Queensland Timber Flooring recommends the plywood system
for quality residential work, where a secret nailed tongue and groove floor is required, as this method achieves a cushioned effect over concrete. This proven and reliable system involves laying a moisture barrier over the concrete slab, then fixing 15 mm plywood sheeting to the concrete using high tensile steel fixings. The floor boards are then secret nailed and fully glued to the plywood, giving a finished height of 34 mm. This system is preferred in residential installations as the solid mass of plywood sub floor eliminates vermin inhabitation and is a quieter floor compared to the hollow sound of the batten system.
The Batten System is mainly used for fixing wide board tongue and groove flooring over concrete using a 70 mm x 35 mm hardwood batten which is fixed over a moisture barrier. The flooring is then glued and hand nailed through the top of the board to the battens, giving a finished height of 54 mm.
In some commercial installations a 19 mm hardwood batten can be used to secret nail and fix an 80 mm x 19 mm T & G floor board over concrete, giving a finished height of 38 mm.
Direct Glue System involves gluing tongue & groove flooring directly to the concrete slab. As the adhesion of the glue is critical with this system the concrete surface has to be extremely even and flat. This essential flooring alignment can mean higher installation costs. In some instances, a liquid moisture barrier is required prior to installing the floor, another "hidden" cost which may appear. Perhaps the main disadvantage with this system is the lack of flexibility and hardness under foot.
Final preparation of your timber floorboards is the key to achieving the "WOW" factor in your home or commercial building. The way a floor is used and amount of traffic will also help determine the type of finish applied to any wood floor.
Generally there are three main types of finishes that are available.
Solvent based Polyurethane, Water based Polyurethane and Tung/Modified Oil. All these finishes are applied in 3 coats, each product has its own distinct advantages.
Solvent based Polyurethane
Solvent based Polyurethane is the most common of all finishes as it is the most durable and, like Tung Oil highlights the wood grain and brings out the richness of the darker timbers. The disadvantage with Polyurethane is that it does not allow the timber flooring to freely expand and contract and can break the surface seal between each board. This finish is available in Matt, Satin or Gloss.
Water based Polyurethane
Water based Polyurethane is the most environmentally friendly finish as it is odourless and quick drying. It is mainly used in maintaining the natural colour of light timbers (prevents yellowing). Water base polyurethane is available in commercial and domestic quality depending on the durability required. The main disadvantage with this finish is the higher cost of the product. This finish is also available in Matt, Satin or Gloss.
Tung/Modified Oil
Tung Oil was the original oil based finish and is still available today. Out of these three types of finish Tung Oil is the only finish that allows the timber flooring to expand and contract with out effecting the integrity of the finish. Its main disadvantage is the lack of durability when compared to polyurethane. Modified Oil has been formulated over the past ten years giving a similar appearance to Tung Oil with a more durable finish. If you are looking for that natural look and are not expecting the hardness of a polyurethane, then this is the finish for you. This finish is available in Satin or Gloss.
Alternative Finishes
As well as these three main finishes, there are other less common products such as natural oils and waxes. These finishes give a completely different look to the floor and the timber is left with a much "flatter" finish. The disadvantage with these types of finishes are that they are more labour intensive to apply and incur higher material costs. Some finishes require ongoing maintenance.
