In this episode of The Underlay, Matt sits down with Clever Choice Flooring Queensland Sales Manager Greg Harvey for a deep dive into one of the most important categories in hard flooring, timber. Recorded in the festive “Christmas studio”, this conversation strips away myths, misconceptions, and outdated thinking around timber floors, replacing them with real-world insight, practical advice, and honest industry experience.

Greg walks through Clever Choice Flooring's newly refreshed timber offering, breaking down the three new ranges, Beauty, Meadows, and Pure, and explaining exactly where each sits in the market. From premium clean-grade boards to rustic, high-feature options and accessible entry-level timbers, the discussion highlights how Clever Choice has closed key gaps in the market without compromising on quality, authenticity or performance.

The episode also tackles the topics that truly matter on the showroom floor: livability, durability, repairability and long-term value. Matt and Greg unpack why timber is far more practical than many consumers believe, how modern UV coatings and finishes have improved wear resistance, and why timber remains one of the most sustainable and future-proof flooring options available.

Installation methods, floating versus direct stick, and the critical role of subfloor preparation are front and centre, reinforcing why education and correct system selection are just as important as the product itself. The conversation concludes with a look ahead to Clever Choice Flooring's 2026 roadmap, including product development, training, and where the broader flooring market is heading.

This is a must-listen episode for retailers, installers and anyone serious about selling timber floors the right way.

#TheUnderlayPodcast #TimberFlooring #CleverChoiceFlooring #FlooringIndustry #AustralianTimber #FlooringEducation #DirectStick #SubfloorPreparation #FlooringProfessionals #HardFlooring

In this special episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael bring listeners an on-the-ground snapshot from one of the biggest days on the flooring industry calendar, the ATFA Flooring Industry Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Positioned right in the heart of the action, The Underlay team were impossible to miss, attracting a steady stream of installers, suppliers, innovators, and long-standing industry leaders throughout the day.

This episode features the best conversations from the floor, beginning with ATFA CEO Phil Buckley, who shares his excitement about the event’s overwhelming turnout, the importance of national collaboration, and why training and craftsmanship will define the future. From there, Matt and Michael dive into the innovations, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry through interviews with Nathan from Belgotex, Brent from RLA Polymers, Josh from Marques Flooring, and Dale from Quickstep.

Across every conversation, a clear theme emerges. Training, education and collective responsibility are the backbone of a sustainable and successful flooring industry. From unlocking next-generation timber systems to improving subfloor preparation to expanding installer career pathways, every guest reinforces that knowledge is power, and the industry thrives when everyone lifts together.

This episode captures the energy, community spirit and shared passion that made the ATFA Expo such a standout event. Part Two arrives in the new year, but for now, enjoy the people, the ideas and the momentum shaping the future of flooring in Australia.

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In this episode of The Underlay, Matt and Michael head to Penrith to sit down with one of the most recognisable personalities in the flooring game, Micko from Dream Flooring. What starts as a conversation about flooring quickly becomes an insight into creativity, community, and why being different is the smartest move you can make in a crowded industry.

With more than 20 years on the tools, Mikko has done it all from timber to hybrid and everything in between. But it is his shift into fun, chaotic, attention-grabbing social media that has completely transformed his business. Clearing out his showroom, building a lounge-style space, and teaming up with Amy, the mastermind behind many of his wild ideas, Dream Flooring has become one of the most talked-about shops in Western Sydney.

From buckets of water thrown across the showroom to inflatable pool dives to Eric attacking him with a handbag, every video is built on one thing: creating attention without taking yourself too seriously. And as Micko explains, the strategy is working far better than he ever expected. Penrith locals now walk into the shop asking to meet him, fans yell out as they pass by, and Panthers supporters come in purely because they want to support "that funny bloke from Dream Flooring.”

But behind the laughter is real expertise. With decades of installation experience, Micko discusses floor prep, hybrid evolution, product trends, why former installers make the best salespeople, and the balance between affordability and doing the job right. His story proves that flooring may be boring to the masses, but it never has to be boring to sell.

This one is hilarious, honest, and a cracking look at how passion, personality, and hard work can redefine a local business.

JOIN THE UNDERLAY COMMUNITY

• What wild flooring video should Mikko film next?
• Can passion for footy really build a business?
• Should every flooring store start making fun content?

Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube. Share it with a mate in the industry.

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