Timber Floors, Recycled and Decking Don’ts

1)DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF USING CORRECT PLY,GLUE AND NAILS?

2)WHEN YOU ARE GETTING A QUOTE FROM A FLOOR INSTALLER ENSURE YOU ARE GETTING WHAT YOU ARE PAYING FOR.

3)A CHEAPER QUOTE CAN BE GIVEN AS A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE CAN BE USED.

4)WHICH WILL COMPROMISE THE QUALITY OF THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE FLOOR?

5)OVER THE NEXT FEW POINTS I HOPE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE MAZE OF COST CUTTINGS THAT CAN BE USED WITHOUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

6)I WANT YOU TO BECOME AN INFORMED FLOOR EXPERT.

 

1.A moisture barrier to be used on a ground floor substrate as it reduces moisture between ply or timber floor to decrease the expansion and contraction of these products.

If a moisture barrier is not used the cost saving is $3sqm.

2.Carrying flooring and products onto site.

Cost cutting if  builder does it saving of $2 per sqm.

3.When using ply ensure that you are using a reputable Ply. a certain Chinese ply can delaminate and very toxic glues are used in the process of manufacturing the sheets.

Cost cutting if using cheaper ply a saving of $1 per sqm.

4.Ply installed by pinning is done usually downstairs, drill into concrete with six and half  SDS diameter bit.install with split anchors 75mm long, hammer below surface of the ply, 22 anchors per sheet.

Cost cutting if using only 10 per sheet a saving of $10 per sqm.

5.Ply is installed in a brick pattern, flooring is laid at a ninety degree angle over the ply by using this process movement of the ply is eliminated when the moisture content changes in the floorboard and the ply..

Cost cutting not using brick pattern has a saving of $10 per sqm.

6.Stamp on ply must be visible, as this is the correct face of the ply to adhere floor too.

7.Expansion gaps of approximately from 4mm to 10mm depending on the width of the room and allow for 5mm to 10mm under skirting board. this allows for the expansion and contraction of the ply.

8.If the outside is meeting the inside as example verandah ensure that the builder has installed a damp course.

9.Ply to be flat sanded if floorboards not installed immediately onto ply.

10.When gluing ply must trowel out with 5mm trail & the whole area must be covered with glue. (Recommended glue Shelly’s direct stick)

Cost cutting if using only spot gluing a saving of $10 per sqm.

11.If ply is not pinned or glued correctly, the ply will move & it will squeeze which gives a noisy floor & when sanding you get chatter marks due to movement of ply..

12.If ply gets wet due to other trades you must let the floor installer know as the ply sheet might need to be replaced as it may cause the floor to move & glue will not adhere ..

13. When gluing floorboards to joists use a sausage gun with Sika flex to allow for expansion & contraction. If you don’t glue joist, when the floorboard expands the nails will move and a space is created because there is no glue and with time the top nails may need to be re punched If a cheaper glue is used with no flexibility same result occurs. Worst of all your client ends up with a squeaky floor! (Recommended glue Sika flex)

14. ND Nails galvanized recommended do not use C BRAND for installing as heads are not big enough.

15. Note the difference of prices of glues per sqm

NO GLUE                                                         $ 0.00/ SQM

CHEAP GLUE                                                   $1.00/ SQM

MAXIBOND                                                     $ 5.00/ SQM

Bostic & SIKA BOND_T55J FLEX                    $ 8.80/ SQM

SHELLY’S DIRECT STICK                               $ 10.00 / SQM

 Stauf adhsesive & moisture barrier in 1 coat $13.50 / sqm

 

17.Nash Timbers tips on achieving a high quality outcome for installing a floor

 

A Ensure that you get a break down on cost for installing a floor.

B Ensure the correct ply, glue, nails are been used and correctly.

C Ensure correct species is used with finish.

D Ensure correct width & thickness is suitable for site.

E. Ensure no moisture is present under floor.

F Ensure not to spill water on floor.

G.Better outcome if you use the same installer and floor finisher (One company).