Timber flooring and decking Supply & Install services

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Timber Flooring - come home to a better lifestyle

Timber Flooring "Start to Finish" services - how it works
Advantages of timber flooring
Things you should know before buying
Selecting timber flooring with characteristics to suit your needs and taste
Types and available Sizes
Installation options
Maintenance
Showroom appointments, Quotes off plans, on-site Visits
Customer Testimonials
"Start to Finish" services Quote Request

Timber flooring Inspections

"The Quality Service Provider's product display was most helpful. Timing for installation was dependent on other trades. Installation was nevertheless spot on for a difficult schedule. Flexible and responsive. Our Blue Gum floor is the feature in our house. All who see it are impressed by appearance and finish. Your Quality Service Provider delivered everything asked of it efficiently and without fuss. Wonderful product combined with efficient and professional service. No hesitation in recommending."

G. T., The Oaks NSW

Timber Flooring "Start to Finish" services - how it works

The Building Centre introduced Timber Flooring and Decking 'Start to Finish Service', carried out by a highly experienced Quality Service Provider (QSP), thus taking the guesswork and risk out of organising timber flooring and decking.

We can assist with your needs be they for your home, home unit, office, factory or commercial property. No job is too small nor too large. We can also assist with insurance replacement jobs.

At The Building Centre, we regularly are called in to assist with problems where either poorly (wrongly) selected products were used or inexperienced (poor) installation took place that resulted in an unsatisfactory end result. We set about to prevent such problems from happening, by establishing "Start to Finish" services which sources, checks and recommend highly experienced and reputable Quality Service Providers, who will do the job properly the first time and will stand by their materials and workmanship for years after the installation.

Supply and Install or Supply Only

We can arrange a supply and installation of timber flooring and decking in the Sydney metropolitan area, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and Central Coast. For larger timber flooring and decking projects, supply and install service is available in Canberra, Newcastle and interstate.

For smaller timber flooring or decking projects beyond Sydney, we can arrange a supply only service by quality timber flooring and decking around Australia. A cheap price will give you a cheap product and in all likelihood subsequent problems. If you want quality, trust, value and reliability we can help you.

To obtain a quotation for timber flooring supply & install, or supply only, please submit "Start to Finish" services Quote Request on-line, or call (02) 8303 0545 or 1300 884 876 (Australia-wide) Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (AEST).

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Advantages of timber flooring

It is a natural product, with very low energy requirements used during manufacturing, all timbers are sourced from sustainably-managed forests and plantations
It has a warm, natural look and feel expressing the beauty of nature
Creative in choice of colour, board width, possible patterns or borders
Inherent good insulation properties and 'warm' on bare feet
Hypo-allergenic (it does not trap dirt, pollen and other allergens), therefore an ideal choice for bedrooms, play or living areas for asthma sufferers
It is hygienic as timber does not promote the breeding of germs or bacteria and is easy to keep clean
Available in a wide range of species, colours and grains
Low maintenance
Practical with a resilient finish and is very forgiving to knocks and dropped items
Offers lasting good and timeless looks
Versatile as timber can be laid over concrete or existing timber or particleboard
Has various options such as end match for possible material cost savings when your budget is stretched
Requires minimal site disturbance when laying
Represents easy access to underfloor and the installation or maintenance of underfloor services
Can be re-used and recycled

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Things you should know before buying

Timber Flooring is a natural product, so please keep in mind that:

There will be variations in what you see in the showroom and the timber flooring that is supplied and installed
Such variations can include colour, grain and natural features, such as knots and sap patterns
The moisture content of timber is critical, so choose a supplier who properly manages this requirement in their warehouse and if necessary 'on-site' prior to installation

Choosing the right manufacturer and supplier

We strongly recommend buying timber floor products made by Australian manufacturers, because their products will comply with Australian Standards and will be properly kiln dried and treated. Buying products made by well-established Australian manufacturers may add to the cost, but you can be sure that this manufacturer will stand by its product, and will be around in years ahead if an unlikely event of problems will arise.

Cheaper imported overseas timber flooring from small or unknown manufacturers, doubtful species, of unknown preparation with inherent risks, can end up as a costly mistake. We have been called in on many occasions when such problems have arisen, and there is usually nothing one can do other than live with the problem or replace the flooring.

