Installing timber flooring can add warmth, beauty, and value to your home. Royal Floors, a specialist in high-quality timber flooring in Sydney, offers professional installation services to ensure a smooth and durable finish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding the process of timber floor installation at Royal Floors:
Step 1: Choose Your Timber Flooring
The first step is selecting the right timber flooring for your home. At Royal Floors, you have a wide range of options, including solid timber, engineered timber, and floating floors. The choice depends on your budget, the style you prefer, and the location where the flooring will be installed.
- Solid Timber Flooring: Durable and long-lasting, perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Engineered Timber Flooring: A more affordable option, offering the look of timber but with enhanced moisture resistance.
- Floating Floors: Easy to install, with a layer of timber on top of a substrate, providing flexibility and stability.
Step 2: Measure and Prepare the Area
Accurate measurements are essential for a successful installation. Royal Floors will typically measure the installation area to ensure the right amount of timber is ordered. Proper preparation includes:
- Clearing the Space: All furniture and existing flooring need to be removed.
- Leveling the Subfloor: The subfloor must be flat and clean. If necessary, Royal Floors’ experts will repair or level the subfloor to avoid future issues like creaking or uneven surfaces.
Step 3: Acclimatize the Timber
Timber is a natural product that can expand or contract based on humidity and temperature. The timber planks should be acclimatized to your home’s conditions before installation. This usually involves leaving the timber in the installation room for a few days to adjust to the environment.
Step 4: Install Underlay (If Needed)
Depending on the type of timber floor chosen, an underlay might be required, especially for engineered or floating floors. The underlay provides cushioning, soundproofing, and moisture resistance, ensuring the timber flooring lasts longer.
Step 5: Laying the Timber Floor
- Layout Plan: The installers from Royal Floors will begin by planning the layout to ensure that the timber planks are evenly distributed. This includes ensuring that there are no small, awkward gaps at the edges.
- Start from One Side: Typically, installation starts along the longest wall, with a small gap left for expansion (usually 10-12mm) around the edges.
- Nail or Glue the Timber: For solid timber floors, the planks are often nailed or glued down. Engineered timber and floating floors might use a click-lock system, which makes installation faster and requires no glue or nails.
Step 6: Cut and Fit Planks
The installers will cut the timber planks to fit the dimensions of your room, especially around corners, doorways, and edges. Professional cutting ensures clean, precise edges that contribute to a smooth finish.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Once the timber is laid, Royal Floors will ensure all gaps and edges are filled, and the expansion gap is covered using skirting boards or beading. This gives the floor a polished and complete look.
- Sanding and Polishing: If you’ve chosen unfinished timber, the floor will be sanded and polished to achieve the desired finish.
- Sealing the Floor: A protective sealant is applied to safeguard the timber against moisture, scratches, and wear. This also enhances the natural beauty of the timber.
Step 8: Inspection and Clean-Up
After installation, Royal Floors will inspect the entire floor to ensure everything is perfect. They will also clean up the area, removing any debris or dust caused by the installation process, leaving your new timber floor looking pristine.
Step 9: Post-Installation Care
Royal Floors will provide guidance on how to maintain your timber floor, including cleaning tips and recommendations for products to ensure its longevity. Regular sweeping and using protective pads under furniture are key to preserving the floor's beauty.
Conclusion
Installing timber flooring in your Sydney home with Royal Floors is a straightforward process when handled by professionals. From selecting the right timber to post-installation care, Royal Floors ensures a seamless installation that enhances your home’s aesthetic and value. Whether you opt for solid, engineered, or floating timber floors, their expertise guarantees a high-quality result that will last for years to come.