Installing a real wood floor need not be as time consuming and expensive as some people think. Peter Lazar, managing director Source Wood Floors, explains the benefits of under utilised, solvent -free elastic wood floor bonding techniques.
The 'old school' approach to installing a real wood floor is to construct a timber sub frame for the floor to sit on.
While there will be circumstances under which this is still the best approach, there are many more instances where a new wood floor can be bonded (glued) directly to the existing timber or concrete sub floor - thereby dramatically reducing installation time and cost.
While this time/cost saving is the most apparent and immediate benefit of the 'full stick down' method, there are other longer-term, even more important, benefits.
For example, modern elastic adhesives allow wood to 'move' as it expands and contracts according to the amount of moisture in the atmosphere -while at the same time ensuring an optimum, durable bond between the timber and sub floor. This ability to 'move' with the floor is in stark contrast to inflexible rigid adhesives or the secret nailed approach.
A reduction in noise levels - both in the room itself and for those working underneath (in the case of an office block) - is another important benefit. Hardwood floors generate sound with every step - that's an inescapable fact - but elastic adhesive dramatically reduces both sound radiation and footfall sound.
A bonded floor is also more comfortable to walk on because the elastic adhesive has a cushioning effect - it's a solid yet flexible method of installation. And because it's solvent-free, it's an environmentally acceptable solution - especially important in, for example, educational establishments.
The fact that the fully bonded system can also be used for other substrates, including stone flooring, is another major plus point. This gives the potential to mix substrates for aesthetic or practical reasons. For example, a wood floor can be enhanced with decorative stone borders, or a wooden floor in a bar, cafe or restaurant can be combined with stone or tile at bar/counter areas where hygiene and dealing with spillage are the overriding priorities.
An elastic adhesive can also be used to level slight variations in floor levels at the same time as bonding the floor to the sub floor.
And in situations where a wood floor is required over a large open area, often the case in commercial or retail premises, full stick down is definitely the recommended approach. Floating a floor over a large area is not advised - it's far better to secure the floor to the sub floor.
Finally, the system is perfect for use in combination with underfloor heating, particularly a wet system of pipes embedded in concrete screed. The adhesive ensures an even transfer of heat through to the floor - there are no hot spots, no air voids beneath the floor, and no condensation traps. Instead, heat is directly transferred to where it's required to deliver maximum benefit and efficiency.
For further information contact Peter Lazar at Source Wood Floors on 08456 021781, or peterlazar@sourcewoodfloors.co.uk, or visit: www.sourcewoodfloors.co.uk.
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