UV Oil
A UV Oil finish consists of multiple layers of hardwax oil, cured under a UV light, rendering it extremely strong. It combines the durability of lacquer, with the natural appearance of oil. This finish is water-repellent, dirt and stain resistant. An easy-care oil option, with the benefit of patch-repairability to minimise the look of scratches and to refreshen dull areas.
Lacquer
A polyurethane water based coating that covers the pores of the wood and forms a hard, resilient surface, protecting it from dirt and moisture. A lacquer will protect a wood floor with minimal maintenance for years, depending on foot traffic. Requires sanding and refinishing to rejuvenate and repair.
Oil
An oil penetrates deep into the wood, protecting it from the inside out. The most subtle of finishes, bringing out the true natural beauty of both the colour and grain. Oiled floors require regular care and maintenance but have the ability to be patch repaired.
Our timbers come in a variety of wear layer thicknesses, which offer various sanding opportunities.
Our Parky veneer flooring range has a 0.6mm oak wear layer. This is an exceptionally durable product, but unable to be sanded.
Our PurePlank range has a 2.5mm oak wear layer. This can be sanded and refinished 1 to 2 times.
Our other flooring ranges will vary depending on spec. Generally, if the overall plank thickness is under 20mm, it will have a 4mm oak wear layer, which is able to be sanded 2 to 3 times. If the overall thickness is 20mm or over, it will have a 6mm oak wear layer and is able to be sanded 4 to 5 times.
Note: oiled and UV Oiled floors are unlikely to require sanding due to the surface being able to be overcoated, so the thickness of the wear layer is a less important factor compared to lacquer finishes.
All of our engineered floorings options are able to be installed over underfloor heating systems.
It is important to acclimatise your timber prior to laying by placing it in the area that will be heated, turning on the heating and letting the moisture content adjust to the temperate.
The floor surface temperature must not exceed 27°C.
As long as all installation guides are followed, we will warranty any of our engineered timber floors over underfloor heating, and you can rest assured it won’t warp, cup or crack.
Some of our ranges are sold in set lengths, while others you may notice are noted as “random lengths”.
Set lengths – all packs and planks are supplied in one length.
Random lengths – varying pack lengths are supplied, usually two lengths – e.g. 1800mm and 2400mm.
Within random length ranges, you will find “nested” or “short” boards. This means, within your pack of full-length boards, you will have some shorter planks. Typically, these will be in a 1/2 and 1/2 length, or in some cases 1/3 and 2/3 length. This is to minimise wastage in manufacturing. These are useful for starting at the edge of the room, for smaller areas such as cupboards, or for installing under permanent furniture or rugs.
In our collections we deal with a number of mills who work to varying parameters, so we have established our own standards as shown here on oak boards. These are likely to be the “worst case”; many individual planks will fall well within this. But please do remember, since they are usually selected by eye, there is always scope for an occasional board to fall outside of these parameters. Of course, each and every plank is unique, so all parameters should be taken simply as an indication.
Prime
Has very little, if any knots. There will be a minimal amount of colour and grain variation. Only 5% of a 100-year-old Oak tree can produce prime grade.
Select/ Classic
A mix of prime and slightly knotty boards. Some colour and grain variation can be expected, and there will be minimal sapwood and filler.
Character
The most common grade. Includes both heartwood, sapwood, colour and grain variation. Allows for a range of both knotty and select boards.
Natural / Rustic
Allows limitless size and number of knots. You can expect colour and grain variation, heartwood and sapwood.
Sapwood is the living part of the tree through which water and sap flow. It is always lighter in colour than the heartwood, and certain fuming, smoking and colouring processes can emphasise it.
Smoked & White Oiled
Smoked
Natural Stained
A knot is either the base of a side branch or a dormant bud around which the grain flows. A knot is sometimes replaced by filler and this may be of various colours: grey, brown and black are shown here.
Grey
Brown
Black
Medullary rays are cellular structures found in some species of wood, including oak. These naturally-occurring white, ribbon-like medullary rays are an indication that the plank has been manufactured from quarter-sawn timber. these usually occur at the end of a board and may be cut off.
Elevate your interior with VidaSpace. Contact us and one of our team of trained interior designers will be able to guide you through the process.
