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Questions about timber floors?
During our 20 years supplying and installing timber flooring in Adelaide, we’ve worked on a huge range of projects.
We’ve answered loads of questions and we’ve watched trends change.
We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about timber flooring installation to help you make the right choice.
Products
Gums tend to be the hardest timbers, but wear also depends on the coating used. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your home and lifestyle so we can help you choose the right timber.
All of our products come from plantation timber. Bamboo grows quicker than trees so it is more sustainable. However solid timber is the only one that can be 100% recycled.
Waterbased coatings are the most environmentally friendly products. Solvent based coatings can be detrimental to people’s health during the process and while it cures.
Services
Depending on the coatings being used, you may need to move out. This is something we’ll discuss with you during our first consultation. With pre-finished engineered floors, you shouldn’t need to move out.
You need to remove all furniture including dishwashers, ovens and stoves. If you have other tradespeople on site, please make sure we have their contact details. That way, we can coordinate with them and ensure your flooring installation goes smoothly. Your flooring should be installed last.
This depends on the style of flooring being laid and the size of the rooms. Engineered floors are the fastest to install while solid timber floors take longer. And because of the detailed craftsmanship that goes into laying a parquetry floor, it will take even longer to install.
This depends on the type of floor we’re installing. We’ll discuss this when we provide your quote.
As a general guide, you need to wait a couple of days before lifting and placing furniture (never dragging) on a new solid timber floor.
With most coatings, you can walk on them (with socks on) within 24 hours. But you still need to take care as some coatings need a few weeks to properly cure.
All engineered and laminate floors are prefinished, so you can move furniture and walk on them straight away.
Floor Care
It’s important to maintain the top-coat to make sure your floor remains smooth and shiny.
Placing rugs in high traffic areas will help to protect your floor from wear. Move rugs and mats to keep a consistent tone.
Felt or non-slip pads on the bottom of furniture will prevent scratches. And be careful when moving furniture. Never drag heavy items across your floor.
High heels can seriously damage your floor and stilettoes are brutal. Where possible, take shoes off inside.
Remember your floor is a natural product and is subject to movement through the changing seasons. The colour of your floor can change slightly over time.
Timber floors are easy to clean.
Sweep daily to stop dirt and other materials scuffing your floor.
Vacuum weekly using a vacuum with a good brush head to prevent abrasions.
Wash your floor on a regular basis. Use a completely wrung mop and a bucket of water with a using professional timber floor cleaner which you can buy from our Selections Studio. Try to get as little water on the floor as possible.
Never use harsh cleaners, bleach, detergent, oil or wax based cleaners. And never use a steam mop – even if the ads say otherwise.
It depends on a range of factors. These include whether the floor is in a high-traffic area, the type of timber and the coatings that were used. We generally say around every 10 years. But we’ve been into homes 15 years later where coating is still performing well, it’s just yellowed slightly with age.
If you suspect you have white ants or termites in your house, it’s best to contact pest control. We can come out afterwards and repair any damage caused by the ants or the treatments.
Get in touch
Still have questions about which timber floor is right for you? Contact us to arrange an appointment at your home or at our Selections studio.