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Timber Flooring Frequently Asked Questions | Carpet Call

How do I compare solid timber and floating timber floors?

Carpet Call offers both solid and floating timber floors and applauds the benefits of both. The secret is to find out which meets your needs rather than one being better than the other. Check out Carpet Calls timber comparison chart below

SOLID TIMBER ENGINEERED TIMBER
Real wood all the way through Real Wood all the way through -3 layers
Can be sanded – Multiple times Can be sanded – up to 3 times
Aftersales contact and service in Australia Aftersales contact and service in Australia
Scratch & dent resistent* Scratch & dent resistent*
  Holds up well against light moisture
  DIY Installed
  Can be installed over under-floor heating

*depends on species If you would like to compare solid and floating timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427 for more advice.

Can I install floating timber flooring myself DIY?

Floating timber flooring can be installed DIY, but it is wise to spend some time planning before you start installing your new floor. The following should be considered in your planning phase.

  • The subfloor must dry, level and flat with a maximum of 2 mm variable over a running meter.
  • Carpet Call’s Universal flooring can be installed over underfloor heating systems that do not exceed surface heat of 28 degrees Celsius. The manufacturers heat-up protocol must be carried out before installation
  • Perform all moisture tests according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If necessary, install moisture protection above your subfloor
  • Allow your timber flooring to acclimatise to the installation environment as per manufacturer’s recommendations. This usually means keeping a relative humidity of between 35%–65% for 48 hours within the room
  • Consider the tools that will be required to complete the job.
  • Do all you're cutting in another area to keep the installation area free from sawdust and wood chips.

If you want some practical advice on installing timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

Can I sand back my timber flooring?

A timber floor from Carpet Call will last for years and years with the proper care and maintenance. Our engineered floating timber floors use a Mara-Thon UV protective lacquer to improve scratch resistance. If your floor has extreme wear and tear it may be sanded down only two or three times otherwise the durable Mara-Thon UV protective lacquer should hold up for many years. Solid flooring, on the other hand, can be refinished over and over again. Proper sanding technique levels the floor and brings back the natural grain of your solid timber floor. Several passes with the sanding tools will be required to achieve a smooth finish. Provide ventilation while sanding and staining. An open window with a fan is a good idea, especially since the door is sealed. DIY sanding would require use of hire equipment which is large noisy, and it only takes a heavy hand to gouge the timber surface to do some damage to your timber floor. Sanding removes dirt and old staining creating a new level surface, so the work is dirty and slow. Carpet Call highly recommends using a qualified timber floor finisher with references. If you would like some technical advice on sanding back your timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

What temperature should my room be at?

Timber flooring like any natural product can be affected by changes in humidity and temperature. Variations in temperature and humidity can result in timber drying out, expansion or contraction. Carpet Call recommends taking the following precautions.

Humidity and Temperature

Our manufacturer recommends a room temperature of 20C and a relative humidity of between 30% and 60% all year round. If using an evaporative cooler we strongly advise following manufacturers guidelines and only operate with doors or windows open.

Sunlight

Timber floors will darken over time, but you can reduce the effects of sun damage by using window blinds or coverings. The blinds will also help in maintaining constant temperature in the room. If you want some practical advice on the perfect conditions for your timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

Can I install timber flooring in the bathroom?

Timber flooring should not be installed in bathrooms or laundries as they are considered wet areas. Moisture is the biggest threat to timber floors and in excess you can expect cupping, crowning or buckling of your timber floor. In the bathroom water a build of water on the floor is inevitable when showering, drying off and simply washing hands. Poor ventilation in a bathroom can lead to a build-up of steam which is moisture. Extra coats of finish will not protect against this amount of moisture on a daily basis causing the timber floor to expand and contract. Pegulan and Gerflor have done a great job replicating the look of hardwood timber floors in their vinyl ranges making vinyl flooring the perfect alternative to timber flooring in the bathroom and laundry. If you want some practical advice on installing timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

Which is better floating timber flooring or solid timber flooring?

Most people will enforce their personal opinion rather than consider the individual benefits of floating timber floors or solid timber floors. Carpet Call offer both floating engineered timber floors and solid timber floors. So which is better?

In both cases, the sub floor must be free from moisture and completely level. Let’s look at engineered floating timber floors.

  • They are manufactured from a hardwood timber and considerably cheaper than solid timber floors.
  • Engineered timber floors come prefinished and are ideal for most home renovations, particularly apartments where sanding and polishing is not an option on site.
  • The advancement of underlay offers acoustic and moisture protection allowing installation to be completed quickly allowing you to walk on it immediately.
  • It is easier to repair a floating timber floor than a solid timber floor. Most customers will store a number of spare planks. It is relatively easy to pull up, assess and replace a couple of damaged floating planks that installed using the click system.
  • Engineered timber floors can be installed on slab, bearers and joists following manufacturers installation instructions.
  • Floating floors are less susceptible to moisture resulting in less timber expansion or contraction.

Solid timber floors have won the hearts of many home owners.

