Why are timber strip overlays different sizes and thicknesses?
The original dimensions of the rough sawn timber from which it is machined determine the final thickness of timber strip overlay. Currently on the market are strip overlays ranging from 14mm thickness down to 10mm thickness? Most overlays are machined from timber, which has a width of 100mm. To ensure the timber’s stability the rough sawn material has been kiln-dried in accordance with Australian standards. The rough sawn material might start out at a common size of 100mm x 25mm (the old 4 x 1) and be sawn in half (“deeped”) to make two boards. This is a cheap and inexpensive way of making two floorboards. Alternatively, the boards can be machined from timber cut specifically to size (eg 100mm x 19mm) which is more expensive.
