Solid Timber

Installation. How does it work?

Installation of each and every timber floor is unique, and dependent upon many factors including, but not limited to, the type and location of dwelling, subfloor characteristics, ambient atmospheric conditions, timber and coating type chosen, inclusion or stairs and choice of skirting or edge trim. There are two distinct trades involved in the installation process, being the installer who actually installs the timber, and the sander, who sands and coats the floor.

At Planet Timbers we’ll see your project through from start to finish, with a select panel of experienced and highly qualified installers forming the backbone of our fully inclusive supply and install service. When we install solid timber floors in Perth, your satisfaction and convenience always comes first. Below is a broad summary of the installation process for a typical job.

1. 1. Site Measure: Once you have chosen (or narrowed down) the timber flooring that suits your requirements, we will arrange for someone to attend a site inspection where quantities can be checked and any site specific challenges addressed. From the results of this inspection your salesperson will make any necessary adjustments to the quote and finalise the lump sum amount, hence confirming the job in our system.
   2. Slab Preparation: Prior to commencement of works, the installer will sweep and/or vacuum the subfloor to ensure it’s free of dust and other residue. In some instances it may be deemed that grinding or levelling is required, however this cannot be determined until on site.
   3. Moisture Barrier: Although often excluded by our competitors, we always recommend application of a moisture barrier to restrict vapour transmission between the concrete slab and timber flooring. Not applying a moisture barrier leaves you open to the possibility of moisture ingress from below, which is particularly common in new slabs and can result in distortion and/or cupping of the timber flooring. Anecdotal evidence from years of experience indicates that moisture barriers severely reduce the likelihood of moisture related problems, and without it, many manufacturers will refuse to warrant the flooring. Although there are several moisture barriers available on the market, we always apply Wakol PU280, a German product that is fast and easy to apply and has the best vapour transmission rates of any product available.
   4. Timber Installation: Once the moisture barrier has cured, the installer will lay the timber flooring directly onto the concrete slab using a flooring adhesive and any secondly fixing required. Generally speaking, an installation crew will lay approximately 30m2 per day, however this rate is heavily dependent on the intricacy of each particular job.
   5. Sanding: Upon completion of installation, the floor should be left for a few days before sanding to allow the glue to harden and timber to acclimatise to the in-home environment. The floor is then sanded level over a series of passes of varying coarseness, and then imperfections and nail holes are filled as required. Although dependant on the job itself, a typical home will take approximately 2 days to sand.
   6. Coating: The coating process is dependant on the coating type chosen, however generally includes a sealer and two coats of your chosen finish. The coating of a timber floor will generally take place over a few days, and once complete the floor should not be exposed to traffic for a further few days (or longer) depending on the coating chosen. For more information on coating types, please ask one of our sales staff or view the information sheet in our Info Hub.
   7. Skirting: The last step of any timber floor is to install skirting boards, splay bead or other edge trim around the perimeter of the flooring area. Providing care is taken, the edge trim can be installed whilst the coating is curing, however is often left until afterwards and is either glued on nailed in place.