Solid Flooring
Installation of each and every solid timber floor is unique and dependent upon several factors including (but not limited to) the type and location of dwelling, substrate characteristics, ambient atmospheric conditions, choice of timber, type of coating, whether stairs are included and your choice of skirting/trim.
There are two distinct trades involved in the installation process being the installer, who physically lays the timber, and the sander, who sands and coats the floor. Below is an outline of the typical installation process for a solid timber floor.
Slab Preparation
Prior to commencement of works, the installer should, as a bare minimum, sweep and/or vacuum the concrete slab to ensure it is free of dust and other residue. In some instance’s grinding or levelling of an existing slab may also be required which would likely incur additional costs.
Moisture Barrier
The purpose of a moisture barrier (or primer) is to restrict vapour transmission between the concrete subfloor and timber flooring. A moisture barrier is always recommended, however is particularly important with a new slab which will typically have quite a high moisture content. There are several moisture barriers available on the market, most of which are generally applied to the clean and level concrete slab using a roller. This process is the job of the installer and typically speaking, a moisture barrier can be applied within one day.
Timber Installation
Once the moisture barrier has cured, the installer will apply glue to the concrete slab and starting from one end lay each row of boards utilising the tongue and groove profile to align the rows. Generally speaking an installation crew can lay approximately 30m2/day, however this is obviously dependant on the intricacy of each particular job.
Sanding
Upon completion of installation, the floor should be left for minimum of five days before sanding to ensure the glue has hardened and timber acclimatised to the in-home environment. The sander will first level sand the floor and then vacuum/sweep any dust and other debris. The floor will then be filled as required, paying attention to nail holes, feature in the timber and any small gaps between boards. Once filling is complete, the entire floor is again sanded with a finer paper to ultimately achieve the finished surface. For a normal sized job, this process will take a few days and once complete the floor is ready for coating.
Coating
The coating process is dependent upon the finish chosen, which can sometimes include staining. The first step is for a sealer (or primer) to be rolled onto the floor, which is relatively easily done and dries quickly. Following a sealer, the first coat of your chosen finish is applied, generally on the same day, and is left to cure. The floor is then lightly rubbed back and spot filled prior to the second and final coat being applied. Once the second coat is touch dry, it is recommended that traffic be strictly limited to socks only for a period of seven days, allowing the coating to completely cure.
Trims / Skirting
The final step of installation (if applicable) is installation of your chosen edge trim or skirting. Provided care is taken, this can be done during the seven day curing period, or alternatively left until afterwards. In should be noted that, unless specifically stipulated, skirting will not be painted by timber flooring contractors.
Engineered Timber Flooring
Typically speaking, an engineered floor consists of a 3mm – 5mm hardwood timber veneer pre laminated to an engineered backing board (multiply or similar). They are commonly prefinished on a factory coating line, with many of the coatings including a hardening additive to increase durability of the finished product. Engineered flooring can be either floated on an approved underlay, or alternatively direct stuck to a suitable subfloor in order to achieve a more solid feel underfoot.
Engineered flooring has become an increasingly popular substitute for traditional solid timber flooring. It still has the attractive appearance of natural hardwood, while boasting a significantly shorter installation timeframe. Engineered timber is also remarkably durable, and when compared to its solid counterparts, comes at a very affordable price.
This type of flooring is also very stable in all conditions and environments. Because it’s engineered with multiple layers, it is less susceptible to changes in temperature or humidity.
We can offer a large range of engineered timber flooring. We source these from various suppliers to suit all budgets, tastes and installation environments. From small homes to large commercial buildings, we have flooring solutions for every property.
Laminate Floors
Timber laminate flooring has quickly become one of the most popular choices for homes across the country. Made from high density particles covered with an extremely durable laminate overlay, this floor type provides the look and resilience of hardwood at a significantly lower cost.
Laminate flooring comes in many different styles and sizes, giving it superb versatility. It can simulate the appearance of virtually any hardwood, so you can always find a floor that will fit in perfectly with the rest of your interior design.
Like hardwood, durability is one of the strongest selling points of laminate flooring. It is ideal for high traffic areas, homes with children or pets, and other places where floors need to be damage resistant. You can expect laminate flooring to perform excellently in all conditions.
Parquetry Flooring
Parquetry flooring is composed of wooden pieces arranged in a large variety of geometric, decorative patterns. A technique that dates back centuries, this results in unique, stunning floors that are sure to impress your guests. From famous sports stadiums to ancient cathedrals, you will find gorgeous parquetry flooring in many different locations all over the world.
Homeowners with an eye for creative and beautiful designs will find that parquetry flooring is perfect for them. It provides you with an abundance of patterns, which can fit in nearly every property. Whether in block or mosaic form, the individual design choices are limited only by the owner’s imagination and the installer’s skill. Few flooring materials are as versatile as parquetry, making it an increasingly popular choice in recent years.
From a more practical standpoint, parquetry flooring is more than a match for other materials in terms of durability. The blocks are highly resistant to wear, and with proper maintenance, have an excellent lifespan.