Important Questions to Consider

The hardness question is asked because some companies differentiate between timber based on the Janka scale. This is a pressure testing process that tests the indenting capabilities of the timber. However there are diminishing returns as timbers rise above 4.5 on this hardness scale. That being the case hardness alone is only a small factor in selecting a timber floor. In simple terms, if you buy a timber floor with a hardness rating below 4.5 you will see a lot of wear and denting in the face of the timber. If you buy a timber floor above 4.5 on the Janka scale you will see significantly less wear and denting on the face of the timber.

Much better questions to ask relate to stability and warranties. If you know that you are buying a timber with a hardness rating above 4.5 on the hardness scale it is better now to focus on stability, warranties & the overall appearance of the timber.

Grades relate to small gum marks or knots that are allowed in the face of the timber. It is more accurate to call them features as they do not detract from the structural integrity or suitability of the timber to be used as floor.

The less natural features that you want in the face of the timber then the higher price you will pay as there is a certain amount of time, effort and waste involved in selecting out cleaner looking timbers.

The three grades that are principally used are;

Select grade being only up to 5% features in the face of the timber

Standard and better grade being up to 20% features in the face of the timber

Feature grade being either up to 30% or 40% depending on the mill’s figures for grading of features allowed in the face of the timber. There are several schools of thought on grading feature timbers and some timbers cannot be effectively graded to this scale so some feature floors look very different to others.

As a general rule Australian timbers perform very well as flooring options in Australia having been grown in our much harsher climate. However that does not discount the importance of some European timbers. The only timbers that in our experience seem to struggle in Australia are timbers that come from regions that are extremely high in humidity. Even some Australian timbers that are grown in very humid areas like northern Queensland for example can struggle when brought into a Perth or West Australian environment.

The average Australian timber is twice as hard as the average European timber. There are less concerns about the potential for the timber to be very soft when you look at the Australian choices.

This question is often raised in connection with Jarrah or similar dark rich red timbers. The answer relates to the size of the windows to be used in the house. If you have a lot of light flooding into any area of the house then the area can take any colour of timber. However as you reduce the light [perhaps you have quite small windows comparatively speaking] it is generally better to use a lighter coloured timber. Therefore if you have small rooms with small windows we would generally encourage you to take a look at timbers such as Marri, West Australian Blackbutt, New South Wales Blackbutt and similar timber such as Golden Oak.

Yes. This is a common use of timber and performs very well. Give particular attention to the coating that is used on the floor in the kitchen. If coatings do not really offer a high degree of protection to timber in these areas then there can be an issue. We would recommend timber be used in any area such as a kitchen or passage area near bathroom when that timber has been effectively sealed with OSMO oil. It’s penetrating qualities make it ideally suited to these areas. There is a timber protection oil in the range that can be applied first under the satin or matte finish that will give the floor characteristics necessary to work in these areas.

Absolutely. Timber is often used in commercial areas. Again it is important to ensure that you have the correct finish applied to the floor. OSMO protection oils are ideal in commercial areas. You may also need to have a coating that is rated as anti-slip. Anti-Slip coatings are regularly and easily available. It is just a simple is using this type of coating.

There are plenty of adhesives that will adhere a timber floor to ceramic tiles. In practice it is not a good decision because it raises the overall height of the floor yet again over and above the height of the tiles. You also must have some sort of surety that the tiles themselves are held down with a rock-solid adhesive that will not fail in that setting.

As a general rule therefore you will be encouraged to lift the tiles and fix the floor to the concrete.

It is simply a matter of selecting a species that you like and a board size that you like. We are always happy to provide guidance.

Then it is a matter of measuring the area to establish the exact square metres that will be required for the installation and allowing an additional 5% for offcuts cutting and wastage. We can do this for you.

Timber should be ordered well in advance. Because of the large range of timbers that are available and the fact that within each timber there are generally three grades it is not possible for all of these products to be held in stock in Perth. However there are huge back supplies of timber at the mills. To get you the best possible price is important to get the best freight rates and best delivery rates. Ordering your timber 4 to 6 weeks in advance is your guarantee that you will receive what you require. Usually you will be asked to provide a deposit when the order is placed and then pay for the timber for it to be stored in the warehouse ready for delivery. Naturally you’re welcome to come and look at your timber whenever you choose.

If you simply purchase timber then you will receive just the one certificate showing the moisture content that the timber was dried to.

If your floor is supplied and installed then these following areas apply.

You should receive three warranties. The first warranty relates to the timber itself. The timber warranty has two components. First there is a moisture content certificate showing the average achieved through kiln drying. Secondly, in addition to this the timber must be acclimatized prior to installation so that your floor can be guaranteed and warranted as a result of appropriate measures to acclimatize the floor.

The second warranty relates to the installation process, which will guarantee that the correct amount of moisture primer and adhesive has been used on your floor and that it has been applied in the manner approved by the manufacturer.

The final stage of the warranty should warrant that the coating has been applied at the metres per litre rate and in the correct conditions specified by the manufacturer so that you will achieve the correct performance for your floor.

Unless you’re able to get all three warranties you should seriously be concerned as to whether or not you are getting the floor that you are paying for.