Trade Resource Hub

Selecting the right floor

It is of the utmost importance that the correct and adequately suited flooring product is selected and specified before a timber floor is laid. This avoids future problems with the installed floor. The following should be determined before selecting your wooden floor;

• What is the primary use of the floor?
• Is the floor likely to be subject to heavy wear and tear?
• Is the floor for sports, multi-purpose, domestic, or commercial use?
• Will the floor receive regular and correct maintenance?
• What type of maintenance is currently available?
  

There are three main installation methods for wooden floors:
Nailing, Floating, and Gluing.

• Ensure sub-floor is sufficiently level and dry.
• Always use a moisture barrier over cement ground floors.
• Use adhesive only for floors which are intended to be glued down.
• Always fix the packing to the battens. Do not place batten ends in a line, they must be staggered throughout the floor area and laid end to end.
• Always leave the correct expansion allowances at walls and all fixed points.
• Make sure that the client has the floor maintenance instructions.

Its easier to take preventative measures once floor has been installed than it is to try to repair damages at a later stage to same floor.

Important points for maintaining timber floors:

• Use felt pads or furniture cups under furniture legs, to reduce scratching.
• Ensure barrier mats are large enough to be effective and are cleaned regularly.
• Protective matting beneath chair wheels will help to reduce wearing of the surface.

• Minimum water only must be used. Remove any spills immediately.