The Truth About Quality Timber Flooring

Builders Know Quality Timber Flooring Matters

When our advertising gurus requested another timber flooring article, I thought “not again” – I’ve written about this product for as long as I can remember. Our regular readers may recall my piece on engineered flooring from Bowens last year.

Someone suggested I simply write about timber’s beauty. As a timber enthusiast, that goes without saying – but I’m not here to make generic statements that benefit our competitors.

What concerns me is how many companies have ventured into timber flooring without proper expertise. I question whether they understand crucial requirements: Is the substrate within VBA guidelines for levelness? Has the concrete slab’s moisture content been verified, especially if recently laid? Does the conventional timber subfloor have adequate ventilation? These fundamentals matter.

Having dealt with timber flooring problems for nearly 20 years, I believe it’s critical that your supplier not only understands flooring fundamentals but offers installation guidance when ordering to prevent costly post-installation issues. At Bowens, we provide suggested detailed installation guidelines with every order.

This point cannot be understated. Timber flooring consistently ranks among the highest in problem resolution cases. Despite this, we stand firmly behind our products and support clients through any post-installation challenges.

We understand important considerations often overlooked by others:

• Imported timber (like USA flooring) typically has lower moisture content than Australian products
• Special installation requirements for parquetry and herringbone designs
• Substrate preparation, particularly over concrete
• Stair integration with timber floors
• Appropriate adhesive selection
• Subfloor insulation requirements
• Ventilation specifications for conventional timber floors

When working with clients new to timber flooring, we establish:

• Grade and finish specifications for both solid and engineered products
• Length of boards (set or random)
• Square metre pricing
• Expected wastage.

Bowens offers installation services through experienced flooring installers/finishers. For product selection assistance, visit our extensive flooring display at our Circa showroom, Salmon Street, Port Melbourne. Book an appointment at Circa on (03) 8538 3355.