Firstly, What is Engineered Timber Flooring?
Engineered timber flooring, offered by Imperial Flooring Australia, is a type of wood flooring that consists of a top layer of real hardwood veneer, bonded to a core of high-quality plywood. This construction gives engineered timber flooring exceptional stability, making it less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity. The top layer of real hardwood provides the natural beauty and warmth of traditional hardwood floors, while the engineered construction allows for installation over concrete slabs and in areas with fluctuating moisture levels, such as basements or kitchens. Imperial Flooring Australia offers a wide range of engineered timber flooring options, including various wood species, finishes, and plank sizes to suit different aesthetic preferences and interior design styles. Additionally, their engineered timber flooring is durable, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly, making it a versatile and attractive choice for residential and commercial spaces.
3 x Types of Direct Stick Installation Methods we offer:
Engineered Timber Flooring
Herringbone Parquetry Engineered
Chevron Parquetry Engineered
How to install a direct stick engineered timber floor?
The subfloor shall be clean and free from dust before commencing the installation (Use a broom or vacuum). The subfloor should not be washed or exposed to water prior to installation, always ensuring that the floor is fully dry prior to installation. In gluing the Engineered Timber directly to the sub-floor, the subfloor must be flat and free of any humps & deviations. Use MS Polymer adhesives (BOSTIK ULRASET HP) to adhere the boards to the subfloor. Never use water based glues! Use of other glue types will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Always use a proper moisture barrier between the subfloor and the timber floor to be installed on ground level concrete subfloors.
Trim door frames by turning a panel upside down as a height measurement and using a multi-tool cutter or jamb saw to cut away the necessary height so that panels can slide easily underneath for a clean finish.
Once you have chosen a starting wall, snap a chalk line or laser to determine the straightness of the wall. After the adhesive is spread and the first row of planks are installed and secured, this will serve as an anchor for the subsequent rows of planks, which will be pushed snug against it. An expansion joint is also needed across the perimeter (8mm for Australian standards at minimum)
Using a trowel according to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions on subfloor applications, hold the trowel at a 45 angle to the sub-floor to obtain the proper ridges. Begin spreading the adhesive at the starting wall and cover an area approximately 300mm wide along the length of the wall. The spread rate of adhesive and timing for installation should be according to the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions of working / dry times. Never spread excessive amounts of glue at one time, never the entire floor, and always work in sections.
Proper placement of the first row of planks is very important. The tongue side of the plank will face away from the starting wall. Lay the first row parallel to the wall, ensuring that it is absolutely straight and tight relative to the starting wall.
Use wedges to maintain an expansion gap and keep the first row of planks in place. Never apply the adhesive in a broken line as this will cause the floor to squeak excessively. Any excess of adhesive should be immediately wiped off with a damp cloth or bostik handy wipes, followed by a dry cloth.
For the following row hold the plank at a 45 angle, engage the side tongue and then press into the adhesive and slide lengthwise until the end tongue fits into the previous row. Never use planks which are less than 450 mm in length to prevent “clustering”. Use the tapping block to tap with a hammer and tighten the fit. Continue laying planks until the entire spread adhesive has been covered. Always ensure that there is adequate glue on the subfloor to cover the entire plank. Ensure as you work that the planks are straight, otherwise the entire installation will be out of alignment. It is important that contact be made between the adhesive and the planks. A roller may be used after each section is laid or by standing on the planks with a rubber sole in a sliding motion in the direction of the anchor row in the starting wall to tighten the fit. Either manner is acceptable as long as good adhesive transfer is obtained shortly after installing the flooring. Do not hammer the top of boards ensure that the “anchor” row does not move. If necessary use some weight(s) to hold the planks tight to the sub-floor until the glue has properly bonded.
Furniture, equipment and traffic should be kept off the flooring until the adhesive is firmly set, usually approximately 12 to 24 hours (see adhesive instructions). After adhesive is set, mineral spirits or acetone for final cleaning of the surface may be used. Never flood the floor with excess water, clean with a mop/rag & recommended timber flooring agents like BONA.
FINISHING STEPS
Once all the laying procedures have been completed and the glue is sufficiently dry (see information on adhesive bottle), all spacing wedges should be removed. Any visible joints or gaps along the boards or at the ends where two boards meet should be filled with a filler to match the colour of the timber or a cork strip/ compound. Always test the filler on a leftover piece of plank to check for reaction (if any). Skirting-boards or scotia may now be installed by nailing, screwing or gluing directly to the perimeter walls or existing skirting. Never fix directly to the installed floor.
IMPORTANT STEPS
Once floors are laid on building sites, we recommend installing Floor Protection matting. View our webstore for our recommended floor protection products - THOR Floor Protection.