New Timber Floor Installations Explained
Getting it right the first time
The timeless beauty of timber flooring is largely attributed to it being a product that draws the natural environment into our internal living space, and there are several different timber flooring applications available ranging from natural timber to those with a timber like appearance.
At Living Floors we understand that having a multitude of options can be daunting.
With an in-home consultation we offer our customers the opportunity to share their ideas, so that together we can talk about a timber flooring solution to best suit their project. Rest assured, you will receive specific recommendations, a reliable quote and an understanding of the processes involved to ensure a result of the highest standard.
Why choose Timber Flooring?
- The natural elements of timber flooring make it extremely versatile offering a vast array of design options. From warm, elegant tones to a more coastal vibe, the choice is yours.
- Timber flooring is extremely easy to maintain. A quick sweep with an anti-static dry mop will take care of daily dust particles. For a thorough clean – a vacuum, followed by a damp mop will keep your floors looking great.
- A well-maintained timber floor will provide a healthy option for allergy or asthma sufferers, as it won’t harbour dust mites, pet hair and similar allergens.
- Timber floors have minimal environmental impact creating five times less carbon emissions than ceramic tiles (source: CRC for Greenhouse Accounting).
- The options are endless. From timber species to flooring options plus a vast range of coating and finishings, there will be a timber flooring product that will suit your project.
Types of timber floors and associated products
There are several options of timber and timber related flooring types. The most widely used timber flooring options are:
Timber Flooring
- RSolid strip timber flooring
- RPrefinished solid strip timber flooring
- REngineered flooring
- RParquetry
Timber Related Flooring
- RLaminate flooring
- RBamboo flooring
- RCork Tiles
Other Living Floors Services
Sand & Polish
Outdoor Decks
Floor Repairs
Parquetry
Solid Strip Timber Flooring
Solid strip timber flooring is the most traditional of all timber flooring applications and as such, will never date. It can be fixed directly to joists, subfloors, or battens, and in some cases directly to a concrete slab. Commonly known as tongue in groove timber flooring, it is known for its strength, durability, and character.
Throughout its life, solid strip timber floors can be rejuvenated to near new condition by sanding and refinishing. Available in many difference timber species, it is ideal for new houses or to match existing floors in renovations and extensions. They can be top nailed, or secretly fixed in combination with adhesives. Solid strip timber flooring is usually ready to walk on withing 48 hours of completion.
Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered Timber Flooring is specifically manufactured with a decorative layer of timber (called a veneer) bonded over layers beneath which is often timber, offering the appearance of solid timber flooring.
Engineered floors may be laid as floating floors or glued to a subfloor as an overlay. Most engineered flooring is pre-finished although some are designed to be sanded and finished after installation. Engineered floors are ready to walk on once installed.
Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring typically consists of a timber look finish on a high-density fibreboard core. Over this, a hard-wearing melamine layer is bonded. Laminate floors are always laid as floating floors and can be laid over most surfaces utilising a foam underlay.
Available in a large range of timber patterns, lengths and textures, all current laminate flooring products have a glueless installation system and are ready to walk on once installed. (source: ATFA)
Cork Tiles
One of the oldest and most durable options available, cork tiles are popular for large areas such as community halls etc.
Manufactured using natural cork in the form of a tile it is adhered directly to a subfloor or underlay. It is then lightly sanded and coated to provide a natural look that is also soft underfoot.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a grass, not a timber, but like timber it is manufactured in board form and shares some characteristics of solid timber. The most common type of bamboo flooring is strand woven which means cut strands of bamboo are bonded together with an adhesive before being cut and machined into floorboards.
In other forms it can be made by gluing small sections of bamboo together – either vertically or horizontally – to create different appearances. Bamboo floors can also be engineered to provide stability when fixed to a slab. (source: ATFA)
Most bamboo flooring products:
- are pre-finished.
- have glueless joining systems and
- are floated on a foam underlay.
Installation Essentials
There are 3 things to consider when choosing a timber flooring option.
1. Lifestyle
The versatility of many flooring applications available will provide several options to suite either a busy household, a quieter lifestyle with less foot traffic, or even a busy workspace.
2. Environment
It is essential to ensure that the product suits the local climate, for instance some flooring systems suit a humid/warm climate whereas others suit a dryer/cool climate.
3. Budget
Look at all options and choose the best quality possible.
Above all else, always seek advice from a licenced flooring expert who can give you the most accurate and specific information and recommendations for your timber flooring project.
Book a Consultation
At Living Floors, we partner with the best expert installers in the industry. Combined with our polishing and finishing expertise, you can expect a stunning result. Ask us about the many timber species and finishes available.