When designing a home, the floor is one of the most important decisions you'll make. It sets the tone for every room, influences how natural light is reflected, and creates the foundation for your entire interior palette. This Spring/Summer 2026–27, Marchand is proud to introduce Ivoire, our newest addition to our luxury European oak collection. Soft, sophisticated and effortlessly contemporary, Ivoire has been carefully developed for homeowners, architects and interior desig

Engineered oak lasts 50-80 years in NZ conditions. See the real cost-per-year comparison against vinyl and laminate, plus 3 mistakes that shorten lifespan.

Can you install oak flooring over underfloor heating in NZ? Expert guide to temperature limits, moisture control, and engineered oak performance.

Considering wide plank oak flooring in NZ? Learn the 3 technical requirements most buyers skip and how to avoid costly installation mistakes.

The short answer is yes: all natural timber products can experience some degree of colour change when exposed to sunlight over long periods of time. However, not all wooden flooring is created equal, and the level of protection applied to the surface can make a significant difference to how well your floor maintains its appearance over time. At Marchand Luxury Oak, we believe in providing homeowners with complete transparency about timber flooring performance. Timber is a nat

When investing in premium timber flooring NZ homeowners often focus on colour, finish, plank size, and style. However, one of the most important factors in the long-term performance of any timber floor is what sits underneath it: the substrate. Even the highest quality engineered timber flooring can experience issues if it is installed over an unsuitable substrate. Movement, hollow sounds, moisture-related problems, and poor adhesion are often caused by substrate preparation

Can you wear heels on oak flooring? Yes you can

20mm is not thick: It is Correct In New Zealand, 20 mm timber flooring has been the benchmark for decades. Long before engineered boards entered the market, solid timber floors were installed at 18-20 mm. Builders, architects, and installers worked with it because it delivered consistent results across structure, transitions, and long-term performance. Today, with modern engineered oak, that same 20 mm thickness remains the gold standard. Not because it is traditional, but be

Why Engineered Oak Construction matters

In a market that often leans toward perfection, there is something quietly powerful about materials that tell the truth. Timber flooring, particularly European oak, is one of those materials. It carries the story of its growth, its environment, and its natural evolution. Knots, grain variation, tonal shifts, these are not imperfections. They are the signature of a living material. At Marchand Luxury Oak, we embrace this philosophy through our use of ABC and ABCD grading, a

A Complete Guide to Thickness, Performance, and Why It Matters If you are comparing oak flooring options, one question comes up quickly: is 20mm oak flooring actually better? The short answer is yes. Without doubt, 20mm oak flooring sits at the top end of the market in terms of performance, durability, and long-term value. It is not just a thicker board, it is a fundamentally stronger, more stable, and more design-aligned flooring solution. This guide explains why 20mm engine

A Complete Guide to Lifespan, Performance, and Long-Term Value If you are considering engineered oak flooring for your home or project, one of the most common questions is simple: how long does it actually last? Engineered oak flooring is designed to be a long-term solution, not a short-term finish. When specified and installed correctly, it can perform for decades while maintaining its structure and appearance. However, lifespan depends on several key factors including const

A Complete Guide to Choosing Premium Oak Flooring in New Zealand If you are searching for the best oak flooring brands in New Zealand, you are likely building, renovating, or specifying a home where quality, design, and long-term performance matter. Oak flooring is one of the most requested interior finishes in NZ, but not all oak flooring is created equal. The difference between an average product and a premium oak floor comes down to construction, material quality, finish,

The best oak flooring in New Zealand is typically 20mm engineered European oak with a 6mm wear layer, designed for NZ’s climate and built to handle long-term use, refinishing, and structural stability. Premium options prioritise board width, durability, and sustainability, rather than just price. Marchand Timber saves 40% on stairs What actually makes oak flooring “the best” in NZ? Not all oak flooring is created equal. In New Zealand conditions, performance matters more tha

Wide plank oak floors fail from poor engineering, not width. Learn the 3 mistakes NZ buyers make and how to specify boards that last decades.

Not all oak is equal. Learn what Prime, Select, and Rustic grades mean for NZ homes and why picking the wrong grade costs more than you think.

Hybrid looks cheaper upfront but cannot be refinished. Compare real lifecycle costs, NZ humidity performance, and underfloor heating facts before you choose.

Not all wood flooring is actually wood. Here is what NZ homeowners need to know about real timber vs imitations and why the difference matters for decades.

Avoid costly hardwood flooring mistakes in New Zealand. Learn why engineering matters more than species, and how to choose floors that last decades in NZ conditions.

Compare wooden flooring options in NZ. Oak, engineered timber, costs, installation and Building Code compliance for Kiwi homes.