Off Cuts

Many flooring professionals will come into contact with old Parquetry, or wood flooring that has been adhered with Bitumen (tar), or Bituminous Adhesives.
It is therefore important that we understand the dangers of working with this type of adhesive as it ages and becomes dust particles.
Bituminous Adhesives become brittle as they age. At some point, the adhesive ‘gives up’ and no longer holds the flooring down – creating a situation where the adhesive will over time become pulverised, becoming a dust beneath the flooring itself.
When exposed, the pulverised dust (adhesive particles) can become airborne.

It doesn’t much matter whether it’s the rarest or most expensive timber species, the best install, the flattest sanding job, the most beautiful staining effort or the most intricate parquetry pattern, if your coating has a mind of its own, or your gloss is flat or your matt is shiny, you might just be in a spot of bother – well maybe! (it is a rare but welcome blessing when some folks just don’t notice it).
Fortunately, on most occasions this is not a catastrophe (unless it’s 500 metres of course) as in most cases it can generally be sorted by recoating the floor, which will hide or fix most of the probable causes of sheen variance.

After arriving in Melbourne from Ireland, I started my own company in 1999 working by myself, and have since seen JConcepts Timber Floors grow to 10 employees, expanding into Geelong and the surf coast regions.

As a flooring contractor with many years of experience sanding and coating floors, I have seen
a lot of different putties and fillers – each one promising that they are the best and will solve all my problems.
I used to apply filler such as oil putty using a putty knife and a ball of filler, pressing and slicing in
one action, to fill nail holes. Cracks were a time- consuming task… These types used to fade quickly in sunlight, so I shifted to a powder type that mixed with water. Add in a paint tinter concentrate – then voila! Just don’t mix too much, or it will set rock hard while you wait.

Timber flooring has long been a
popular choice among homeowners
and designers for its versatility, warmth, and natural beauty. Engineered wood floors have particularly gained favour due to their increased stability and resistance to moisture, along with the variety of colour selections and speed of installation. Adhesive-fixing engineered floors in place is becoming increasingly popular – with floating floor installations (in Engineered Timber) becoming less popular. Adhesive-fixing the boards gives a firm feel underfoot, has neater perimeter detailing, and often allows for better re-finishing options in the future.

I guess I need to start this article with a few words to our
industry colleagues in Victoria with the abhorrent decision to
close another world class sustainable industry. One day I hope
the politicians hang their head in shame at the pathetic legacy
they have left in their wake. So, to my colleagues and industry
friends in Victoria, we stand with you in our disgust at this
decision, and share your pain. I just cannot believe there will be
no more ‘Vic Ash’ products to showcase to the rest of the world.

I don’t want to scare you; however, we are at grave risk of losing our prized flooring
resource – Australian native species – due to the decisions made by governments. The
concern is real, and in late May 2023, a decision by the Victorian Government to end
all native forest harvesting was made and will take effect from 1 January 2024.

Step into the world of sustainable living with a twist! We’re talking about modular homes that not only look fantastic but also embrace the beauty of Australian timber flooring. It’s all about blending eco-friendliness with style, and this article from ATFA Issue 53 really brings that concept to life. Whether you’re a home design enthusiast or just curious about eco-friendly trends, this piece is sure to spark some inspiration for your next big project.

In the “Q&A on Coatings” article from ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Phil Holgate of TAMSA International Consulting addresses common queries about coatings. He delves into the mechanism behind heat-induced sheen increase, explaining why the sheen level of a satin or low sheen coating can vary from room to room. Factors like rapid surface drying, sunlight exposure, and temperature differences can affect the sheen. Phil offers practical solutions, such as coating floors before sun exposure and using wet edge extenders, to ensure consistent sheen levels across different areas.

In the “Heritage Floors” feature from ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Ivan Kirton of We Love Parquet Wood Floors delves into the significance and preservation of old parquetry flooring. Parquetry wood floors, with their intricate designs and craftsmanship, are an integral part of Australian interior design history. The article emphasizes the importance of conserving these floors, which are tangible reflections of past lifestyles and design aspirations. Ivan also discusses the challenges and methods of preserving such heritage floors, underscoring their value in connecting us to our architectural and cultural past.

