When looking to install timber floorboards, it is important to note that each type has its own pros and cons. There are different types of wood used to manufacture the flooring. There are also various finishes that can be achieved for each type of wood. A person needs to know about all these aspects in order to choose the right type of floor for a house or office. Here is a brief description of timber flooring.
Solid Timber Flooring: The solid timber floorboards can be installed in any room that requires smooth floor surface. This type of wood is very durable, as it can withstand wear and tear. It is also capable of withstanding heavy weights. If one intends to use this material in high traffic areas then it would definitely prove to be beneficial. In addition to this, it is also capable of withstanding moisture, stains, and heat.
Laminate Flooring: Unlike timber floorboards, the laminate flooring is very easy to install and maintain. Since it consists of a base board and six thin layers, it is extremely durable. It is capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic without showing any signs of distress. It also resists scratches, spills, stains, and moisture. To enhance the durability of the material, manufacturers install a protective coating on the boards to prevent the formation of scratches and stains.
Engineered Timber Floorboards: Similar to its solid wood counterpart, engineered timber floorboards are manufactured using fine-grade hardwoods. The boards are coated with resin and are made to resist moisture, stains, and heat. However, this type of floorboard is not as durable as solid wood floorings. Its durability is due to the presence of an underlayment that seals the boards.
The resin coating used to coat solid wood floors with epoxy resin increases their durability. In addition, it makes it easier for the wood floorboards to grip the floor properly when walking on it. Most manufacturers recommend that solid wood floorings are left undisturbed during cleaning because dirt and dust tend to penetrate into the interlocking boards. With the engineered hardwood floorboards, however, this is not necessary. The resin coating ensures that the surface remains clean and dry all the time.
Timber Frame Installations: This type of installation involves connecting beams or planks together using timber. If you wish to save a considerable amount of money on your timber floorboards installation, you should opt for a set with pre-fabricated planks. Pre-fabricated planks can be easily glued together by using the right kind of glue. It is also easier to install pre-fabricated frames because they do not require any mnesting.
The most popular method of prefinished solid timber floors installation is “ricking”. This is done by sinking small holes (nails) into the floor and manually pressing the boards together until they lock. Afterward, nailing the floorboards together works as a pressure seal. Although this type of installation is simple, it can cause damage to the floor. It is recommended that you avoid using nails and pressure seals unless you have the proper tools. Nails can mar the grain of the floor and the boards can become damaged if they are squeezed too tightly.
You can also use an epoxy garage floorboard solution, which has a crystalline resins coating, for prefinished solid timber flooring. Epoxy floorboards work best with hardwood floors. Before you start the installation process, remember to set all the boards at the same height. To make sure that the floorboards lock, you can run a string of kitchen twine through the entire installation area. A word of caution: epoxy garage flooring systems usually do not last longer than two years, so be sure you set everything at the right height.