  • Solid Timber floors have random lengths boards which can change the look of the floor
  • Solid Timber floors are glued down and more difficult to replace should you damage
  • Solid timber floors require sanding and finishing onsite extending the time required for installation

Drop into one of our Carpet Call stores for a demonstration from our flooring consultants on the benefits and characteristics of both solid timber flooring and floating timber floors or call us on 1300 502 427 for expert advice.

What is the difference between hardwood timber floors and solid timber floors?

Every timber floor sold at every Carpet Call flooring store is manufactured using hardwoods. You will find many terms when researching which timber floors are best for your home. Hardwood floors are manufactured from a hardwood. The hardness of a wood is determined using a hardness test assessing a timber species resistance to impact and wear. The Janka or Brinell tests are most commonly used. The term hardwood developed because of the difficulty in sawing through particular hardwoods compared to softwoods such as spruce and pine. All floating and engineered timber floors are made from hardwood timber. A floating engineered floor is manufactured using three layers in cross-ply to each other. This reduces the natural movement within the wood. The top layer may be re-sanded like solid wood. The middle layer is made from high density fibreboard. The bottom layer is made from spruce or pine. The floating timber floor literally floats on top of whatever you are laying on such as a concrete slab or joists. Underneath the flooring is an acoustic underlay and moisture barrier. Solid timber floors are solid timber all the way through. Solid timber floors are glued or nailed to the subfloor resulting in less movement. Carpet Call stocks the following hardwood species

  • Ash
  • Oak
  • Kempas
  • Jatoba
  • Merbau
  • Walnut
  • Kambala/Iroko
  • Blue Gum
  • Spotted Gum
  • Blackbutt
  • Tasmanian Oak
  • Jarrah
  • Doussie
  • Hickory
  • Maple

Drop into one of our Carpet Call stores for a demonstration on the Janka or Brinell timber hardness test or call us on 1300 502 427 for detailed advice.

How do I clean my timber flooring correctly?

Moisture is the enemy of all timber floors Carpet Call flooring consultants will offer you a list of tips on how to clean and maintain your timber floors. Detailed care and cleaning of your timber will maintain the natural beauty of your floors for generations. Maintaining the protective coatings and avoiding moisture or spillages is the key.

What will I need to clean my timber floors?

  • Broom with soft bristles
  • Vacuum with soft brush attachment
  • Bucket with quality lint free sponge mop
  • Carpet Call recommends putting some simple things into place to help make cleaning and maintenance of your timber flooring easier.
  • Place non-rubber protective pads beneath furniture or appliances. Carpet runners in hallways are great
  • Remove shoes in the home. High heel shoes easily damage timber floors with indentations
  • A constant indoor humidity level of about 50 – 65 % relative air humidity is best to preserve the value of and to care for your floor
  • Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood. This causes wood to change colour. Carpet Call recommends windows have blinds or shades applied to minimise the effects of the strong Australian sun
  • Remember to re-arrange rugs and furniture periodically so that the effects of sunlight allows floors to age evenly
  • We highly recommend the use of door mats to prevents tracking abrasive grit and dirt into the home which acts just like sandpaper on your floor
  • Evaporative coolers saturate the air with moisture. Manufacturers instruct and advise to ensure you leave a window or door open when using. If operated without ventilation excessive moisture may cause the timber flooring to cup, expand and swell pushing planks out of place. Ventilation will help relative humidity to remain below 70% minimising damage.

Drop into one of our Carpet Call flooring stores for a demonstration from our flooring consultants on how to clean and maintain your timber floors or call us on 1300 502 427 for detailed advice.

What warranty do I get when I buy engineered timber floating floors?

Carpet Call believes in the 3 ply cross-linked construction of all Universal engineered floating timber floors which makes it exceptionally stable. Universal engineered timber floors are backed by a 15-year manufacturer’s product warranty. A 15-year manufacturer’s product warranty is also offered on Universal solid timber floors. All Carpet Call manufacturer warranties are subject to general warranty exclusions. Your Carpet Call flooring store will provide details of your warranty at time of purchase. If you want some further advice on timber flooring warranties, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

Why do my floating timber floors crack when I walk on them?

One of the most common questions asked about a floating timber floor is “why do they squeak when I walk on them?

Squeaking or noisy timber floors are due to movement of the timber. In most cases this can be eliminated by following the correct installation methods. In many DIY installations our installation teams have been asked to visit a home and fix noisy timber floors. They have reported that most squeaks and noisy floors could have been avoided if the sub floor had been prepared correctly. A flat level surface is required for installation of all timber floor types. The use of acoustic underlay will minimise noise. Employing a qualified installer is always wise as they can assess the best installation method for your timber floor. If you want some practical advice on timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

Can floating timber flooring be installed over underfloor heating?

Universal timber flooring, except Ash, Beech or Maple can be installed over a heated slab provided the slab temperature does not exceed 27C degrees. The slab should come to equilibrium for 24 hours before timber floor installation. Manufacturer’s heat-up protocol must be followed, recorded and signed to ensure warranty is observed and use of parquet glue is highly recommended. If you want some practical advice on timber flooring, why not visit your closest Carpet Call flooring showroom or call 1300 502 427.

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