Properly fitted hardwood flooring is an investment that can last a lifetime.  However, wooden flooring is a natural product and needs to be properly installed – so our advice is to have it installed by professionals.

To ensure a lasting, hard wearing enhancement to your living or working environment, your hardwood floor needs to be professionally fitted and the appropriate fixes and finishes used, along with regular maintenance.

• Acclimatisation

Wood is a natural product which is very sensitive to its surroundings, as it will absorb moisture, expand and contract with changes in heat and humidity. It is necessary to acclimatise before fitting at the location where it will be fitted.

The amount of time depends on the environment, season, temperature and humidity. Normally 10-14 days is sufficient.

The product is suitable for underfloor heating, however longer acclimatisation up to 90 days may be required. Also a maximum width of 150mm boards is appropriate.

• Preparation

All wet work (plastering, cement work, painting etc) on the site must be finished and completely dry as the wood will absorb the moisture.

Cement screed floors need to be completely dried out; one month per inch of screed is required before fitting. This can be reduced by using additives or specialist screeds which dry faster. There are liquid damp proof membranes and associated products which can also be used.

• Fixing

The sub-floor must be even and level.  It is necessary for a solid wood floor to be securely fixed to the sub-floor. It is not possible to float solid wood. This means fixing directly to concrete/screed with an appropriate flooring adhesive, or nailing directly onto the joists, battens or existing wood floor.

The preferred method is “Secret Nailing” where the board is nailed with a power-nailer at 45 degrees through the tongue. It is also possible to “Face nail” directly through the boards for a more rustic look. An expansion gap is necessary ALL AROUND the edges of the floor. This can be covered with the skirting or a scotia/beading. The size of the gap depends of the size of the floor.

• Finishing

1. Lacquering/ Varnishing

This provides a layer on top of the floor which hardens and protects the wood. Three or more coats may be required depending on the amount of traffic. After the first coat the floor should be lightly hand-sanded and cleaned to remove the “raised grain” you will get after the first application.

2. Hardwax Oiling

This is a specialist flooring product that will soak into the wood and harden. Normally two coats are required, then it needs to be buffed. More maintenance is also required with this type of finish