Timber iQ August - September 2017 // Issue: 33 | Page 29

FEATURES
impact (wear and tear) that your lifestyle will have on your
floor,” adds Bupo. He says that sub-floors need to be
looked at when considering a timber floor installation.
“Different types of floors can be installed over various
surfaces; it’s important to know if you’ll need to remove
the existing floor or if you can just build on top of it.”
In addition, Kozinsky adds that moisture content of the
sub-floor is also a determining factor when selecting
suitable timber floors.
Another choice when considering
timber floors is to choose the type
of surface structure you require.
VARYING OPTIONS
Kozinsky describes three types of timber floor installations
including click system floating installations, batten/nail
down installations and glue down installations (using
elasticised adhesives).
In addition to installations, there are also different
types of timber that can be used for timber floors.
According to Bupo, the current trend in South Africa leans
more towards South American and North American timber.
“These are suited for the harsh African climate and can be
used to create distinct living spaces with their rich detail
and durability and are extremely affordable. Some of these
species include oak, Oregon pine, IPE/Brazilian walnut,
eucalyptus, hickory, walnut and maple, to name a few.”
Another choice when considering timber floors is to
choose the type of surface structure you require. “Surface
texture of a hardwood floor can add a great deal to the
atmosphere of a room,” says Kozinsky. Timber floors can
either be given a smooth or brushed surface texture where
the former involves delicately sanding the wood and the
latter involves lightly scraping the wood with a wire brush.
The Southern African Wood, Laminate and Flooring
Association (SAWLFA) stresses the importance of following
instructions when installing a timber floor. A floor that is
installed incorrectly can be quite costly as some of wooden
floors can cost up to R500 000. Therefore, it is imperative
that timber floor installers apply their knowledge and
expertise correctly to avoid potential damage.
“We offer an impartial inspection service and any short
cuts contributing to a failure or problem will be exposed,”
says Steven Suntup from SAWLFA.
One of the first steps to correctly install a timber floor is
to have the necessary tools to do the job. According to
Suntup there are two essent ial testing tools – a moisture
meter, which tests moisture in the screeds during the
installation process and a three-metre straight edge, which
is used to test that the screed is level.
“Without these two instruments, you cannot lay a floor
without fear of failure,” says Suntup. Kozinsky notes other
important basic tools for installation include a flooring and
claw hammer, spacers and a pneumatic nail gun.
SOLID WOOD INSTALLATION AND
ENGINEERED WOOD INSTALLATIONS
The type of timber you choose determines the technique
you will use to install a timber floor.
Bupo explains the technique of solid wood installations,
“The secret nailing or nail down method is the traditional
installation method to use for a solid wood floor. Because
solid wood floors expand and contract more than
engineered wooden floors they need to be able to ‘move’,
otherwise the floor will warp. Nailing down the planks
allows for this movement.
“But some solid wood floors can be glued down or
floated over concrete as long as the sub-floor is well
prepared and the appropriate damp-proof membrane is
used. The suitability of these alternative installation
methods also depends on the type of wood and the width
and thickness of the planks. Timber is a natural
(hygroscopic) material. For this reason, a solid timber floor
may need to be acclimatised to its new local environment
before installation,” says Bupo.
Regardless of the type of timber you choose, another
crucial factor is the laying of the wooden flooring.
Kozinsky on the correct way to lay wooden floors, “Focal
points are vital. It is recommended to start laying a
wooden floor at the focal point moving across to the far
side of the room. The reason for this is that you get a full
strip of flooring at this main focal point and the cut piece
ends the floor at the far side under the skirting. If you start
at the far side and move towards the focal point then you
will more than likely end up with a half board tapering
from wider to narrower causing an eyesore and the
possibility of relaying the floor at your cost.
“Planning and thought must go into each floor, from
focal points to finishing strips and be discussed with the
fitting team prior to starting the job. The direction of the
floor is vital; it is always best to have the length of the
floor running in the longest direction and the width of the
floor running in the shortest direction. This prevents any
unsightly expansion.”
COMMON MISTAKES AND MAINTENANCE
Suntup highlights one of the most common mistakes made
with timber floor installations is failure to test moisture or
keep a record of the test as well as checking that screeds
are perfectly level. He also adds that incorrect glue and
glue starvation on glue down floors are other common
errors made by installers.
“Insufficient expansion gaps and installing floors on top
of old wooden strip, block, carpets or slasto floors as a
base or sub-floor are other frequent mistakes,” according
to Kozinsky. Regarding sub-floors, Bupo adds that the
biggest mistake during installation is when installers
ignore damaged or uneven subfloors.
Mistakes to timber floors are not only made during the
installation process, but mistakes are also made when it
comes to appropriate maintenance of timber floors. One of
the most common mistakes is not protecting timber floors
// AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 27