Pickwicks - Laying and Finishing Oak Floorboards

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Proper laying and finishing is vital to make the most of a traditional oak floor. We've put together some tips for you below

Ideally, ensure skilled experienced labour is used to lay the flooring.

To DIY is not difficult, but make sure that you get good advice before you start.

Although the timber is kiln dried to 10% moisture content, by the time it has been planed and delivered it will rise to about 12%.

The wood should rest in its new environment to acclimatise for a minimum of two weeks before laying.

Narrow width boards can be laid using the 'secret nailing' method, through the tongue. Flooring adhesives may also be used successfully, and there are now several good products available.

For our wider boards, neither of the above methods is recommended. Wide boards should be traditionally fixed - screw & plugged, or nailed across the surface.

Always leave an expansion gap around the edge of the room to allow your floor to breathe. We recommend approximately 2.5mm/metre width of the room.

Our flooring has been successfully laid above underfloor heating systems, but it is imperative that the boards are fully acclimatised for the appropriate period and that the concrete screed has no more than 2.5% moisture content.

Fill any knots and defects with wood filler before lightly sanding.

If a darker oak is required, many woodstains are available. Always make trials on offcuts.

The choice of finish depends on the use and wear to which the floor will be subjected. For example, a bathroom or kitchen will need a more resistant finish than a bedroom or sitting room.

Wax is the traditional finish, either natural or coloured. Beeswax-based waxed floors, though less resistant to wear, develop their own beautiful natural patina if maintained and polished several times a year with a liquid floor wax.

There are also several excellent natural Oil-Wax products available especially formulated for use on hardwood floors, which give a hard durable waterproof surface and yet still maintain the authentic natural character of the oak.

Whilst modern lacquers and polyurethane/acrylic seals are practical and low maintenance, care should be taken not to choose products which will make the oak look 'plasticised'.

We consider hard wearing waxes or oils the authentic choice, particularly for period properties.