Selecting Timber Species.  


Southern Blue Gum parquetry in Ashlar pattern  with water based polyurethane finish.

There is a species and type of product to suit every circumstance. Once we understand your requirements we can easily discuss and advise the best solution to any questions you may have as to whether a timber floor is right for you. Tongue and Groove and Parquet floors are available in a wide range of species, including the most popular Australian hardwoods such as Blackbutt, Tallowwood, Spotted Gum, Brushbox, Ironbark, Tasmanian Oak, Victorian Ash, Blue Gum etc.

Sub-floor information  

With the amazing products available these days such as membranes, subfloor toppings, adhesives etc most subfloors are adaptable to receive any type of timber flooring. Advance Flooring can offer advice on any subfloor rectification and preparation required and arrange for experts to carry out the required treatment or installation.


English Oak natural Grade Marie Antoinette panels with a penetrating Tung Oil sealer.

When to start

 
English Oak in a three block basketweave pattern with a walnut stain.

In building or renovating, the start date for sanding and coating Parquet or Tongue & Groove (T&G) is critical, particularly in relation to other trades. Glazing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, plastering and painting must be completed before work on the floor can start. Any silicone or silicone based product which comes into contact with the floor after sanding, but prior to any of the two or three coats will cause rejection of the coating. Silicone is often found on the footwear of plumbers and glaziers. It is recommended that all painting except the final coat on skirting boards be completed. The final coat can be applied to the skirting board after completion of the floors. Carpets should be laid after the floors are finished. All furniture should be removed together with all floor coverings including staples, tacks etc., unless specifically agreed to and quoted for. Gas and electrical appliances are to be disconnected by qualified personnel and removed. All pilot lights (including hot water system) are to be turned off. Adequate power and lighting must be available and arrangement made for clear access to the site. In many cases alternative arrangements should be made for alternative accommodation, bearing in mind the wet floor areas which may not be walked on until dry, and the likelihood of strong fumes.


Hints for home owners  

Seal any access areas such as fireplaces and vents that can allow dust to enter the room- use masking tape and paper. Cover light fittings to prevent dust from gathering on them. Fold curtains into garbage bags and seal the top. Cover all non-moveable furnishings using paper, drop sheets or plastic (using masking tape to secure).

What to expect when your  floors are professionally coated.

Sanding and finishing a beautiful timber floor is a skill acquired over many years. Bear in mind that, as all the work is done by controlled machines and applicators there may be evidence of this in the floor. Furthermore, as you live on the floor it will gain a character and feel that is unique to your home. This is all part of the beauty of owning a timber floor. A coating will last for many years provided it is properly maintained.

What NOT to expect.

A completely dust free environment- Modern sanding machinery is fitted with dust collecting equipment and sanders will endeavour to clean dust away by vacuuming and wiping down surfaces. It is virtually impossible however to totally eliminate dust from the job. This has a couple of consequences:

a)      There will always be some dust particles that settle on the newly finished surface.

b)      There will always be an amount of dust throughout the rest of the house.

Removal of deep ruts such as those from carpet trimming knives or deep gouges.- We cannot sand indefinitely. This causes sanding marks that may be more unsightly than the gouges.

Filling of gaps between boards.-These gaps are not filled because of subsequent shrinkage and expansion of the timber which would cause cracking in the filler.

Boards damaged by borer-  Do not expect them to have the same gloss level as those in good condition.

Areas filled with putty-do not expect them to have the same feel as the timber after application of the coatings.

Things you should be  aware of.

  • Any silicone on the floor will cause rejection of subsequent coats of polyurethane. Silicone or silicone based products include Fabulon, Hair Spray, Fly Spray etc. 
  • 12 volt downlights produce  a cobweb effect on the coatings.
  • You may get markings on skirtings from contact with the edger. That is why it is recommended to leave painting of skirtings until after the floors are finished.
  • Black Japan or stain around the perimeter of some older timber may produce a two tone effect.
  • You are likely to get some variation in colour and grain between old and new floors.

Now that you have chosen timber flooring you have made a wise and healthy decision. Timber flooring is extremely good for Asthma and other allergy sufferers, especially in the bedroom. Your value of your home or project will be significantly enhanced by the installation of either solid timber floors such as parquetry or strip flooring but also by less invasive, easier to install floating or direct stick floors.

We look forward to hearing from you regarding design or for advice on species and installation.


European Birch in a herringbone pattern with a water based polyurethane satin finish.  


Southern Blue Gum parquetry in Ashlar pattern  with water based polyurethane finish. 


tallowwood decking on bearers.

Tallowwood Parquetry with Silver Ash and Jarrah strip with Star feature.

European Oak Engineered Floor in Commercial Lobby.