The Right Site Conditions For Timber Floors
Andrew Stratton
November 06, 2009
Timber floors are a great addition to any house. If you're building a house and you'd like to have timber floors, site conditions are the most important deciding factor. Some site conditions are more suitable than others.
Moisture Level
Timber is all natural, so it naturally expands and shrinks according to the moisture level. In some climates, there isn't much you can do about this, but you should be aware of it. Some woods are better suited for humid environments and others are best for dry parts of the country. Type of wood can help control the problem somewhat.
Another thing to keep in mind is not only the regular humidity of the area, but also nearby bodies of water. If you live near a large body of water, whether it's an ocean, lake or river, it may have some influence on your timber floors. There will be added humidity in the air, as well as winds that will bring humid air toward your house.
Proper Ventilation
One way to minimize shrinkage and expansion of timber floors is to make sure that there's plenty of ventilation. There should be lots of air moving through the house, both above the boards and under them. Try to get as much ventilation as possible underneath your floor and this will help keep the wood from moving too much.
A great way to ventilate under your floor is to use air-bricks. These can be placed on either end of the house, or all four sides. They will let the air pass through. If you live in a windy environment, you will need fewer air-bricks to help get it flowing.
Level Ground
The site ground should be level, or as close to level as possible. Some ground can be leveled if it's not perfectly flat, but be sure to have the builders look at it and decide what they can do. Timber floors especially need a level ground, and the cost of leveling it should be considered when choosing a site.
Flooring Style
You can also work around unsuitable site conditions by choosing a different style of flooring. Instead of using solid wood flooring, you can choose multi-layered flooring. This style uses plywood or veneered wood for its base, with the attractive wood used only on the top. This will prevent the entire floor from shifting over time.
Some site conditions are not ideal for timber floors, but there are always things that can be done. Look at your site with an experienced builder, and let them help you decide if conditions are good for timber floors.
Timber floors can add that old world charm, style and grace to an otherwise ordinary looking house. Timber floors come in different finish and shades. To browse through the selections available, visit http://www.albanywoodworks.com
Moisture Level
Timber is all natural, so it naturally expands and shrinks according to the moisture level. In some climates, there isn't much you can do about this, but you should be aware of it. Some woods are better suited for humid environments and others are best for dry parts of the country. Type of wood can help control the problem somewhat.
Another thing to keep in mind is not only the regular humidity of the area, but also nearby bodies of water. If you live near a large body of water, whether it's an ocean, lake or river, it may have some influence on your timber floors. There will be added humidity in the air, as well as winds that will bring humid air toward your house.
Proper Ventilation
One way to minimize shrinkage and expansion of timber floors is to make sure that there's plenty of ventilation. There should be lots of air moving through the house, both above the boards and under them. Try to get as much ventilation as possible underneath your floor and this will help keep the wood from moving too much.
A great way to ventilate under your floor is to use air-bricks. These can be placed on either end of the house, or all four sides. They will let the air pass through. If you live in a windy environment, you will need fewer air-bricks to help get it flowing.
Level Ground
The site ground should be level, or as close to level as possible. Some ground can be leveled if it's not perfectly flat, but be sure to have the builders look at it and decide what they can do. Timber floors especially need a level ground, and the cost of leveling it should be considered when choosing a site.
Flooring Style
You can also work around unsuitable site conditions by choosing a different style of flooring. Instead of using solid wood flooring, you can choose multi-layered flooring. This style uses plywood or veneered wood for its base, with the attractive wood used only on the top. This will prevent the entire floor from shifting over time.
Some site conditions are not ideal for timber floors, but there are always things that can be done. Look at your site with an experienced builder, and let them help you decide if conditions are good for timber floors.
Timber floors can add that old world charm, style and grace to an otherwise ordinary looking house. Timber floors come in different finish and shades. To browse through the selections available, visit http://www.albanywoodworks.com
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