Hard Wood Flooring Guide

Solid wood floors exude luxury and quality and our authentic timber flooring is no different.

We offer 46 different hard wood options from artisan oak to Sydney Blue Gum and everything in between.

The best thing about wood flooring is that the grain and natural shapes throughout means there's always something to look at and no two sections are the same.

It's also hard wearing and more environmentally friendly than many other alternatives.

The large range of different timbers means there is a colour to suit any room and add a warm and stylish finish.

We also offer the Uniclic Multifit Click system which installers claim can reduce the time of installation by up to 30% over traditional flooring methods.

On the day of installation

PREPARATION – To ensure installation is as quick and simple as possible we ask customers to remove all personal items, clothing, toys, small furniture and breakables from the rooms affected. In bedrooms, we also ask for closets to be emptied, drawers removed from dressers and linen from beds to make the process as simple as possible. It is also essential to disconnect and remove any electronics, computers, TV’s before the installer arrives at your home.

We will remove doors and re-hang them as needed; however, if they need to be cut, to fit the new flooring, they will be left off so you can arrange to have them cut by another contractor, as this is not something we do.

ShoreFloors does also not move delicate or large items, so you will need to make your own arrangements to have these items moved in advance.

To install your floor successfully the temperature must remain at a steady 65 degrees, so your HVAC system must be operational for us to install your floor.

ELECTRICAL / ALARM WIRES / PIPES – ShoreFloors is not responsible for any cut, pierced or broken electrical/alarm wires or pipes that are improperly fitted in walls, along baseboards, under floors and not in accordance with your local building code.

WALLS / BASEBOARDS / CEILING NAIL POPS – Our installers will always operate using caution while in your home to prevent marking baseboards and walls, however some minor scratching and marking can occur during the removal of old flooring. ShoreFloors is not responsible nor do we reimburse for minor scratches, marks and nail pops in ceilings.

MOLDINGS/TRIM – All mouldings and trim are made to co-ordinate with your wood not match it. They are usually made in a different factory and due to the variations, that are inherent with natural wood, there may be some noticeable differences.

RUSTIC & HAND SCRAPED HARDWOOD – Rustic & hand scraped floors are constructed to have antiqued, aged and vintage looks. Knot holes, discoloration, and indentations that the manufacturer uses to create these visuals are not considered to be defects. Specific boards that are deemed by the consumer to be displeasing may only be replaced at the consumer’s expense.

Care and maintenance

Please be aware of the following conditions that may exist before and after installation:

SEASONAL GAPPING – You may notice gaps that appear and disappear in your floor as the seasons change. This is more noticeable in homes with gas/propane heating. This is a normal condition and cannot be prevented.

CHECKING – You may notice right after installation or several months later some wood boards show minor cracks (which is known as checking) mostly near the ends of the boards. As the seasons change your wood floor may check but this is a common occurrence and not a defect, so nothing to worry about.

CUPPING – Cupping is caused by changes in moisture in or around the home which in turn affects the wood. Homes that are not occupied all year round are especially susceptible to cupping. Cupping is strictly a site issue and is not covered by any warranty we or the manufacturer provides. Your estimator will check and document your moisture levels while in your home to make sure wood can be installed.

TEMPERATURE / MOISTURE / HUMIDITY – Wood is a cellular product, meaning it will retain and give off moisture. Temperature, moisture and humidity all affect wood so ideally your home should always be between 18 and 23 degrees and 35% to 55% humidity. Changes in moisture around your home will affect your wood floors.

If moisture levels are a problem in your home a whole-home humidifier will be required to maintain consistent humidity to prevent voiding warranties. Maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity constantly during the life of the floor is the homeowner’s responsibility.

SCRATCHING / DENTS – All wood regardless of type, species, finish etc. … will show scratches and dents. It is impossible to prevent them. Putting walk off mats by doors, keeping your floor swept, using the manufactures recommended cleaners and putting felt protectors on chairs and furniture will all help reduce the amount of scratches and dents you will see.

GRADE / VARIATION / BOARD LENGTHS – Some species of wood by nature will show lots of colour and shade variations. Please remember that wood is a natural product and cannot be “picked” through. Some wood will come in mostly short, long or uniform lengths. Once again this is driven by the species and grade of the product. If there are any questions regarding your selection please review with your salesperson/estimator before purchasing.

DARKER STAINED HARDWOOD – In darker stained hardwoods, a small chip or gap exposing the lighter colour of the wood may occur. The use of stain, filler, or putty sticks for the correction of this and other minor imperfections noticed later or caused by the installation process should be accepted as normal procedure.

ACCLIMATISATION – If you are purchasing a ¾ solid wood floor we will make arrangements to deliver your wood at least 48 hours prior to your installation. The wood must then be brought into the home and placed in the area(s) where it will be installed so it can acclimatise.