A reputable timber supplier and installer, we can refer you to such Quality Service Provider, should assess the site and advise you on any needs to manage present or future moisture matters which can affect timber flooring. Subfloor ventilation is extremely important with timber flooring. In some cases even mechanical ventilation may be recommended by the supplier in order to keep your timber flooring fresh.

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Selecting timber flooring with characteristics to suit your needs and taste

For most people, choosing the flooring type and the corresponding species, is based on following selection sequence:

Selecting colour
Selecting between hardwood and softwood timber. Heavy duty areas such as entrances, corridors, kitchens or commercial applications require a hardwood timber to be specified
Selecting variation in colour: wide or limited
Selecting the style: minimalist, contemporary or more natural
Selecting the nails to be used: visible (need to be sunk and puttied) or secret (hardwood boards wider 85mm not suitable for secret nailing)
Selecting floorboards size: narrow or wide
Selecting between with and without border (borders will add to the cost)

It is best to choose your timber from a showroom , where a timber expert can discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of what you are considering and also offer you the alternatives. Considerations may include aesthetic and practical aspects (e.g. light-foot traffic vs. heavy-foot traffic). It is very important to remember that any natural product, including timber flooring, will vary from the showroom samples to what is supplied and laid.

Remember, every timber floor is different. This is one of the beauties choosing a natural product, your floor becomes individual - a One of a Kind!!

Selecting Colour

The colour and look of your floor will depend on the timber species you choose. Colours may vary from light warm honey-look through to fawns, browns and rich reds.

Whilst recognising that the colour will vary from what you see in a showroom and what is supplied and installed, you will still get a very good idea from the showroom samples of the look, colour variations and texture of different timber species..

There are two ways to choose your colours:

"Fall in love" with the colour and look of the timber flooring sample you see in a showroom, and match your wall and interior colours accordingly
Choose your wall and ceiling colours for each room first and bring those paint colour samples into a showroom to match or contrast the timber flooring to satisfy your tastes

Timber Species and Hardness Levels available in Australia

The higher the hardness level, the more durable the timber floor will be, showing less wear or damage by high heel shoes, dropped items and so on. Within the range of hardwoods, some are much 'harder' than the others. Discuss this aspect or need with a consultant when visiting specialised showroom. To see some indicative illustrations of species, visit one of our QSP's showrooms.

Australian Hardwoods:

Alpine Ash
Australian Beech
Blackbutt
Blue Gum
Flooded (Rose) Gum
Grey Gum
Grey Box
Iron Bark (Red and Grey)
Jarrah
Karri
Red Mahogany
Spotted Gum
Tallowwood
Tasmanian Oak
Turpentine, etc

Softwoods:

Cypress Pine
Damar Minyak (Kauri Pine)
Baltic Pine

Most of the above listed, timber species available in either Select or Australiana grades.

Choice of Grades

There are two main choices of timber species grades widely available:

Select - generally has low features, produces far more elegant looking flooring and is more expensive
Australiana - normally contains medium features, has more individual timber character (knots and sap marks, etc.), is generally less expensive and sometimes cut in shorter lengths

Some timber species are available in three grades. Third grade, sometimes referred to as Natural grade, usually exhibits high natural features of timber such as rustic, natural appearance, stains, gum veins and sometimes insect marks.

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Timber flooring Types and available Sizes

