Timber Flooring

Natural timber is very popular as a flooring product. Today, the many species that are available enable a choice of colours from pale straw to rich red browns. Timber floors can be laid in most domestic and commercial applications, irrespective of the type of construction. The demand for timber flooring continues to increase as the product is sought after for its aesthetic, health and enduring qualities.

In order to achieve floors that provide years of lasting beauty, it is necessary to follow recognised practices and to take into consideration those aspects that can influence floor performance. Many of the issues that should be considered by installers to provide quality timber floors are outlined in the following articles.

When laying timber floors it is fundamentally important to the success of each job that the installer:-

• understands the characteristics of the timber flooring being used.

• consider the client's expectations

• assesses any site related influences that may affect floor performance

• evaluates the influences that building design and construction may have on the floor

• adopts recognised installation practices

• chooses an appropriate finish for the floor

If installers follow the above and have the associated knowledge to make the correct decisions at each stage they are well on the way to consistently providing each of their clients with floors that they will be more than satisfied with.

Accredited Flooring Program - To support the need for quality and reliability TQL is now accrediting timber flooring manufacturers, find out more about the program and where to buy these superb timber flooring products.

Timber Floors laid during the drier months - Experience has shown that during the period July to October each year, climatic conditions can have an adverse affect on the performance of timber floors, such as appearance of large or irregularly spaced gaps.

Building design affects timber floors - Building design, heating and cooling equipment and some appliances can have an affect on the movement and performance of timber floors. It is important that these aspects are taken into consideration.

Timber floors require adequate sub-floor ventilation - Many houses containing timber floors have an enclosed sub-floor space and as a consequence of this, cupping and expansion related problems are occurring.

Timber Floors and Concrete Slabs - When timber floors are laid over slabs, many of the systems used will produce a floor that is different in nature to a timber strip floor laid over joists. Aspects relating to these differences and other considerations are outlined.

Polished timber floors - Why risk platform construction? - TQL from time to time meets owners who are disappointed in their polished tongue and groove timber floor and often they have good reason to be disappointed and angry.