Timber Floors

New Zealanders have a love affair with timber floors. Timber is a natural material, and its built-in flexibility makes for a comfortable and durable flooring surface. Timber floors have a natural woodgrain pattern that conceals minor damage and stains and also blends in well with any decor. Ever noticed how ads for houses often mention 'polished wooden floors', but rarely mention carpets?

Most New Zealand houses built before the late 1960s already have a solid timber subfloor. It might be hidden beneath carpet, lino or tiles, but after the unsightly old floor coverings have been removed these timber floors can be brought back to life.

Newer houses may well have particle board subfloors, but even these can look good when the old floor coverings have been removed and the particle board has been sanded and coated.

A popular treatment for any type of timber floor is to apply a wood stain either directly to the floor before coating, or incorporate the stain within the coating system for a more translucent look. This technique can also be invaluable where different varieties of timber are present in an existing floor.

As well as providing a warm and enticing look to your home, natural timber floors also can minimise the living space for dust mites that may otherwise cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks to your family.

Rental property owners also find that polyurethane-coated timber floors are a cost effective low maintenance flooring system that is attractive to tenants. Between tenants, provided that the coating is not worn right through to the underlying timber, a quick clean over the floor followed by the application of two more polyurethane coats will restore the floor back to its original lustre.

Polyurethane is available in a range of finishes - premium gloss, gloss, satin or matt - and can be supplied in either an oil-bourne or a water-bourne system. Your Floorco representative will advise you on the most suitable products for your particular situation.