Useful Information

How to lay oak flooring
Before you begin, It is vital you make sure that your subfloor is suitable as this is the most important thing to consider. Failure to heed this prerequisite could result in squeaks sponginess and nails loosening over time.

Do I need to acclimatise the flooring before fitting?
Yes, all hardwood products should be acclimated to the new environment for at least a few days prior to installation. All boxes should be opened and any loose products should be divided into smaller lots and stored in a suitable room.
Your choice of installation depends very much on your personal situation but the three most common methods are:



Nailing down  
This is the more traditional method typically used for 3/4" inch thick oak flooring. This need not necessarily mean nailing by hand, which would have been your only and indeed back breaking option prior to the 60s. The invention of nailing cleats has made the job much easier. These are used with a wood flooring nailer and mallet to then firmly attach the flooring to the subfloor.
Important
Remember solid strip floors or plank floors can only be installed or glued down onto a wooden or concrete subfloor.

Glue Down
This method is most suitable for engineered wood floors and parquet flooring. The recommended adhesive is spread onto the wood using a trowel, which then bonds the wood to the subfloor. There are many types of adhesives on the market including those available on our website. Remember to always use the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive when installing your flooring.
Important
Solid strip floors and plank floors should only be nailed or stapled.

Floating
In recent years, the free float method has become the method of choice. Installing a free-floating floor wipes out some of the disadvantages of using traditional methods. The floor is not mechanically fastened to any part of the subfloor installation, which means the flooring can be installed quickly and easily with virtually no chance of encountering problems after fitting.
With other more traditional installation methods you can get uneven gaps due to natural expansion and contraction of solid wood floors. Floating wood floors expand and contract as a whole unit, not as individual planks so you are unlikely to find any unevenness post fitting. The padding protects against moisture and reduces noise transmission, is softer under foot, and provides some additional insulation in the process.

This is a very fast, easy and clean method of installation and more importantly, it is also particularly suitable for underfloor heating if used with an appropriate heat flow underlay.

How do I care for my new floor?
•    Avoid using non specific floor cleaners, many are abrasive or acidic and can damage the surface of your floor.
•    Use only cleaners specifically designed for use on natural wood floors.
•    Try to use mats on areas of high traffic or at entrances to avoid abrasive grit being walked onto the floor.
•    Avoid using very wet mops on the floor, the water will dull the floor and can seep into the joints causing the wood to expand.
•    Wipe any spills up immediately Place felt pads onto the feet of chairs and tables.
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Remember that cared for correctly, a wooden floor will last you a lifetime.