In the “How much is enough?” article from ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Brett Scarpella of Loba Australasia addresses common questions and challenges faced during floor coating. He highlights the importance of understanding product coverage rates and the potential pitfalls of deviating from recommended applications. With advancements in coating technologies, the article emphasizes the need for proper application techniques, considering factors like site conditions, product volume, and curing levels. Brett also touches on the convenience of QR codes on product labels, making technical information easily accessible.

In the article “The ‘good’ ole days” from ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Peter King of Floorcraft reflects on his journey in the timber flooring industry, spanning over 40 years. He reminisces about the challenges faced by early pioneers, from handcrafted sanding machines to labor-intensive coating techniques. Despite the hurdles, the passion for the craft and the beauty of timber kept them going. Peter emphasizes the evolution of the industry, highlighting the advancements and the invaluable support from associations like ATFA.

In the “Getting Sideways” article from ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Phil Buckley from Mint Floors & Shutters discusses the emerging trend of installing flooring across the short direction of a room, diverging from the traditional method of aligning with the longest run. While this approach can introduce challenges, such as increased lateral expansion pressure, it also offers benefits, especially for floating floors and floors prone to peaking on end joints. Installing floors in this manner can help hide control joints, reduce pressure on end joints, and make pattern repeats less noticeable, offering a fresh perspective on flooring design.

In ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Ross Lakin from Parkside emphasizes the importance of patience and meticulous preparation in the hardwood flooring manufacturing process. He reflects on past industry attempts to expedite timber drying, which often led to flooring issues. The article underscores the significance of understanding the drying process, from initial yard drying to kiln drying. Proper monitoring, adherence to best practices, and knowledge sharing within the industry are vital to producing stable, high-quality timber flooring that meets the expectations of all stakeholders, from manufacturers to homeowners.

In ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Randy Flierman, ATFA CEO, sheds light on the ATFA Inspection System, a cornerstone of the association’s efforts since 2005 to elevate workmanship and professionalism in the timber flooring industry. The system, which has undergone significant reviews and improvements, aims to ensure industry standards and provide members with feedback on their work. With a focus on continuous improvement, the inspection process involves notifying members of reviews, offering opportunities for resolution, and maintaining transparency and fairness throughout.

In ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 52, Adrian Ayris from Bona discusses the intricacies of using adhesive tape with coated timber floors. While taping is common for marking or painting, challenges arise when the finish system gets removed with the tape. Factors like sanding grit, product volume, site conditions, and curing levels influence adhesion. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing quality low-tack tapes, following manufacturer instructions, minimizing tape duration on the surface, and careful removal. Proper tape application and removal ensure the longevity and aesthetics of timber finishes.

In a unique twist, Nadia Warren, an advocate for water-based coatings, took on a project in Brunswick, Victoria, where flooring adorned the ceiling and walls of a Victorian-style home. The client’s eco-conscious vision was realized with hand-selected timber imported from Italy. To protect the timber while maintaining its natural appearance, Intergrain Enviropro Invisible was chosen. This product offered an invisible look, robust protection, and sustainability. Nadia praised its non-drip application, low odor, and easy handling, all while achieving the desired aesthetic.

Lacote Labradors, based in Arcadia, NSW, brought a piece of history to Australia by relocating a 229-year-old New York State Barn built entirely with geometry and wooden pegs. This architectural marvel, originally constructed in 1791, was deconstructed, shipped, and reassembled in just four days. The barn’s flooring, made of aged Hemlock, showcases deep scratches and marks, reflecting its storied past. With the expertise of The Hun Floors and Urethane Coatings, the timber was preserved, retaining its natural, historic charm.

In ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 47, Skandi Flooring showcases their expertise with the installation and finishing of a breathtaking waterfront home on the NSW central coast. Over 250m2 of solid French Oak flooring graces this architectural marvel. Collaborating with Construct Central Coast builders and homeowners, Skandi achieved a natural, low sheen look using Bona finishes. The residence boasts oak staircases, balustrades, and vaulted ceilings, all complementing the luminous sheen of the oak.

In ATFA Timber Floors Magazine Issue 39, Phil Buckley from Mint Floors & Shutters unravels the challenges of timber installations over concrete stairs. The article underscores the intricacies of adhering to compliant riser heights, making informed material choices, and addressing levelling requirements. By emphasising the need for clear communication and understanding, Phil offers valuable insights for achieving impeccable finishes and managing client expectations.