The Source of NZ Native Timbers

The SOurce of NZ Native Timbers

Over the years Solid Timber Floors has developed great expertise and skills working with recycled New Zealand native tree specimen.

THE SOURCE OF NZ NATIVE TIMBERS

New Zealand native timber floor boards are predominantly sourced from residential and commercial demolition sites or house removal projects around the North Island. Old weather boards, structural timber, old floor boards, floor joists, etc. are uplifted from halls, schools, community centers, old housing estates, manufacturing and commercial premises, and other sites. Following their removal they have undergone the process of machining into either tongue and groove (T&G) or overlay boards. At the time we handle your wood, it comes with an extensive back ground and history, which we would like to share with you.

Recycled flooring is primarily characterized by nail holes or other defects which adds a unique feature to the floor. There has been a strong demand for Rimu, Kauri, Tawa and Matai timbers in the last decade. This demand has increasingly caused a short supply of good NZ native timbers.

Supply and Demand

To date, Kauri stocks for floor boards have diminished to a large extent, with Rimu not far behind. Reliable sources indicate that one can anticipate for the supply to dry up within the next 10-15 years as the demand for these timbers remains high.

There is no commercial grade Kauri available in New Zealand, and for good reasons not listed here, the protection of such beautiful timber should warrant our caution and respect.

Hence any recycled New Zealand wood should be treated with respect and care, as our children’s children may not enjoy the abundance we have taken so much for granted. For good reasons, other timbers are now fulfilling a replacement role. Fijian Kauri is not too dissimilar in grain and structure than the NZ Kauri. NZ Rimu can also be replaced with a similar non-resident tree specimen from overseas.

However, in the light of the above, it remains that working with New Zealand timbers is a delight and honour. We always point out to our clients that their floor restoration work with NZ native timbers completed before a total ban or stop of supply must be regarded as fortuitous.

Restoration Work

Restoration work carried out on Kauri, Rimu, Tawa or Matai wood is a delicate and challenging undertaking. It requires the careful audit of every board before nailing or gluing it down onto the new floor area. Floor boards are often twisted and under stress, due to their prior existence, or else they are dried up and internally broken yet not showing outside traces. The floor boards of NZ native specimen supplied by Solid Timber Floor may not always look premium grade. They may come with nail holes, little cracks, discolouration, etc., but one has to consider their age and often century purpose served in i.e. some lonely farm estate or church premise somewhere in the North Island. It helps to remember these timber specimen are often over 100 years old and have their own story to tell. In many instances, they have been around from the earlier settler times, which inspire some awe and wonder in the heart of the discerning.

In light of the above, it is good that we have these remaining tree resources still available so to lay your floor and beautify your house today. Many of our clients have come to appreciate the preciousness of the timber before them – only after a little bit of education.

Solid Timber Floors is delighted to undertake restoration work at your premises with New Zealand timbers, knowing how much more you will enjoy their charming character and features after the installation is completed. Once the new floor boards are laid down, put in place and glued or nailed, the procedures of all other restoration work remain similar to any new floor. In principle, after the installation follows the sanding and then the coating. For more information, please contact us, as we would be delighted to assist.