What is the main difference between
solid timber flooring, engineered timber flooring and laminate flooring? A: Solid timber (hardwood) flooring is made from one plank and is solid timber all the way through, with no engineering or gluing, whereas engineered timber flooring is made with several plies of wood compressed together. Laminate flooring is a high-density base, with a photographic image of a wooden plank, finished with an acrylic lacquer. Laminate floors feature no solid timber and can only last for 15 to 20 years on average. Engineered timber flooring can last about 30 years on average, while solid timber floor can last centuries with good care.
Can timber flooring be installed anywhere in a house? A: Timber flooring can be installed anywhere in a house except for bathroom, laundry room or any other rooms where water is an issue, as water can cause expansion and contraction of timber floors.
Why does solid timber flooring need to be acclimatized?
A: Timber flooring is now kiln dried to specific moisture contents according to the species, and for the area it is to be installed in. The moisture content of the timber is determined by the average “relative humidity” and “temperature” of the in-service environment.
Contrary to what you may have been told, it is bad practice to simply place the timber in the house for 2 to 4 weeks or to stack the timber in a room as this can result in cupping, crowning, warping and twisting of the timber.
We recommend that the timber is installed straight away, and soon after.
What is the difference between the grades of timber?
A: Any piece of timber may contain natural features such as gum veins, gum pockets or knots and a grading system has been established within the timber industry which reflects the frequency with which these features appear. Using the most common grade classifications, timber will have fewer features and the grades move from ‘Feature’ through to ‘Standard’ to the highest quality ‘Select’. It is worth noting that the integrity of the timber does not change, only the occurrence of features, so choices should be made based purely on aesthetics.
Can I install a new floor over my existing timber floor?
A: As long as the existing floor is level and sound, you can lay a new floor over the top. However, bear in mind that a new floor installed will raise the floor level by 12mm to 19mm depending on the thickness of the floor you choose to have installed.
Can I install a new floor over existing concrete?
A: Yes you can lay timber over concrete. If the concrete slab is less than five years old, we can apply a membrane between the slab and the timber so as the moisture from the slab doesn’t damage the timber.
At what stage should I be sanding and polishing my floor?
A: On a project involving several trades, generally the floor sanding and polishing is done after all other trades have been completed, however we recommend polishing not long after installation to seal timber while it is still set to the perfect moisture content.
Can I refinish my floor if it gets damaged?
A: Depending on the extent of the damage, Solid timber floors can be restored to their original beauty many times by sanding and refinishing. Engineered timbers have only a thin veneer which can be sanded one or two times. Laminate timber floor cannot be sanded and refinished.
What type of coatings do you use?
A: Whether you would like to use solvent, oil or water based coatings, all of the coatings we use are of the highest quality, hard-wearing, durable and easy to maintain. The solvent based polyurethane does yellow over time and is high in VOC’s, whereas the water based polyurethane will not and maintains the natural beauty of the timber.
Can you get different levels of gloss?
A: Yes, different gloss levels can be achieved by choosing from a variety of coatings such as Solvent Based Polyurethane, Water Based Polyurethane and Oil Based coatings.
Solvent based polyurethane comes in
gloss or semi gloss.
Waterbased usually comes in: Matt, satin, semi gloss & gloss.
Do I need to remove my skirting boards before the floor is installed?
A: No you don’t. We can provide a neat quad or beading to run around the edge of the flooring, however removing the skirting and placing it on top of the floor will provide a much neater finish, we offer a remove, recycle and replace option for you.
Do you remove furniture?
A: Yes, furniture removal can be arranged and is evaluated on a case to case basis.
Do I have to leave the house during the sanding and polishing process?
A: It depends largely on the areas of the house that are being polished. If you have another area of the house you can live in comfortably while the works are being carried out, then you can stay in the house. It is recommended however, that you vacate for the finishing process, as the smell of the varnish can be very strong. It is definitely recommended for those that suffer from asthma or have allergies or might be pregnant.
Is there much dust?
A: Whilst no floor sanding is completely “dust free”, you can be sure that every care will be taken to keep dust to a minimum and limited to the immediate work area and cleaned up thoroughly before coatings are applied. We use the latest sanding machines that are designed to minimise the amount of dust generated, however you should expect some dust to settle on horizontal surfaces and light fittings etc.
Can we change the colour of the timber?
A: We recommend clear coatings for timber floors; but we can tint or direct stain or white wash solid timber floors in a colour that you desire.
How long does it take for the floor to dry after each surface coat is applied?
A: A coat of oil based polyurethane takes 8-12 hours to dry. A coat of water based polyurethane takes 4-6 hours to dry.
How long should I have to stay off the polish before I can move back in?
A: We usually recommend allowing 5 days for the whole process; 2 to 3 days to complete the job depending on the size and polish or stain selected and then once the final coat of polish has been applied it is recommended that you stay off the floor for at least 48 hours. Then we recommend you should use the floor ‘gently’ for a further 24 hours. Floor polish cures over time and is typically completely dry within 1-2 weeks.
What should I use under furniture legs?
A: Some furniture stores carry felt pads designed for use under furniture legs to help prevent the furniture from scratching the floor. Follow the directions that come with the pads you purchase for best results. To help prevent further scratching and damage to the floor surface, periodically check the pads to clean dirt, dust, and debris out from under them.
Will the colour change over time?
A: With all timber floors the colour may change over time. Exposure to UV is what causes yellowing of the coating over time, however with advances in the quality of products, the yellowing is much less obvious especially with Waterbase polish.
Are they scratch proof?
A: No, however some coatings are harder wearing than others and provide better protection.
What about warranties?
A: Most products will specify their own particular manufacturers warranty period. All of our workmanship at Gold Coast Hardwood Floors is guaranteed for life.
Can I use area rugs on my hardwood floor?
A: Area rugs can be used on timber flooring to protect the floor surface as well as to decorate your floor. However, be sure to check that the rug is “non-staining” so the colors will not bleed from the rug onto the floor. Also check the rug’s backing to make sure it is not rough, as this could cause the rug to scratch the finish when it is moved around on the floor. Lift the rug and clean the dirt, dust, and other debris out from under it regularly, as this could also damage the floor’s surface. Periodically move the rug to help prevent shading of the timber floor underneath it.
How do I clean my timber floor?
A: Cleaning your timber floor is simple. All you need to do is give it a quick going over with an electrostatic dust mop to remove surface dust, or occasionally a damp (and only damp!) mop using cleaning product that is suitably recommended for timber boards in warm water. The same diluted cleaning product can be used for spot cleaning. Steam mops are to be avoided at all costs!
