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Solid
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15 to 22mm thick of solid
hardwood with a tongue and groove |
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Solid wood flooring with its
very simple construction is the most widespread type of wood
flooring. It is also, however, the most problematic. The
absence of stability makes it
particularly susceptible to humidity changes (expansion and
contraction). The wider the
board, the more vulnerable it becomes. |
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Aged/distressed plank floors are
ideal, as any movement will add to their character. Strip
and herringbone used in gymnasiums, dance floors, multi function
areas etc are also ideal as
room temperatures tend to be more consistent and aesthetics are not
the priority. |
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Plank and strip floors must be nailed
down, leaving perimeter expansion gaps. In large areas,
expansion gaps must be left in the floor. Gluing down is possible,
although we do not
recommend it (we have seen many failures). We consider boards over
180mm wide should be
face screwed and pelleted, due to their instability. |
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Herringbone and patterned solid wood
floors are fully adhered to the substrate. |
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Solid wood flooring will develop
gaps every winter when the heating is operating, and
disappear again in the summer. Generally, solid wood floors
are not suitable for under-floor
heating. |
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Acclimatization is normally
required, however, this is mainly for temperature and any
change
in the moisture content will be minimal. Therefore, the wood
moisture content of the timber
should be suitable for the environment it will be laid in.
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Extreme care should be exercised
when purchasing and installing solid plank floors, as the
majority of problems and unhappy customers we encounter
concern this type of wood floor.
The clue is generally in the price. |
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David
Brown Wood Floors Ltd, Unit 5, Warren Court, Knockholt Rd, Sevenoaks,
Kent, TN14 7ER |
