Floors

Tile, timber, laminate, vinyl, concrete, carpet, subfloor preparation, installation, and care.

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Floors guides

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A sound starting point

What to check first

Floor performance begins below the visible finish. Moisture, flatness, movement, load, acoustic needs and transitions should be resolved first.

Measure the substrate

Check moisture and flatness using the limits required by the chosen floor and adhesive, not a general visual impression.

Plan transitions

Coordinate finished heights at doors, stairs, wet areas and adjoining materials before installation.

Allow movement

Expansion gaps and movement joints must remain functional and should not be bridged by rigid finishes.

South Africa · Australia · New Zealand

Regional context

Climate and construction affect floor choice: slab moisture, reactive soils, timber subfloors, coastal humidity, underfloor heating and alpine conditions all change the build-up. Use local moisture-test methods and product limits rather than relying on a generic waiting period. Record the results before installation begins.

Plan the work

A better project brief

Specify from the substrate up

Record slab or timber condition, moisture, flatness, movement, acoustic and thermal layers, adhesive or underlay, finish and edge details.

Set finished levels early

Coordinate stairs, doors, cabinetry, appliances, wet-area thresholds and adjoining rooms before levelling or ordering material.

Plan replacement and repair

Keep batch information and spare material, understand refinishing limits and avoid permanently trapping service access beneath the floor.

Match cleaning to the finish

Confirm how grit, water, pets, sunlight and expected chemicals affect the material. Entry mats, felt pads and a realistic care routine often extend life more than a premium label.

Common questions

Floors quick answers

Why does a floor sound hollow?+

Possible causes include incomplete adhesive contact, voids, deflection or separation. The location and floor system determine the significance.

Can new flooring cover an uneven floor?+

Most finishes need defined flatness. Underlay may smooth minor texture but does not correct major high and low areas.

How long must a new slab dry before flooring?+

Time alone is not proof. Test using the floor and adhesive manufacturer’s required method and limit after the building reaches realistic conditions.

Can different flooring types meet without a strip?+

Sometimes, but movement, thickness, edge protection and installation sequence must be resolved. A deliberate transition is more durable than a forced flush joint.

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