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FAQ - TIMBER FLOORING TECHNICAL INFORMATION

If you are a keen renovator or handyperson to save money you can install timber flooring yourself by following simple instructions which are supplied with the product.

1. Q: What's a good approach to DIY Laying Timber Floor?

A: See our step-by step instructions below :

Timber Top® by UTF

Installation Guide / D.I.Y Procedure

Note: When calculating the floor area (in m²), it is important to allow for waste, depending on the size and structure of the room and the amount of cutting required. Ideally you should allow for an extra 8% of timber.

Tools Required Mitre Saw, Hammer, Tapping Block, Flooring Tool, Jigsaw, Crosslink PVA Glue

2. Q: What is the Floor Preparation Process

There are several important steps that should be taken to prepare for the installation of floating timber floors.

1. It is important that the concrete slab or intended flat surface where the timber floors are to be installed is level and smooth. The maximum tolerance acceptable is + or - 3mm over 3 lineal meters.

2. In the event where the sub-floor levels are not acceptable, it is recommended that the surface be ground / sanded or filled with a reputable levelling agent as per manufactures instructions, so as to achieve a flat level surface.

3. Programming for the installation of floating timber floors should be when the construction or renovation is at completion and with no other trades people on site.

3. Q: What is the DIY Wood Floor Pre-installation Process

The pre-installation process should be completed before installation.
1. Where the project is a renovation, it may be necessary to remove skirting, quarter round quad, and doorway thresholds. If the project is of new construction or renovation, it is recommended that the skirting be fitted after the installation of the floor.

2. All timber doorway architrave and jambs are to be undercut. To fit the floor under a doorjamb, place a floorboard upside-down against the door lining and use it as a guide when cutting. This allows the boards to fit neatly under the jambs. In the case of metal or aluminium doorjambs, the floor will need to be scribed to match the shape and size of jambs.

Step by Step Installation

Installation of the timber floor should only begin after preparation and pre-installation is completed.
The floorboards are laid in a randomly staggered configuration, which will result in a superior natural appearance. To achieve this random appearance, it is important that each starter board of each row be not less than 600mm longer or shorter than the previous starter board.

To determine the direction, in which the timber will run, there are generally two factors to consider.

a) Locate the longest wall and lay parallel to the wall.
b) Ensure that any natural light source falls along the length of the boards.

1. Start by measuring the width of the floor (the wall to wall measurement at right angles to run of the boards).
The final row of boards may need to be sawn lengthwise.

2. Black Builder’s Plastic with thickness of 0.2mm should be laid to act as a moisture barrier the plastic should have a 20-40 cm overlap and continue up all walls 5cm. All seams must be secured with plastic tape.

3. The flooring underlay is rolled so that all ends and sides fit neatly against all walls. It is important to ensure that seams between lengths, butt together to avoid any overlap. Tape should be used to secure all sides and seams.

4. Lay the first board with the groove side facing the wall. Continue with the second board ensuring you apply a generous amount of glue to the top of the tongue of the end join and that the joints are firmly together. Cut the last board to length if necessary. A gap of 8mm must be left around the perimeter of all walls.

5. Start the second row using the off-cut from the previous row. Once again apply a generous amount of glue along the tongue side and insert in the groove of the previous row. Continue this method throughout the remainder of the installation. Ensure that all butt joints are offset by at least 300mm.

6. The boards on the final row will often need to be cut lengthwise. To mark the width of this cut, place the final board to be laid precisely on top of the last board. Using a floorboard off-cut, slide the off-cut along the wall and scribe the board using a pencil placed against the off-cut. Cut the board along the line.

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