Questions & Answers

Why does timber flooring have to be acclimatised?

The word acclimatisation is now widely used within the building industry in relation to equilibrium of the moisture content in timber flooring. This generally means that flooring is delivered to site and stored in the environment in which the floor is to be laid, to "acclimatise". This procedure should only take place at certain times of the year, especially in Queensland. As timber flooring expands and contracts with different levels of moisture, it is critical to moisture test all flooring prior to installing.

Do you supply timber flooring only for our builder to install?

Yes, we do supply only, as a number of our customers (mainly builders), install their own floors. We can offer you a large selection of timber species at competitive prices.

Can we install our own Tongue & Groove strip wood floor?

Generally no, it is not a DIY product and should be installed by an experienced builder or specialist flooring company. Problems can occur when installing over concrete, if the right procedures are not adhered to. It is imperative that all moisture contents (concrete and timber) are checked.

What are the individual lengths of T & G wood flooring?

T & G wood flooring comes in random lengths up to 5 m long, but there is no standard in the timber industry stating minimum or maximum lengths. The lengths of flooring solely depend on the quality of trees being milled. Certain species of tree will naturally produce longer pieces of wooden flooring.

How do I maintain my wood floor?

There are many types of cleaning product on the market and some may be harmful to your particular wooden floor finish. We recommend using a bucket of warm/hot water and a cap full of methylated spirits. Use a damp mop only and be careful to never saturate a wooden floor.

If I use a hard varnish finish, will this make my floor harder?

No, the hardness of a floor depends on the density of the timber species only. Select a hardwood timber for the most durable hard floor material.

Will my floor stay the same colour?

Generally speaking, all timbers mellow with age. As mentioned in the Installation and Polishing section, the water based polyurethanes reduce the yellowing effect of lighter timbers. Darker timbers will darken even more with age, but may also fade in direct sunlight.

How can I prevent my floor from scratching?

To minimise scratches, all furniture should be fitted with felt pads and a doormat should be placed at external doors.

Do timber floors need expansion joints?

Yes. All timbers (new and old) continually expand and contract with the different seasons. If no allowances are made for this movement, the results can be catastrophic.

Do I need to match my stairs with my floor?

Some people try to match the colour of their stairs and flooring. Stairs are like any other standalone joinery product used in timber flooring, such as entry and bi-fold doors. They can be treated as a separate item making a feature of your floor.