Standards & Specs FAQ
19 questions answered by NSW's only Bona Premier Dealer.
Standards & Specs (19)
How much vertical movement is acceptable at timber floor joints?
Tongue-to-groove clearance shouldn't exceed 0.6mm, which allows some differential vertical movement under load. A T&G tolerance at board edges of about 0.4mm makes a good floor. The standards allow 0.3-0.6mm. A professional floor sander works within these tolerances to deliver a stable, quiet floor.
What is the acceptable gap size for solid timber strip flooring?
For solid timber strip flooring, shrinkage gaps over 10 boards can average 0.75mm for an 80mm wide board floor under drier internal conditions. Wider boards show proportionally wider gapping. Some expansion and contraction throughout the floor's life is normal and acceptable. A professional floor sander can explain what gapping to expect for your specific board width and species.
How should I inspect my timber floor for quality?
Look at the floor during daylight with lights on, from a standing position at about a 45-degree angle from eye to floor. Don't get down on your hands and knees or look at unusual angles. Sanding marks shouldn't generally be visible from a standing position, and the edging shouldn't scallop. That's the industry standard for how a finished floor gets inspected.
Are some boards allowed to fall outside grade limits?
Yes. Less than 5% of boards can fall outside grade limits without needing remedial work. But the installer should distribute colour and features reasonably evenly throughout the floor. Clustering short boards or board ends in one area isn't acceptable -- that's just poor workmanship.
What do the timber flooring grade categories mean?
AS 2796 defines three main grades: Select (minimal features for a cleaner look), Standard or Medium Feature (more character with more natural features), and High Feature (prominent features for a rustic look). Grade is about features like gum veins and knots, not colour variation. A professional floor sander can show you examples of each grade so you know what you're getting.
Does Select Grade timber mean it has no features at all?
No. Select Grade still has some features -- gum veins, borer activity, that sort of thing. It just has fewer of them compared to Standard and High Feature grades. Even the cleanest grade includes some natural character. That's timber for you.
What has ATFA done to address peaking in hardwood floors?
ATFA developed a revised floor profile that's less prone to peaking for manufacturers to adopt. The standard AS 2796 profiles feature an undercut where pressure concentrates on the top third only during expansion, and a wide undercut can trigger severe peaking. It's worth knowing about these profile improvements -- they really reduce peaking risk, particularly for Queensland and NSW installations.
What resources does ATFA provide for flooring professionals?
ATFA puts out a lot of material -- over 100 technical information sheets, 9 industry manuals, 6 tolerance guides covering different flooring types, a guide to timber flooring applications, 9 how-to videos, safe work method statements, QA records and checklists, and over 60 recorded webinars. It's the go-to resource for anyone serious about staying current in the industry.
What tolerance guides does ATFA publish for flooring?
ATFA publishes six tolerance guides covering Bamboo, Engineered, Decking, Hybrid, Laminate, and Solid Timber flooring types. These guides define acceptable performance limits for each product category. They're the benchmark for quality work -- if you're assessing a floor, these are the standards you measure against.
What are the Australian Consumer Laws relevant to floor disputes?
Under Australian Consumer Laws, contractors have rectification rights for minor repairs, and you've got specific protections regarding product quality and service standards. If you've got a flooring problem, contact the original contractor first -- that's the recommended starting point. Most issues can be sorted out at that level.
What information should flooring contractors provide to homeowners?
Your contractor should provide detailed maintenance instructions, discuss coating pros and cons before application, explain expected seasonal movement, outline proper cleaning products, and set realistic expectations about finish quality and natural timber characteristics. You should get comprehensive documentation and guidance with every completed floor project.
What are the common contractor errors in timber flooring?
ATFA documents common contractor errors as a key awareness topic, covering mistakes in installation, coating application, subfloor preparation, and expansion allowance. Knowing these errors helps both contractors and homeowners avoid costly problems. Ongoing industry education is how good floor sanders avoid these common pitfalls.
What environmental certifications are available for timber flooring?
Chain of Custody (CoC) timber certification verifies sustainable sourcing. ATFA documents that timber floors store carbon, and Life Cycle Assessment is used to evaluate environmental impact. Some adhesives also feature GREENGUARD GOLD certification for low emissions. Sustainably sourced and environmentally certified timber products are worth specifying if it matters to you.
What licensing conditions apply to timber flooring contractors in Australia and New Zealand?
Licensing conditions for timber flooring contractors vary between Australian states and New Zealand, and ATFA documents these requirements in their information sheets. Proper licensing makes sure contractors meet industry competency standards. Always check that your floor sander is properly licensed and qualified for the work in their jurisdiction.
What flooring types does the ATFA guide to timber applications cover?
The ATFA guide covers solid timber, pre-finished, engineered, parquetry, laminate, cork, and bamboo flooring applications. Each product type has its own installation, maintenance, and performance characteristics. It's a solid reference that covers all the timber-based flooring types you're likely to encounter.
What topics do ATFA webinars cover?
ATFA has over 60 recorded webinars covering topics like concrete moisture, timber movement, acoustic underlays, insurance work on water damaged floors, gap sizing, grading rules, species identification, slip resistance, recoating, and plenty more technical subjects. They're a great way to stay up to date on industry knowledge.
What is the most recommended approach to dealing with flooring disputes?
ATFA recommends contacting the contractor first for rectification, then getting an objective inspection if that doesn't sort it out. ATFA Licensed Inspectors conduct impartial assessments analysing history, observations, measurements, and testing. Start with the contractor -- most issues can be resolved promptly and professionally before it becomes a formal dispute.
How do ATFA inspections work?
Inspections by ATFA Licensed Inspectors are done objectively, assessing and analysing available information factually. Reports provide impartial analysis covering history, observations, measurements, and testing results. It's an independent process, and the findings are what they are regardless of who requested the inspection.
What is the P4 slip rating and which products achieve it?
P4 is a slip resistance classification under AS 4586:2013. It means the floor surface has a dynamic coefficient of friction above 0.4 when tested wet -- safe for stairs, entries, commercial landings, and areas where water might be present. Handley Urethane Low Sheen achieves P4 when mixed with Handley Anti-Slip Additive at the specified ratio. Bona products can also achieve slip ratings with appropriate surface texturing. Ring Sand-Aid with the application and the spec to confirm which product meets the requirement.
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