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| Fastwood Floor |
| Check out the latest in fast and easy timber flooring. |
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We take a look at an innovative and easy-to-install timber "floating" floor. Floating floors are not fixed or glued to the sub-floor and this allows them to expand and contract, unlike traditional solid floors. This natural movement is spread across the entire floor, greatly reducing the occurrence of gaps in the timber. The floors have been used extensively in Europe for more than 40 years.
"Fastwood" is a floating floor system made especially for Australian conditions and available in a range of Australian hardwoods. It's a pre-finished laminated hardwood which comes in easy to lay ready-made tongue and groove planks. The factory finish includes six layers of hard wearing and protective lacquer. It is packaged in either straight board or parquet designs.
It can be laid over any sound, level and dry surface, concrete, cork, lino and even old floorboards for example. The result is a beautiful, rich floor which is also ideal for high traffic areas such as kitchens.
The boards are 14mm thick and are made from three laminated layers of bonded wood. The bottom and middle layers are plantation-grown softwoods and the surface layer is hardwood. The boards are 188mm wide and 2085mm long.
Maintenance
A regular sweep or vacuum is all that is needed. The original lustre can be retained using a wood floor refresher. Don't use water, sandpaper or steel wool to remove any markings. Boards can be easily replaced if necessary. Felt pads should be placed on the feet of any furniture before moving it around.
Installation
It is recommended that a professional install Fastwood flooring, but DIY instructions are available. Fastwood sits on a specially made foam underlay which helps get rid of any imperfections in the sub-floor. It protects the timber from dampness and also helps to absorb noise.
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The level of the sub-floor is checked. The underlay is then put down after first removing any carpet.
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The floor is then measured out, cut and installed.
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To allow for expansion and contraction a 10mm gap is left between the flooring planks and the wall. Special matching timber strips then cover this gap. The same size gap is also left around any intrusion such as piping, etc.
The installation takes around a day on average. No staining or sanding is necessary and the flooring is immediately ready to walk on. It is also suitable for allergy or asthma sufferers.
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Cost
Around $6000 (for 60sq.m, including installation).
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More Info
Fastwood is available nation wide and is distributed by Bunnings Forest Products. For further information, Ph: 1800 657 389. You can visit their website:
http://www.buildata.com.au/bunnings
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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