Traditional overlay solid tongue and groove flooring, with or without a border.
Requires sanding and sealing after the flooring has been laid.
Sizes mostly: 80mm x 19mm, 130mm x 19mm, some 60mm x 19mm, 180mm x 21mm
Parquetry, in block or mosaic, with or without a border.
Usually available in many hardwood species. Requires sanding and sealing after the flooring has been laid.
Sizes usually: 260mm x 65mm x 18mm
Engineered pre-finished floors, also known as Floating Floors
These floors usually are a 4mm pre-finished timber veneer glued onto a 10mm plywood backing. A high wearing clear finish is applied at the factory. One of main advantages is that no sanding or sealing required. Once laid, you can furnish and use your room straight away. Pre-finished engineered flooring available in a range of Australian hardwoods, European & Asian species.
Formats available: 1, 2 or 3 strips
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a photograph of timber adhered below a hard wearing heavy duty laminate finish, which in turn is firmly adhered to an array of either low, medium or high density fibreboard base. The laminated flooring 'strips' are usually clipped together and laid over an acoustic underlay. There are many types of timber species and colours that are available in laminated flooring. Laminate flooring is usually less expensive than actual timber flooring. Once laid, you can move in straight away.
Hardwood Timber Decking
Harvested timber can be used for decking from renewable forests, which have high density, are tough and very durable. Hardwood timber is seasoned to ensure optimum hardness, stability and long service life. Decking can be finished to complement any outdoor colour scheme or left to weather creating a natural 'weathered' look. Fixing can be done using traditional galvanised nails, countersunk screws or ultra-modern stainless steel dome headed nails. Species available include Blackbutt, Australian Beech, Spotted Gum, Iron Bark
Sizes available: 19mm x 64mm, 19mm x 86mm either reeded or smooth, also available in wider sizes

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Timber flooring Installation options

Below listed some of the available options for installing timber floors:

Over timber bearers and joists
Over an existing timber floor
Over existing* particle board or a timber floor
Laid over battens or plywood that's been fixed to the concrete floor - minimises potential noise issues in units or bedrooms below
Over concrete slab**, as a solid floating system, including an acoustic membrane, when noise transmission may be a potential issue, or concern in strata blocks by neighbours below, or in homes by the occupants of bedrooms below

^{* The Australian Standards stipulates that the level cannot vary more than
+/- 3 mm over 3 meters. If it does, sanding or packing may be required to
even up the particleboard sub floor.}

^{** Depending on the circumstances, there can be a choice of nailed
or glued solutions, as well as using soundproofing membranes when
being laid on a concrete slab.}

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Timber flooring Maintenance

Depending on the type of coating you have chosen for your floor, you may need as little as a light buff and re-coat of your timber floor, or possibly another coat of maintenance polish to give your floor a facelift.

If required, we can introduce you to the Quality Service Provider which can carry out floor sanding & polishing services, giving your existing timber floorboards that "new floor" look.

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Showroom appointments, Quotes off plans, on-site Visits

We can assist you in the following three ways:

Showroom appointment with an experienced consultant. We can organise an obligation free appointment with our Quality Service Provider at one of their showrooms. Call us on (02) 8303 0545 Monday to Friday 9:30 to 5pm and we will immediately connect you through to organise a showroom appointment.
This is the preferred starting point, as you will see the full range of timbers and receive information about the differences and options of different products, thus helping you to make a right decision.
We can organise for a quotation for a timber flooring or decking based on your building plans for existing or new dwellings. Simply send us a set of your building plans for your new home or extension. Also clearly set out a list of your needs, and specify rooms or hallways where you want timber flooring installed. You can fax this information to (02) 8303 0533, or post it to The Building Centre, P.O. Box 33, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.
A consultant will call you to discuss any aspects that need clarification and prepare a quotation. He may also visit you on site if needed and if is practical.
An on-site visit by an experienced timber flooring and decking consultant can be arranged to assess the required scope of work and site conditions. In order assist you in the best possible manner, we can arrange for an experienced consultant who works for the timber flooring Quality Service Provider, to visit your home, unit, office or factory, if it is practical to do so, and discuss your needs on-site.

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Customer Testimonials

Here are some of many customer testiomonials received by the timber flooring Quality Service Provider:

"We visited your Quality Service Provider's showroom and found their staff very helpful with regards to timber selection and timber finish. We had two visits from the sales staff. They were punctual and rang ahead to check if we were home. Special thanks to logistics who worked with us by splitting delivery & installation. Also layers and sanders were professional and helpful. We are happy with our beautiful timber floors - they have been easy care and look fantastic!".
J.D., Wollstonecraft NSW

"The Quality Service Provider's Showroom was a boon. Would have gone with Brushbox if we had not seen Spotted Gum. Spotted Gum looks sensational! Floor layers were terrific as were the sanders and finishers.".
R. & N. C., St Ives NSW

"Your Quality Service Provider's staff weren't pushy and just let us look and answered our questions as we asked. The processes flowed as explained and the final result is brilliant. Warren & his son did an excellent job with the installation.".
A. C., Bexley North NSW

