Choosing your Floor
There are many decisions to make and considerations to take into account when choosing the right type of flooring each having a dramatic effect on the end of the floor, but by following our simple guide: you’ll soon realise that the only hard part is the wood itself.
Look at the colour graphs first then the grades. Next look at the board sizes, the timbers technical properties and finally the finishes.
1. Colour Choice
It’s much easier to choose the colour group preferred before deciding on a specific timber. Generally, timber can be categorised into three different colour groups: Browns, Creams and Reds.
2. Grade Choice
The grade of timber chosen can have as dramatic effect as the colour selection. There are three main grades of timber, all graded to Australian standards.
Select grade: The features that are present are relatively small and few in numbers. Irrespective of the species the features although visible do not dominate the appearance of the floor creating a sleek and "unblemished" look.
Standard Grade: This grade contains moderate feature levels. A "subtle" showcase of the timbers natural features.
Character or feature grade: Similar to standard grade but with features more frequent and dominant. Feature grade has knots, gum veins, branch markings and insect trails displaying all the natural appeal of the timber.
3. Board Sizes
There are different board sizes for different looks and applications.
Direct stick overlay solid timber flooring is generally 12mm in thickness and 85mm in width however this can vary depending on the desired look of the floor. A variation to this would be a 105 x 12mm in solid timber or a 138 x 14, engineered floor for increased width of the board.
In the case of structural flooring where the floor is laid directly on bearers and joists or on batons the thickness would normally increase to 19mm minimum, however this is most probably not appropriate as the majority or new dwellings in West Australia have a solid concrete sub floor.
4. Technical Properties
All timbers have different characteristics – Timber flooring requirements may be versatile or we may need to choose a timber with the appropriate properties for certain projects.
The Janka hardness scale is the industry standard for judging the ability of various species to withstand denting and wear – The higher the Janka, the harder the wood.
5. The Finishes
It is important to remember that the different choices in coatings can affect the finished appearance of the floor.
Chelsea Flooring has two tried and tested finishes that we offer being two pack polyurethane and waterbase finishes. Generally there are satin, semi gloss and high gloss finishes.
Polyurethane – Matt, Semi and High Gloss.
Solvent based Polyurethane provides a hard wearing finish, generally with limited flexibility but with great abrasion resistance. A polyurethane finish will generally darken with time and the odour dissipates as the final coat dries. Provides a hard wearing floor with a rich coating finish.
Water Based – Matt, Satin and Gloss
Water based polyurethane is non toxic and does not contain isocyanides. It is non flammable and prevents yellowing of timber. Water based products are also quick drying and do not give off any harmful fumes. Combines a very "natural" looking appearance with extreme wear and resistance to scratching.
It is important to understand all the factors that may affect the look of the floor to ensure we achieve the finished product as visualised. These include the timber colour, the grade, the board size and the finish.
Types of Timber Flooring and Species
Within the vast range of timber flooring products available today, the traditional and still the most popular are the solid, tongue and groove wooden floorboards. These range from 10mm - 23mm in thickness and come in varying degrees of width. Engineered floorboards are also increasing in popularity due to massive improvements in the overall performance of these floors. Available in a large variety of species to suit any taste backed by long term sustainability and with structural stability unrivalled by solid timbers, engineered flooring is the way of the future!!
Solid Tongue and Groove Timber Flooring
Direct stick or plank on ply flooring is available in many colours of single or mixed species. Widths vary from 80mm – 180mm. Direct stick flooring requires a moisture barrier applied to new concrete slabs. The flooring also requires sanding and sealing.
