The Technicalities of Timber Flooring Installation

The Technicalities of Timber Flooring Installation: A Comprehensive Guide

The journey to installing timber flooring combines aesthetic elegance with intricate technical details. At Vienna Woods, we’re committed to providing our clients with a thorough understanding of this process. This guide is designed to shed light on the finer points of timber flooring installation, ensuring a smooth transition to beautiful, lasting floors.

Step 1: Precision in Subfloor Preparation A successful timber flooring installation begins beneath the surface. The subfloor must be level, clean, and dry. The moisture content of the subfloor should closely match that of the timber flooring to prevent future issues such as warping or gapping.

Almost every sub floor will require some level of preparation

Step 2: Choosing the Right Timber The selection of timber is a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Factors like hardness (Janka rating), grain patterns, and the wood’s stability are crucial. European engineered oak is chosen for its robustness and adaptability, making it an ideal option for diverse environments.

 

 

Step 3: Acclimating the Timber Acclimation is a critical step in the timber flooring installation process. This involves allowing the wood to adjust to the specific humidity and temperature of its new environment. Proper acclimation reduces the risk of post-installation wood movement.

Step 4: The Installation Process The installation phase is where technical skill really comes into play:

Choice of Installation Method: Depending on the subfloor and timber type, we select the most suitable method, whether it be floating, glue-down, or nail-down.

Expansion Gap Consideration: Adequate expansion gaps are essential for natural wood movement, calculated based on the size and environmental conditions of the room as well as the type of flooring.  Solid timber flooring is more susceptible to movement, whereas engineered timber flooring is more structurally sound.

Finishing Touches: Most timber flooring options today are pre-finished, meaning that they have the stain and oil or lacquer applied to the planks prior to being installed.  For floors that are finished on site, there is a process usually including sanding, staining and a coating process of lacquer or oil. 

A typical glue-down install process for engineered timber flooring

Step 5: Post-Installation Care Caring for your timber flooring post-installation is crucial for maintaining its appearance and longevity. You can find guidance for caring for oiled floors here.  Caring for Lacquered floors here.

Installing timber flooring is a meticulous process that adds both beauty and value to your space. To achieve the best results, an appreciation and application of technical expertise is critical.  That combination of creative vision and technical prowess is what can yields amazing results.

Explore our range and learn more about our approach at www.viennawoods.co.nz. Join us in transforming your space with the timeless elegance of timber flooring.

How Hard-Wearing are NZ Timber Floors, Compared with European Oak?

Did you know that a person wearing stilettos can exert more force on a single stiletto point than an elephant? That is the amount of force that our flooring is susceptible to.

A large number of New Zealand homes have native timber floors. They are thought to be reasonably hard-wearing (although many species do often show dents from wear). In many cases this flooring needs to be extended or refurbished and the cost to do so can be a prohibitive.

An alternative option is to introduce an overlay timber flooring to the home. As such, we are often asked about the hardness of European Oak compared to New Zealand native timber floors. The Janka Hardness Test is a great way to offer a comparison between timber species.

The Janka Hardness Test is used to measure the resistance of a sample of wood, to denting and wear.  The results can compare the relative hardness of different species. It is determined by pressing a small steel ball into the wood.  The test measures the force required to embed the ball half way (creating an indentation that measures one square centermeter. 

European oak has a relatively high rating on the Janka scale, making it a durable choice for flooring.  It is not the hardest on the scale, but oak has become a popular choice due to accessibility, a desirable aesthetic, ability to forest sustainably and it is relatively easy to work with for a hard wood.

Some New Zealand native timbers, such as totara and rimu, also rank relatively high on the Janka scale, but are limited in availability for flooring. Other native timbers, such as kauri and matai, rank lower on the scale and may be less resistant to wear and tear.

The hardness test is expressed as kilograms-force (kgs), newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf).  The following shows a comparison of New Zealand Natives and other popular species expressed in lbf:

• Brazilian cherry: 2,820 lbf

• Totara: 2,040 lbf
• Jarrah: 2,020 lbf

• Maple: 1,450 lbf

• European Oak: 1,350 lbf
• Teak: 1,155 lbf
• Rimu: 1,010 lbf
• Kauri: 890 lbf
• Matai: 940 lbf

Each species has a number unique properties.  The wear resistance and hardness of timber is important, but it is just one factor to consider when choosing flooring.  

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The role of compliance documentation in ensuring the quality of engineered timber flooring

When shopping for engineered timber flooring, it is important to consider the quality of the product and whether it meets certain standards for performance and safety. One way to determine the quality of engineered timber flooring is by looking for compliance documentation, which is a set of documents that provide evidence that the product meets certain requirements or standards. 

