Overview
fitting guide
Maintenance guide
Platinum Range
Manufactured to the highest possible standards, this 15mm Pre-Finished Multi-Layer Hardwood Flooring will
give a virtually seamless look to any installation, domestic or commercial. The Range is also suitable for use over certain types of under floor heating. Available in 13 species, in a 3 strip format, most species in both natural and prime grades. Some species are also available in a single strip plank. With a 4mm Hardwood wear –layer
the Platinum Range can be sanded
4-5 times.
Quality:
4 mm hardwood wear layer, 9 mm hardwood timber core and 2 mm back veneer.
Tongue, grooved and end matched.
Overall Thickness:
15 mm
Length:
3 Strip 2200 mm
Single Strip (Plank) 2100 mm
Board Width:
3 Strip 210 mm
Single Strip (Plank) 145 mm
Pack Size:
3 Strip: 2.77 m² or 6 boards per pack
Single Strip (Plank): 1.83 m² per pack or 6 boards per pack.
Seal Specification:
6 coats of anti-scratch UV lacquer total thickness 80 g/m².
Lacquer Application
Type:
UV Acrylic lacquer
Sealer:
PU Acrylic sealer
Top Coat:
UV Top coat
Standard:
As certified by the lacquer supplier.
Machines:
Six roller application.
Roller 1 – 4 sealer application
Amount of Sealer:
5 g/m²
Amount of Top Coat:
15 g/m²
Total Amount:
Approx 80 g/m²
|
Sanding
Roller 5 – 6 for Topcoat Application
Grade:
Prime - This is the highest grade containing predominantly heartwood but containing some sapwood. And provides a floor with a generally uniform appearance. Allow for small burs and equivalent characters such as tight checks and it will be as the timber produces.
Natural - A flooring product that contains the natural character of the timber, will contain variations in colour and varying characteristics. Open characters such as checks and knotholes are admitted but must be sound and readily filled
Mill Run – Unselected, as the timber will provide.
Timber Treatment
-Automatic Kiln Drying
Top Layer Timbers:
Stacks of timber are dried in automatic temperature and humidity controlled kilns. The moisture sensors are to 7% ± 1% moisture content. At the end of the drying period timbers are use in the production line.
Middle Layer Timbers:
Timbers are stacked and dried in the compartment kiln until the final moisture content is 7% ± 1%.
Base Veneer:
The moisture content of veneer is measured and conditioned to the specified moisture content 7% ± 1%.
Guarantee:
Covered by a twelve month warranty against manufacturing defects.
Laying Guidelines for Multi-Layer Hardwood Flooring
For ease of installation the following tools are required:
Saw, P.V.A.Glue, Hammer (500 g minimum), Tape Measure, Pencil, Professional Knocking Block, Professional Pull Bar, Drill, Wedges and a "T" square.
This product is suitable for laying over certain types of underfloor heating systems. Please contact your supplier for technical information before laying.
To keep the wood in excellent condition it is imperative that the humidity level be controlled at all times, from delivery to laying the floor, and during the years that follow installation.
The optimal humidity range for hardwood flooring is 45 – 60 %; temperature should be maintained at about 18 °C.
The wood should never be stored outdoors, on a cement floor, in a garage or in any damp conditions. Care should be taken to store the wood flat; packs should never be lent against a wall.
The wood should be left in the packaging until you are ready to lay the floor.
In a new construction all windows and doors etc should be installed and all wet trades should be completed. Where a new concrete slab has been laid, the moisture content must not exceed 5 % and the humidity level of the building must not exceed 60 %.
When laying a wood floor avoid areas that are wet or humid, e.g. bathrooms, shower rooms etc.
It should also be remembered that the floor layer is the last person to inspect the flooring. Care should be taken to ensure that a balanced look is maintained when laying out the floor; any pieces that are suspect should not be laid. A waste factor of 5 % should be taken into account.
The appearance of spaces between boards indicates a drying out of the wood and an insufficient degree of humidity.
The appearance of waves or noticeable swelling in the finish of the wood floor indicates the presence of excessive humidity. Heating systems may have to be utilised throughout the year to maintain the correct humidity level. The installation of a humidifier or an air exchange system can prove indispensable in controlling humidity.
Above all don't forget that wood is a natural, living material and that we must look after it for life. A proper maintenance program should always be carried out
Barrier matting should be placed at all exterior doorways.
Remember that pets running round, stiletto heels, and dirt and grit left on the floor can scratch wood; proper maintenance should be carried out to prevent this.
The following information is based upon practical experience.
