48 floors & floor coverings
a standard inclusion in top end developments as are hardwood floors. There are a number of under floor heating systems available and there- fore choosing a woodfloor supplier with experience of fitting floors over heating systems is important so it can be tailored to the specific project. A typical high quality engineered board will have a top wear layer up to 6mm thick such as Oak with a high quality ply base material such as Birch. Engineered wood floors can be installed in various methods including, fully bonded, nailed, part glued, or floating, onto concrete or timber or onto joists so whatever the type of sub- floor engineered wood floors offer a solution. Fully finished boards which have their oil or lac- quer finish applied in the factory are of great benefit to the contractor as these can be installed quickly and efficiently without the need for other trades to be excluded from floor areas awaiting drying and hardening of the finishes. They can also be covered over immediately with a protec- tive layer to stop damage from dust and debris during the remainder of the project works.
“Wood is hygroscopic and will respond to changes in environment conditions and therefore it is important that the floor suppliers recommended levels for humidity and heating are monitored accordingly”
Having a professional supply and installation
team is key to the success of a wood-flooring project. On site problem solving, dealing with technical challenges effectively and having an eye for detail will ensure the floor is fitted technically and aesthetically correct. The supply team will be able to advise the contractor on specification of subfloor build up and selection of the appropri- ate floor finish for its intended use. Aftercare on most pre-finished engineered
floors is minimal; oil finishes can be refreshed as and when required. Lacquer finishes are generally more robust and have a longer life span. Wood is hygroscopic and will respond to changes in envi- ronment conditions and therefore it is important that the floor suppliers recommended levels for humidity and heating are monitored accordingly.
Sustainability
For most housebuilders and specifiers of wood, the issue of sustainability is a priority. Marks of certification are a primary source of knowing the timber material has been sourced responsibly and from well managed forests. The most extensive forest certification schemes include two interna- tional schemes FSC – Forest Stewardship Council, and PEFC – Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, and recog- nised national schemes SFI, CSA, MTCC. In addition in the last couple of years EUTR – European Union Timber Regulation became law to stop the import of illegal timber into the EU. Products with a certification mark can give assur- ance to businesses and consumers looking for sustainably sourced forest products.
Design
In terms of design and suitability of species for the housebuild market, Oak always has a place whether it be in a starter home development or in the high end sector. In smaller properties Oak flooring can offer a light and bright living environment and help small rooms take on flare. Laid in narrower widths and with a simple fin- ish it’s the perfect cost effective solution for a developer to add value and appeal. Wider boards up to 240mm wide are ideal
proportions for larger scale rooms and suited to the mid-market sector, flooring with a lively amount of knots will give a space strong charac- ter while prime grade flooring offers calm appearance and luxurious atmosphere. The uses of colour finishing offer endless possibilities and are exciting and modern. If a development commands premium
fixtures and fittings then flooring with generous widths and deep colours are impressive in spa- cious rooms. Chevron and large Herringbone designs have an instant impact on an area. Bespoke machining and finishing can produce a floor that’s one of a kind, which can be further
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accentuated, with surface refinement in terms of texture and sheen levels. In order to maximise the property potential,
the use of decoration, lighting, and layout, all play a role in making spaces work effectively. Recently there has been a trend for house- builders to visually link floor levels by incorporating the same timber material and fin- ish on the staircases as is on the floor. This creates a real flow to areas that may otherwise have been a visual divide and helps spaces feel more open. Specialist suppliers can machine stair tread, risers, and other components to match the wood flooring to achieve this. It is beneficial for the main contractors to
have site meetings with the flooring expert as early in the building process as possible to estab- lish and accommodate relevant final floor heights, subfloor preparation, insulation and underfloor heating information and specific joinery detail requirements for the flooring areas. A good relationship between contractor and the flooring supplier will provide invaluable support and guidance on an area of the interior that is significant to the overall function and aesthetic appeal of a property and potential buy- ers. A quality well installed hardwood floor provides the perfect setting for exciting interior designs across the whole spectrum of house- building that will stand the test of time.
Enq. 179
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