Floating v Solid Timber

Hi All,

I have just joined and tried to search for threads that may have already covered this. I must be doing something wrong as all searches come up with no hits, so I figured I would ask my questions anyway.

I am currently building a house and it is our plan to put timber flooring in the entrace, kitchen and dining/family rooms. It is an open plan design, so it is all the one room essentially and covers about 80m2 (over concrete slab). I would like to use NSW Spotted Gum I have set aside an initial budget of $10k.

I have received quotes for solid timber supply, installed and finished for about $20k, or Boral Silkwood installed on underlay supply and installed for $12k. My problem is that I would prefer the solid timber, but I would then need to double my budget which would mean I need to postpone other things like curtins, landscaping, the deck etc.

This means I have 2 options.

1. I can buy the solid flooring and all other bits (ply, glue, waterproof membrane, nails etc) for just under $10k and I can lay it myself (father and best mate are carpenters and say they can do it). Then get someone in to sand and finish it when we have the cash. Or,
2. I can go the floating floor option now which will cost $12k installed.

I am looking for advise from anyone who may have been in the same position as I and what they ended up deciding, and from the experts out there who can guide me in the right direction.

Thanks guys!


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