There is no doubt that staining can be one of the most challenging parts of the flooring biz, but when you have a win with a client who appreciates the effort and result it can be very rewarding. It can even be therapeutic as you watch the timber start to ‘pop’ as the stain first wets up the grain – and of course it’s always a proud moment when you look down at your masterpiece and think nailed it.

Domotex Shanghai, held in July 2023 is uniquely billed as the world’s largest flooring exhibition, with more than 1600 specialised flooring companies, product manufacturers, wholesalers, machinery manufacturers and new technology demonstrators exhibiting their products over a gigantic 200,000 meter squared, multiple level floorspace.

Belt Floor Sanders are the standard tool for a professional flooring contractor (for those still using drum sanders – once you try one, you’ll probably never go back!) Whether 8″ or 12″ (200 or 300mm) the choice is yours, depending on the situation and how much floor area you sand in each job-the larger machine is generally faster on the larger jobs.

This Q & A section continues as a new addition to the magazine and intended to answer those questions that ATFA members may have on coatings.
Please send in any questions you would like addressed to ATFA.

A fire in December 2021 left the flooring of the front foyer of Old Parliament House irretrievably damaged. Last sanded in 2011, the floor was a bespoke pattern of Jarrah parquet and Mountain Ash borders.

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).

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.