Despite the emergence of composite materials, there’s still no better flooring than seasoned timber, which not only has timeless appeal, it will also last for many decades if installed correctly. Installing a hardwood floor is, however, a skilled job. With that in mind, here are a few of the common mistakes that homeowners make when installing a timber floor.
- Ignoring The Levels – You can only have minor abnormalities and if the floor is uneven, a screed layer is recommended, which will remove any bumps or hollows. If timber planking is not perfectly level, this will be apparent, as the lines will be affected, and any movement will be obvious. Hardwood floor installers insist on a level substrate, and the team would do this a day before installing the floor, cleaning the area in preparation for the flooring to be laid. If you have never laid a hardwood floor, you are advised to call in the professionals, who can handle all aspects of the installation, leaving you with a floor of character that will last for many years.
- Failure To Prepare The Substrate – It is critical that the substrate is correctly prepared, with all bumps smoothed, dust and residue removed, leaving a clean and dry concrete surface. It is also wise to use something like cork as a backing, which will ensure a silent walking experience. Of course, if you source timber and flooring services at a reputable provider such as MarketTimbers.com.au, you can be sure of a first-class installation, plus they have access to high-grade timbers that are ideal for flooring.
- Not Addressing Humidity Issues – In most environments, a timber floor would not move, but if the room is humid, the timber could swell and this causes movement. It is always a good idea to make sure the timber is seasoned and the atmosphere in the room is suitable. An experienced hardwood floor installer would immediately know if the timber was in some way unsuitable, and would be able to help you choose finishing options.
- Poor Finishing– If you didn’t clean up prior to applying a sealant, this could result in dust being caught in the varnish, which will leave the floor coarse to the touch, and it will not have that magical sheen. There are, of course, options, such as staining the floor after installation, then sanding the surface before preparing it for polyurethane coating to offer total protection. If you are installing a living room floor, you can place heavy furniture on rugs, which would protect the floor, or you could buy some small rubber pads that are designed to protect wooden floors.
If you approach an established timber flooring contractor, you can view a wide range of Australian and imported timber, and once a price is agreed, you can look forward to a floor that will stand the test of time. Any flooring contractor would issue a long warranty on their work, and they would also advise you on maintenance and protection, which is essential with every type of timber floor.