Due to the variety of installations we can only generalise. We would always recommend that the floor layer satisfy themselves of the suitability of the conditions before laying the floor.
Either remove the skirting boards and replace after installation, make sure to leave a 10-12 mm gap between the floor and the wall. If the skirting is not removed a quadrant finishing strip should be used over the expansion gap.
Draw a line parallel to the longest wall allowing for the 10mm expansion gap, and lay the first board up to this. The board should be places with the groove facing the wall. The expansion gap should be maintained by inserting wooden wedges between the board and the wall.
|
Continue across the room knocking boards together with a 600mm knocking block in a flicking action down the edge of the board, this will avoid damage to the board edges.
The cut off from the first row (provided that
it is more than 300mm
) should be used to start the second row; this will result in a staggered joint.
|
The last row of boards will normally have to be cut to width. The simplest way of doing this is to place the last but on e in position without gluing. Place the last board on top of the last but one and scribe a line, ensure that you have left room for the 10mm expansion gap. Lift the board and cut.
|
After gluing the last but one board and placing it into position, glue and insert the last board and lever into position.
Insert wedges to hold the boards in position and allow the adhesive to set.
Remove all wedges and either pin quadrant moulding to the skirting or refit the skirting if it was removed prior to installation.
A full installation kit is available from Atkinson & Kirby. Also available is a range of quadrant mouldings, door strips etc.
|
PVA adhesive should be placed in 100mm strips every 600mm on the top side of the groove, it should also be placed on the full width at the end of each board. Excess adhesive should be wiped away immediately with a damp cloth.
|
As with all Hardwood Floors maintenance is the key to lifelong service and beauty.
By following these simple maintenance guidelines you will maintain the natural beauty of the floor and it will remain attractive and give many years of use.
You should always remember, wood is a natural product; its looks will improve as the floor matures.
Important Do's and Don'ts
|
Do's
|
Don'ts
|
|
Clean the floor regularly.
|
Allow liquid to stand on the floor, this can cause the
wood to expand.
|
|
Wipe up any spilt liquids immediately (wood will absorb liquids and expand).
|
Use a wet mop to clean the floor. Always use a damp mop.
|
|
Use protective pads under all furniture legs.
|
Use abrasive cleaners, these will damage the seal.
|
|
Use barrier mats at all external doors.
|
Allow sharp or abrasive objects to come into contact with the floor.
|
|
Protect your floor from grit.
|
|
|
Keep the ambient temperature to 18-20ºC
|
|
Routine Maintenance
Dirt and Grit are the enemies of all Wooden Floors. Make sure that a sturdy doormat is in place both inside and outside all exterior access doorways. Sharp objects can damage your floor. Always protect the floor by using felt pads on furniture legs.
Don’t forget that pet’s claws can also scratch and damage the floor.
Vacuum and Damp Clean
Use a Vacuum cleaner on a daily basis. This will remove Dirt and Grit and save it from scratching the floor surface. For more thorough cleaning use a damp mop or cloth with a light spray of Atkinson & Kirby Finitec Cleaner. Remember,
you must never use too much water on wooden floors. Standing water should be removed immediately.
Stains
As with all floor coverings stains should be removed whilst they are still wet. After removal of the stain, wipe the floor with a clean damp cloth.
|
Stain Type
|
Remove Using
|
|
Fruit, berries, fruit drink, milk, cream, soft drinks, beer, wine, coffee, tea etc.
|
Synthetic cleaning products.
|
|
Chocolate, fat, oil, grease, shoe polish, shoe scuff marks, tar, asphalt.
|
White Spirit.
|
|
Ink, (ballpoint, fountain pen) lipstick.
|
Methylated Spirits.
|
|
Urine.
|
Synthetic cleaning products.
|
|
Blood
|
Cold Water
|
The above is for general guidance only. If in doubt, check on a small area first.
Repairs
Small nicks and scratches can be touched up using our colour-matched fillers. For slightly larger areas a small amount of our Touch-Up sealer can be mixed with the filler. In the case of larger areas of damage the floor can be sanded and resealed. Only a suitable expert should carry out this type of work.
Re-Sealing and Rejuvenating
After a period of time you may find that in some areas (entranceways, high traffic areas etc.) the floor starts to look dull. In the first instance use Atkinson & Kirby’s Finitec Refinisher. For best results this should be used with our Refinisher Applicator.
With correct maintenance your Hardwood Floor will give many years of use, adding a warmth and beauty.
Supplies of Atkinson & Kirby Finitec maintenance products are available from your local supplier.