"Great Quality Service Provider display centre with knowledgeable, helpful staff. Your Quality Service Provider's staff have been the most punctual, friendly & knowledgeable of any people we have dealt with during our renovation process. When there was a problem with bubbling, this was quickly rectified. An absolutely stunning floor. Keep up the great customer experience through your punctuality and great service and not let this slip up as there are too many businesses in Sydney that do not have a customer service ethic".
J. P., Sandy Point NSW

"Throughout the process of selecting products, making aesthetic decisions and managing the actual installation process of a new timber floor, I found your Quality Service Provider's staff and tradesmen very helpful and reliable. They patiently responded to detailed queries over numerous phone calls, discussing pros and cons of various products".
J. B., Hornsby NSW

"Excellent. Very few companies could supply a sprung floor for dancing. You knew what we needed and offered your expertise".
C. S., Holsworthy NSW

"We had other quotes but your Quality Service Provider's staff and display rooms gave us the confidence we needed to make a decision. No question was left unanswered and all enquiries were directed to the correct staff. The floors look great. One happy customer".
G. B., Glen Alpine NSW

"Cannot fault your Quality Service Provider's quality / professionalism. Extremely happy with end result and ease of installation".
M. B., Warrawee NSW

"We appreciated the advice about the type of flooring most suitable for our needs. Greg was very prompt and fitted in our appointment very quickly because of the need to co-ordinate installation of new kitchen during the same period. We are very grateful to Greg & Victor for completing the job within a limited time. We would certainly recommend your business to friends or acquaintances if they were considering timber flooring".
B. & Z. W., Chipping Norton NSW

"Good service and competitive price was the reason for choosing your Quality Service Provider. Their sales staff gave all the info we asked for and needed. Very happy. Every bit as good as expected".
T. R., Frenchs Forest NSW

"I am writing to thank you for the excellent work in installing flooring at our above address. We admire your understanding and attitude towards our need where we were struggling to meet our deadline which day happened to be the auspicious time according to our cultural belief. At one stage, we gave up hope as we had so much to do in so little time. You provided us with the best workmen to install who were very understanding and friendly turning up for work so early in the morning i.e. 5:45am. Please pass on our sincere thanks and kindest regards to them. We also want to thank the young gentlemen who did the sanding during the weekend. Thanks once again for your assistance. Finally, the floor catches everyone's eyes walking into the house and their "WOW" says it all. We are very happy with the flooring and services provided by you. Thanks for the understanding and excellent customer service which is very hard to come by nowadays".
K. S., Lidcombe NSW

"Measurements were perfect. Very happy. The floor layers worked non-stop and we are very happy with their work".
S. & J. M., Picnic Point NSW

"The Quality Service Provider's product display was most helpful. Timing for installation was dependent on other trades. Installation was nevertheless spot on for a difficult schedule. Flexible and responsive. Our Blue Gum floor is the feature in our house. All who see it are impressed by appearance and finish. Your Quality Service Provider's delivered everything asked of it efficiently and without fuss. Wonderful product combined with efficient and professional service. No hesitation in recommending".
G. T., The Oaks NSW

"We were well informed by Charlee in your Quality Service Provider's showroom. Ric was on time and gave us good advice. Fons was very skilled and on time. Best choice we made. The floor boards create a feeling of warmth and are dateless. Keep up the good work".
F. & L. M., Ashbury NSW

"Very helpful to be able to view the different timbers at the Quality Service Provider's showroom. The sale staff gave us good advice to assist & facilitate our decision. Contractors did an excellent job, delighted with their attitude and skills. They worked hard and long hours".
J. J., Curl Curl NSW

"We have now used your Quality Service Provider twice & have had excellent service both times. We are thrilled with the workmanship of the layer, sander and finisher".
C. & P. W., Quakers Hill NSW

"Installation procedures explained. Installers arrived everyday on time and worked professionally. Friendly and polite! Very happy with final result - exceeded our expectations".
J. R., Castle Hill NSW

"Friendly, professional and a wonderful display centre. It was very easy to choose the flooring for me. My builders were impressed with the price, quality, time frame and workmanship. Everyone who walks in comments first on the beautiful floor. I have recommended you to 2 builders and anyone who asks".
M. G., West Pymble NSW

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