1 What is a ‘Timber Floor?’
This term is applied to several types of flooring. At VCS Products Pty Ltd a timber floor is one where the wearing area is solid timber. This includes plank-on-ply, direct-fix, parquetry & cork.
2 What is best for me?
Much of this is personal preference. Basically parquetry is chosen where a patterned floor is desired. Plank-on-ply and direct-fix are two different methods of adhering long lengths of timber to the concrete. Each system has for’s and against’s and it is up to professionals such at as VCS Products Pty Ltd to recommend what is correct for your application.
3 How do I know what is right?
There are standard systems. Sadly everyone seems to be experts in timber flooring these days though few have actually installed a floor.
You need to discuss the options with a qualified installer and ensure that only quality materials are used. For example, where concrete floors are sealed using SIKA 156 and then installed using either SIKA T55 adhesive or SIKA T53, your floor will be a reliable installation with a guarantee of quality.
4 Is Plank-on-ply better than Direct-fix?
Each system is different. One is not better than the other. If you install each system according to the recommendations above, they work well. On occasion the concrete slab is very uneven, then plank-on-ply is possibly better.
5 I’ve heard that plywood makes a good moisture barrier??
Is that so? Plywood is not a moisture barrier. It is a good material to adhere to.
6 Are some timbers better than others?
The Australian timbers are generally the hardest timbers. Beware; NOT All timbers called Hardwoods are actually hard. Hardwoods are the Australian Species and MANY are quite soft.
Suppliers carry hardness tables. The Janka scale recognizes hardness. The higher the rating the better. Look for something above a 6.
7 Are thicker timbers better?
Sometimes this is the case. The wear layer is the key. The thickness of the timber above the tongue is the wear layer. Plan to have a minimum of 4mm above the tongue.
8 Some installers say that we don’t require a moisture barrier? What if our house is many years old? Do we really need one?
If you cannot afford a moisture barrier then can you afford the floor? A Moisture
Barrier will protect the life of your floor in case of problems with moisture down the track.
Actually they are quite easy to apply. Why not do it yourself?
You should insist on a real moisture barrier. It is the only way to really guarantee the life of your floor from a structural sense. Use a system. Sika 156 plus Sika adhesive T55 is the way to achieve a superb floor.
This is one way to determine that the installer quoting your job is quoting a Quality Installation. Trained installers will tend to insist on a barrier.