanced durability, impact and dent resistance, stability, and easy maintenance—make it a smart investment for your home. Experience the combination of beauty and functionality that only hardened timber can provide!