Your Top Timber Flooring Questions Answered: Havwoods’ Expert FAQs and Troubleshooting Guide
6 Feb 2025
Timber flooring brings timeless beauty and durability to any space. At Havwoods, we often receive questions about selecting, installing, and maintaining timber floors. In this guide, our experts address your most pressing concerns and provide troubleshooting tips to ensure your flooring remains stunning for years.
1. What is the difference between solid and engineered timber flooring?
Solid timber flooring: Crafted from a single piece of hardwood, solid timber offers natural beauty and longevity. However, it can be sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, making it less suitable for certain environments.
Engineered timber flooring: Composed of a real hardwood top layer, glued to multiple layers of plywood or other types of wood, engineered timber provides enhanced stability and resistance to environmental fluctuations. This makes it ideal for the sometimes varied and harsh Australian climate.
2. Do I need to acclimatise my engineered timber flooring?
Yes, it's essential to acclimatise engineered timber flooring before installation. Allow the flooring to sit in the installation area for at least 72 hours prior to installation. This process enables the wood to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of expansion or contraction after installation.
5. Do you need expansion gaps for engineered wood flooring?
Yes, engineered timber flooring requires expansion gaps. Although it withstands temperature and moisture changes better than solid wood, as it is still a natural timber product, slight expansion and contraction can occur. Leaving appropriate gaps around the room's perimeter prevents potential buckling or warping with atmospheric fluctuations.
4. How do I ensure a suitable acoustic barrier under my timber floor when installing in an apartment?
To minimise noise in an apartment complex it's best to install an acoustic underlay beneath your timber flooring. Acoustic underlay for timber flooring is specifically designed with sound-absorbing properties. This layer of underlay beneath your timber flooring boards helps reduce both impact and airborne noises, ensuring a quieter and more pleasant environment for both you and your neighbours.
9. How do I address scratches and dents on my timber floor?
Minor scratches: Use a timber floor cleaner and a soft cloth to buff out light scratches.
Deeper scratches or dents: Consider professional sanding and refinishing to restore the surface. Regular maintenance and using protective measures can help to prevent such issues.
7. What should I do if my timber floor develops gaps or cracks?
Gaps or cracks can result from changes in humidity or improper installation.
Monitor indoor climate: Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers to maintain stable humidity levels.
Professional assessment: If gaps persist, consult a flooring specialist to evaluate the cause and recommend appropriate repairs.
Havwoods Head of Technical and Installation is available to help with such enquiries. Contact us for more information.
6. How do I maintain and clean my timber floors?
Regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. Use a damp (not wet) mop with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for timber floor
Preventative measures: Place mats at entryways to reduce tracked-in dirt. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
Climate control: Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels to minimise expansion and contraction of the wood.
For more detailed care instructions, refer to our more detailed maintenance article here.
3. Is there a difference between NSW and QLD Spotted Gum?
Yes, there are notable differences:
Colour variation: Queensland Spotted Gum exhibits a broader colour range, from light greys to browns and reddish hues. In contrast, New South Wales Spotted Gum tends to have more uniform colours, primarily pale greys and browns.
Density: Queensland Spotted Gum is generally denser, offering enhanced durability and scratch resistance compared to its New South Wales counterpart.
Both the Queensland and the New South Wales varieties make for beautiful and hard wearing timber flooring.
Why should I choose Havwoods as my timber flooring provider?
Havwoods stands out for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With decades of experience, we offer a diverse range of premium timber flooring options to suit various styles and budgets. Our knowledgeable team provides expert guidance from selection to installation, ensuring a seamless experience. Additionally, our dedication to sustainable sourcing means you can trust that your flooring choice supports environmental responsibility.
