Urban Timber's European & Design-Savy Appeal | Ian Hunt Flooring
Urban Timber's European & Design-Forward Aesthetic
September 4th 2025
New Zealand homes have always had strong relationship with timber, from native hardwoods in heritage villas to clean-lined oak in modern builds. But these days, timber flooring is more than just a structural element. With the many different flooring options out there, selecting wood for your home is defining design choice. If you're one of the many seeking something that feels a step above - visually refined, sustainably sourced and built to last - Urban Timber is making a name for itself.
Bringing together European craftsmanship and contemporary architecture design principles, the urban timber range connects homeowners and architects with engineered timber flooring that's versatile enough to go anywhere in the home.
How are engineered timber and solid wood different?
Engineered timber is made from multiple layers. The top layer is a thin veneer of genuine hardwood. Showcasing the beauty of natural grain, tone variation and texture. Beneath that sits as a high-performance core of plywood or cross-laminated hardwood, giving the plank strength and stability without demanding as much material.
This layered construction does two things, it makes engineered timber much more affordable than solid hardwood and it makes it much easier to install. Engineered timber is more resistant to warping, cupping and gapping. Since New Zealand is so well-known for its humidity, this is an an important advantage that can give engineered timber an edge over its predecessor.
In short, engineered timber delivers the look of solid hardwood flooering with greater efficiency and flexibility and makes that look more financially accessible. While solid hardwood wins out on durability every time, engineered timber is no slouch in this department and is steadily climbing in popularity because of this.
Meet Urban Timber; the Specialised Engineered Timber
A Contemporary Fit
New Zealand architecture - especially in urban and coastal settings - increasingly favours open layouts clean lines and tactile finishes. Urban Timber fits comfortably into this design vocab. In more minimal spaces, pale finishes from the range provide a calm, neutral base to build in light and bright spaces. Off-white walls and concrete accents are a great fit with this part of the range.
For mid-century or modernist homes, smoked or mid-toned boards add warmth and richness without feeling traditional and for homes that embrace dark cabinetry or industrial finishes, deeper tones in the urban timber collection.
Crucially, engineered timber from urban timber performs well in New Zealand. The layered construction resists the expansion and contraction that plagues many solid timber (particularly in homes that shift between heating and cooling systems throughout the year) In other words, there's no need to sacrifice comfort style because in this case they're one the same.
Sustainable, with Substance
Finally, engineered timber uses less hardwood per plank. It's much more efficient use of precious natural resources. Many finishes in the range or low-VOC and compliant with the international standard for indoor air quality, an important detail if you have a family or a re committed to building a healthier home
Browse the Ian Hunt Flooring range to find the best flooring option for your space
After 50 years in the business, the team at Ian Hunt Flooring is on hand to help you find the perfect flooring for your home. We're proud to be Auckland's local flooring and carpet suppliers.
