Browse Forums Flooring & Floor Covering 1 Jan 24, 2007 10:58 am My husband and I will be having a house built by a project builder in the coming
months and we have decided not to have them do the flooring. The house will be on a concrete slab and will have the standard 2400mm ceiling height. We were considering using Floorboards (possibly Bamboo) for the higher traffic areas (Entrance, hallways, kitchen/family area) and Carpet in the rest (obviously excluding bathrooms etc.). There are a few concerns that we have and I wonder if anyone here could answer a few questions; 1. How should we have flooring(s) laid? I have seen different methods about and wonder which would be best for us. 2. What should we do about skirting boards? Presumably the two flooring types would be differing in height, will this mean that we should ask the builder to install the skirting boards at different heights? Will that look strange? 3. How should the transition between the two flooring types be made? 4. Is there anything else that we should take into consideration? I apologise if any of these questions seem like silly ones, we are doing this for the first time and are pretty much in the dark on this. Thanks in advance... Re: floorboards/carpets and skirting boards 2Jan 24, 2007 11:33 am Hi there, I can't answer a lot of your questions but just wanted to let you know what we were told about Bamboo flooring.
We were going to have it installed (same as you, we are not getting the builder to install the flooring) however after speaking with a lot of 'specialists' (I put the word in inverted commas because everybody claims to be a specialist ) and we were told to really consider it before proceeding. Apparently bamboo floors in areas like Queensland it's great - but in Melbourne with the temperatures as they are, you will find that they will crack more readily than in other states (something to do with the moisture content and that they need to expand). Might be a whole load of bull but in the end, we opted for hardwood floors just in case it was true! Hope it helps a little!! Re: floorboards/carpets and skirting boards 3Jan 24, 2007 2:42 pm Hi Budwah,
We're nearing the stage of works your thinking about so may be able to help... Quote: 1. How should we have flooring(s) laid? I have seen different methods about and wonder which would be best for us. If you're refering to the timber floor you might be able to lay it yourself. Not sure about the flooring you're looking at but we're buying a quickstep laminate that is pretty easy to lay. Carpets should be laid by a pro. If you mean the orientation of the timber...well that's a personal choice and can depend on the layout of your house. Your carpet dealer should be able to advise you best there. Quote: 2. What should we do about skirting boards? Presumably the two flooring types would be differing in height, will this mean that we should ask the builder to install the skirting boards at different heights? Will that look strange? Forget asking the builder to install skirting boards. These go on after the floors are laid and again can be done by you or the people laying the floors. Best if you know a carpenter to do you mates rates if you can't do it yourself. Skirting wouldn't usually have a problem as these transition areas usually occur with a door frame between rooms so any small height difference in them from room to room won't be noticed. Quote: 3. How should the transition between the two flooring types be made? When you combine underlay to a carpeted section you'll see that the height betweem carpet and floorboards is often even. If the boards happen to be higher you could request a nice thick underlay for the carpet to even things out. If not the the carpet shop will have various joiner strips or laying techniques to limit any "step" that may occur. Quote: 4. Is there anything else that we should take into consideration? None really spring to mind right now. If you or hubby are tool savvy or if friends or relatives are then use them! We're saving about $1500 on our timber flooring by laying it ourselves. It's only a laminate going straight on the concrete but is about 80sqm so is a big saving. Besides it'll be fun! Hope this helps....I'm sure otheres here will have more advise for you both. Good luck. Re: floorboards/carpets and skirting boards 4Jan 24, 2007 6:45 pm In answer to your questions…..
1) Skirtings – Bamboo Flooring and carpet. Bamboo laid over concrete will not be too big a difference in height. If you opt for a really good grade underlay under the carpet. This will raise the height of your carpet slightly. And help your carpet to last longer!! Do not install your skirting at different levels……very unsightly. 2) The installer of the Bamboo flooring should know to give it enough room for expansion and contraction which should eliminate any cracking…… by the way I haven’t heard of this before. 3) There is a Bamboo noising which will be used to go over the carpet and Bamboo floor which will cover the joins of the two flooring nicely, there is no problem there. Different floorings are done all the time, don’t worry it will work out for you. It’s no secret on this forum that I LOVE the bamboo flooring….. It’s a really strong product. Go to your preferred flooring store…..choose your carpet with the upgraded underlay. Choose your Bamboo flooring; lay them out at the store next to each other. Carpet on underlay and see what the difference is in height, then take it from there, and see what they have to say. They will show you the Bamboo join that they will use for the two floorings as well. Hope this helps!! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Building Standards; Getting It Right! Is this acceptable in a new house build. Floors where installed by builder. Already chips in board and skirting is not flush 0 190 Joe Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. If you haven't sorted this already you need to caulk this gap. Not sure where you are but if you are in Sydney I can… 5 4352 |