There are several types of compliance documentation that are relevant to engineered timber flooring, including: 

 

  1. Product certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product has been tested and meets certain performance standards, such as strength, stability, and durability. This is typically provided by an independent testing organisation or a professional association. 
  2. Environmental certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product has been made in an environmentally responsible way, such as by using sustainable materials or energy-efficient manufacturing processes. This can be provided by organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). 
  3. Health and safety certification: This type of documentation certifies that the product is safe for use in the home and does not contain any harmful substances. This can be provided by organisations such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or the European Union’s E1 Emissions Standard. 

By looking for these types of compliance documentation, you can ensure that the engineered timber flooring you are considering is of high quality and meets certain standards for performance, environmental responsibility, and health and safety. This can give you peace of mind and help you make an informed purchase decision. 

To review our compliance documents, you can view these under our downloads section here.

 

The different finishes available for engineered timber flooring

One of the great things about engineered timber flooring is the variety of finishes available, which can help you achieve the desired look and feel for your home. Here are some of the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring:

 

  1. Matte finish: A matte finish has a smooth, non-reflective surface that gives the flooring a more natural, understated look. It is a good choice for areas with lower traffic or for homeowners who want a more subdued look.
  2. Satin finish: A satin finish has a slightly glossy appearance that adds a touch of shine to the flooring. It is a good choice for areas with moderate traffic, as it is more resistant to scratches and scuffs than a matte finish.
  3. Gloss finish: A gloss finish has a highly reflective surface that gives the flooring a shiny, polished appearance. It is a good choice for formal or elegant spaces, but may show scratches and scuffs more easily than other finishes.
  4. Hand-scraped finish: A hand-scraped finish is achieved by manually scraping the surface of the wood to give it a distressed, rustic appearance. It is a good choice for homes with a traditional or antique look.
  5. Wire-brushed finish: A wire-brushed finish is achieved by running a wire brush over the surface of the wood to create a textured, rough appearance. It is a good choice for a more rustic or casual look.
  6. Distressed finish: A distressed finish is achieved by creating artificial imperfections, such as dents or scratches, in the surface of the wood. It is a good choice for a shabby chic or vintage look.

By considering the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring, you can find a product that fits the style and aesthetic of your home.

The benefits of European-made engineered timber flooring

European-made engineered timber flooring is known for its high quality and attention to detail. Here are some of the benefits of choosing European-made engineered timber flooring for your home:

 

  1. Superior craftsmanship: European manufacturers are known for their attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products. This is reflected in the craftsmanship of European-made engineered timber flooring, which is often superior to products made in other parts of the world.
  2. Strict manufacturing standards: European countries have strict manufacturing standards in place, which ensure that products are made to a high level of quality and safety. This is particularly important when it comes to flooring, as it is an integral part of your home and needs to be durable and long-lasting.
  3. Wide range of styles: European manufacturers offer a wide range of styles and finishes for engineered timber flooring, allowing you to choose a product that fits the look and feel of your home.
  4. Sustainable sourcing: Many European manufacturers source their wood from sustainably-managed forests, making their products more environmentally-friendly. You can read more about our product sustainability here.
  5. Long warranty periods: European-made engineered timber flooring often comes with longer warranty periods, giving you added peace of mind and protection against defects or issues with the flooring.  Check out our product warranties below.

In summary, choosing European-made engineered timber flooring for your home offers superior craftsmanship, strict manufacturing standards, a wide range of styles, sustainable sourcing, and long warranty periods. All of these factors contribute to the overall quality and value of the product.

Our Product Warranties

 

 

How Hard-Wearing are NZ Native Timber Floors?

Many New Zealand homes have native timber floors. They are known to be reasonably hard-wearing (although many species do often show dents from wear). In many cases this flooring needs to be extended or refurbished and often the cost to do so can be prohibitive.

Alternative options are to introduce an overlay timber flooring to the home.  As such, we are often asked about the hardness of European Oak compared to New Zealand native timber floors.

The Janka scale is used to measure the hardness of wood and compare the relative hardness of different species. It is determined by pressing a small steel ball into the wood with a set amount of force and measuring the depth of the indentation. This measure is expressed as an lbf value (pounds of force).

European oak has a high rating on the Janka scale, making it a durable choice for flooring. In comparison to other types of timber, such as pine and fir, European oak ranks relatively high on the scale. Some New Zealand native timbers, such as totara and rimu, also rank relatively high on the Janka scale. Other native timbers, such as kauri and matai, rank lower on the scale and may be less resistant to wear and tear.

The following shows a comparison of New Zealand Natives and other popular species:

•   Maple: 1,450 lbf

•   Brazilian cherry: 2,820 lbf

•   Jarrah: 2,020 lbf

•   Teak: 1,155 lbf

•   Totara: 2,040 lbf

•   Rimu: 1,010 lbf

•   Kauri: 890 lbf

•   Matai: 940 lbf

•   European Oak: 1,350 lbf

Compared to most New Zealand natives, European timber rates much higher on the Janka hardness scale.

The Janka scale is just one factor to consider when choosing timber flooring, as other factors such as appearance, price, and availability may also be important. However, the Janka scale can help you choose a durable and suitable type of flooring.