Timber Flooring Installation Guide

Pre-installation:

With the subfloor of concrete slabs, you need adequate protection over the slab to prevent moisture ingress into the timber. Poor drainage and subfloor ventilation also need to be addressed. If the home is newly built with concrete slabs, give enough time for drying. Make sure that the moisture content does not exceed 5% before installation.

The subfloor with battens and joists needs sufficient ventilation and intact drainage underneath to prevent the building up of moisture. Use a calibrated surface moisture metre and record the results. You must ensure that the moisture content remains below 12% at any given time.

During the external site inspection, you should check ventilation, external drainage, external plumbing, and blocked downpipes to minimise the risk of any damage caused by moisture buildup.

Address leaky fixtures, such as sinks, shower basins, and other plumbing fixtures. You also need to ensure that there is no leaky equipment (dishwasher, washing machine, and heating and cooling appliances) inside the home.

If evaporative coolers are not appropriately used, they can increase the internal humidity to damaging levels, especially for engineered timber, bamboo and laminate floors.

As per the industry standards, the subfloors must not exceed a 3mm deviation over 1m. To avoid squeaking in engineered timber, bamboo, and laminate floors, levelling should be adequately done as per industry standards. You can use a straight-edge tool for performing levelling checks and keeping records for future warranty claims.

You should check whether the timber, bamboo, laminate or engineered floor you are installing is warranted for underfloor heating systems. The ideal room temperature for installation should be between 15 to 30 degrees, and humidity should be 30-70%. Ensure the floor is never exposed to more than 42 degrees temperature.

Prepare for at least one week’s acclimatisation when the installation area is particularly humid, wet, cold, hot, or dry. Do not keep it open for a long time. Unwrap the product only when you are ready to commence the installation.

Installation:

It’s highly recommended to take professional help to install flooring with a Tongue and Groove Locking System.

Step 1:

For the first plank first row, place a spacer 10-15mm thickness to the left and lay the plank close against the wall. After three rows, it will be more convenient to position the flooring against the wall with a 10-15mm spacer.

Step 2:

For the second plank and first row, align the short end of the next floorboard with the first one to lay down, and complete the first row.

Step 3:

Place a spacer 10-15mm to the wall and cut the length of the last plank to fit when you are at the end of the first row.

Step 4:

Keep the top surface facing down when using a jigsaw or circular hand saw for a clean cut. Keep the top surface face up if you use a handsaw or crosscut saw.

Step 5:

For the second row first plank, keep the minimum length of 300mm and place a spacer against the wall.

Step 6:

Make sure that the minimum space between the short ends of planks in parallel is not less than 200mm.

Step 7:

Place a floorboard at an angle against the floorboard placed in the previous row, push forward and fold it down simultaneously. You may need a rubber mallet and tapping block.

Step 8:

For the second plank second row, place the edge of the floorboard at an angle against the previously installed floorboard, and fold it down. The boards can be tapped up without lifting.

Step 9:

Lift the floorboards with the pre-installed floorboards of the same row slightly (around 30mm) and press it against the front row. When the floorboards are positioned tightly together, push them down.

Step 10:

Use a spacer 10-15mm to adjust the distance to the front wall after two-three rows.

Step 11:

If the wall is uneven, you must ensure that the floorboards are aligned with their contours. Mark the floorboards with the contour of the wall and ensure to leave 10-15mm space to the wall

Step 12:

Lift the floorboard a few centimetres and tap along the joint to remove the first row. You will need to cut the floorboard if needed.

Step 13:

To reinstall the first row, start from left to right. Place the boards against the edges of the positioned floorboards with the first strip.

Step 14:

The minimum width for the last row should be 30mm. The space to the wall is 10-15mm.

Summary

While these step-by-step installation guides will help you get the job done more efficiently, many homeowners prefer hiring professionals for perfection and peace of mind. If you need further advice or professional help with timber flooring installation, kindly reach out to Mike’s Carpets Discounter. Please call on 1300 365 887 or email us at contactus@mikescarpets.com.au.