The Enduring Appeal of Timber Floors
Timber flooring brings unparalleled warmth, character, and timeless elegance to any interior space, significantly enhancing a home's appeal and value. LB Timber offers a premium selection of Australian hardwoods—Ironbark, Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, and Tallowwood—available in solid, engineered, and parquetry formats, providing a superb foundation for remarkable floors. This guide covers the essential phases of planning and installing timber flooring.
A beautiful room area with timber flooring
Planning Your Timber Flooring Project
Successful timber flooring installation begins with meticulous planning. This includes assessing the room's conditions (size, light, traffic ) and, critically, the subfloor. The subfloor (e.g., concrete, particleboard, plywood) must be structurally sound, clean, dry, and perfectly level. Moisture testing of both the subfloor and the timber flooring is essential before installation; for concrete, a maximum moisture content of around 5% is typical.
Choosing the timber species (considering hardness, durability, and appearance ) and appearance grade (Select, Standard, or Feature ) will define the floor's aesthetic. The format—solid, engineered, or parquetry—also plays a key role (see our "Choosing Your Timber" page for detailed comparisons). Design choices like plank width and laying direction (typically parallel to the longest wall or towards the main light source ) should also be considered. Finally, establish a comprehensive budget covering materials, preparation, installation, and finishing.
Essential Preparation for Flawless Installation
Meticulous preparation is paramount.
Subfloor Preparation:
For concrete subfloors, ensure they are clean, level (max 3mm deviation over 3m ), and dry. Grind high spots, fill lows with levelling compound, and apply a moisture barrier if needed. Timber subfloors must also be clean, sound, and level; a plywood overlay can address unevenness. Ensure adequate underfloor ventilation for suspended timber floors.
Acclimatisation:
Timber flooring must adjust to the site's normal temperature and humidity before installation to prevent issues like warping or gapping. This typically involves storing the timber in the installation room, with boxes opened or planks stacked with spacers, for 3 days to two weeks or more.
Underlayment:
Underlayment (primarily for floating engineered floors) provides moisture protection, acoustic insulation, and comfort. Select based on subfloor type and acoustic needs.
Timber Floor Installation Methods
The installation method depends on the flooring type and subfloor.
| Type of flooring | Installation methods |
|---|---|
| Solid Timber |
Typically nail-down or staple-down over timber subfloors ; direct-stick (glue-down) with flexible adhesive over prepared concrete. |
| Engineered Timber |
Can be installed as a floating floor (using click-lock systems over underlay ), glued down, or sometimes nailed/stapled to a timber subfloor. |
| Parquetry |
Blocks are usually direct-stuck to a very flat, stable subfloor. Precision is key, especially for intricate patterns like herringbone. |
Table 1: Installation methods of Australian hardwood timber floors
Expansion Gaps
Regardless of method, leaving 10-12mm expansion gaps around the perimeter and any fixed obstructions is crucial to allow for natural timber movement. These are covered by skirting boards.
Sanding and Finishing Raw Timber
For raw solid timber or traditional parquetry, on-site sanding and finishing create the final smooth, protected surface. (Prefinished engineered floors skip this). The process involves preparing the surface (punching nails, filling holes ), then sanding in stages from coarser to finer grits.
The choice of finish (polyurethanes for a surface film, or oils for a penetrating, natural look ) and gloss level (matte to high gloss ) impacts appearance and maintenance. Apply 2-3 coats as per manufacturer instructions, allowing adequate drying time.
DIY or Professional Installation?
DIY installation can save on labour costs but requires skill, precision, and the right tools; mistakes can be costly and may void warranties. Professional installation offers expertise, efficiency, and often an installation warranty, though at a higher upfront cost. For complex projects like parquetry or large solid timber areas, professional installation is generally recommended.
Caring for Your New Timber Floor
Proper care ensures lasting beauty. Regular sweeping/vacuuming, prompt spill cleanup, use of furniture pads, and damp mopping with pH-neutral, timber-specific cleaners are key. Solid timber may need recoating every 3-5 years. (Refer to our "Choosing Your Timber" page for more detailed care information.)
Ready for a Floor Makeover?
New timber floors are a game-changer. LB Timber provides quality Aussie hardwoods and the know-how from our family's decades in the business to help you create floors you’ll adore.
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