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Imperial Flooring Australia – Complete Flooring FAQ

 

Engineered Timber Flooring FAQs

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1. What is engineered timber flooring?
Engineered timber flooring is made from multiple layers of wood. The top layer is real hardwood for a natural and authentic look, while the core layers are high-quality plywood, giving added stability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes. Perfect for Australia’s variable climate, it comes in plank, herringbone, and chevron patterns, with a variety of species and finishes.

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2. Benefits of engineered timber flooring:

Durability & Stability:

• Multi-layer construction provides structural integrity.

• Resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

• Ideal for high-traffic residential and commercial areas.

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Aesthetic Appeal:

• Each panel is unique, with no repetitive patterns.

• Wide variety of colours and species for tailored designs.

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Asset Investment:

• Enhances property value and adds luxury appeal.

• Long-term investment in home or commercial spaces.

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Low Maintenance & Longevity:

• Hard-wearing and easy to clean.

• Keeps interiors warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Lifespan can reach up to 100 years depending on wear layer thickness.

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Hypoallergenic:

• Does not trap dust or dirt like carpets.

• Low VOC levels ensure safe indoor air quality.

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Kitchen & Subfloor Compatibility:

• Suitable for kitchens, including glue-down installations under cabinetry.

• Can be installed on most subfloors, including concrete with moisture barriers.

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Temperature & Moisture Resistance:

• Composite core layers reduce sensitivity to environmental changes.

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Affordable Alternative:

• Lower cost than solid timber while maintaining a premium finish.

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3. Suitable for kitchens?
Yes, engineered timber can be installed under cabinetry using glue-down methods for a seamless, luxurious finish.

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4. Timber Grades Explainded:

AB Grade:

• Highest grade with minimal knots and uniform colour.

• Ideal for clean, feature-free flooring.

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ABC Grade:

• Small knots and minor natural features.

• Low sapwood content with controlled colour variation.

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ABCD Grade:

• More natural features and knots (up to 50mm).

• Wood filler used for a balanced, attractive finish.

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5. Wear layer thickness:

• 1mm: 20–30 years (recoat only)

• 2mm: 30–40 years (1 light sand & refinish)

• 3mm/4mm: 40–50 years (2 light sand & refinish)

• 6mm: 50–100 years (4 refinishes possible)

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6. Can it be installed on concrete slabs?
Yes, with a level, dry slab and a moisture barrier, we recommend the Wakol PU280 moisture barrier. 

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7. Recommended timber floor adhesives:

• Bostik Ultraset HP High Performance Timber Flooring Adhesive

• Moisture-resistant, strong bond, easy to spread, zero VOC.

• Australian made and compliant with indoor air quality standards.

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8. Expansion gaps requirements:

• 8mm minimum for direct stick glue down

• 10mm minimum for floating floors

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9. Cleaning & maintenance:​

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt.

• Use a damp microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner.

• Avoid excessive water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive tools.

• Use felt pads under furniture and area rugs in high-traffic areas.

• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for best results

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Herringbone Flooring FAQs

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1. What is herringbone flooring?

Herringbone flooring is a patterned floor design created by laying rectangular planks in a zigzag arrangement, resembling the bones of a herring fish. This classic, timeless pattern adds visual interest, sophistication, and a sense of movement to any room.

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At Imperial Flooring Australia, we offer a wide selection of herringbone flooring options, including engineered oak and Australian hardwood. Choosing herringbone flooring can elevate the aesthetics of your space, make smaller rooms appear larger, and complement both traditional and modern interiors.

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2. Benefits:

• Timeless, sophisticated look

• Durable, stable, and low-maintenance

• Enhances property value

• Comfortable underfoot with glue-down installation

• Hypoallergenic, pet, and child-friendly

• Suitable for kitchens and high-traffic areas

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3. Timber Grades:

• AB: Premium, minimal knots

• ABC: Minimal natural features

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4. Wear layer thickness:
Follows the same guidelines as engineered timber.

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5. Installation on concrete:
Yes, with a level, dry slab and a moisture barrier. Glue-down only for parquetry flooring

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6. Recommended adhesives:
Bostik Ultraset HP High Performance Timber Flooring Adhesive

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7. Expansion gaps:

• 8mm minimum for glue-down herringbone flooring

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8. Cleaning & maintenance:
Sweep/vacuum or damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner. Use felt pads under furniture.

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Hybrid Waterproof Flooring FAQs

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1. What is SPC hybrid waterproof flooring?
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) hybrid flooring features a limestone and PVC core, making it extremely durable, waterproof, and scratch-resistant. Ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and commercial spaces.

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2. Is it 100% waterproof?
Yes, hybrid flooring is fully waterproof and suitable for kitchens, laundry, and basements.

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3. Hybrid floating floor:
Combines laminate and vinyl features, with a rigid core, durable wear layer, design layer, and pre-attached underlay. Provides acoustic and thermal insulation.

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4. Benefits:

• 100% waterproof

• Scratch, dent, and stain-resistant

• Pet & child-friendly

• Easy to clean

• Can be installed over most subfloor types

• Affordable and realistic wood/stone textures

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5. Does thickness matter?
Thicker boards (8–9mm) provide better stability and sound insulation.

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6. Underlay:
Pre-attached; adding extra underlay may void the warranty.

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7. DIY friendly?
Yes, click-lock system allows easy installation. Ensure subfloor is clean, level, and dry.

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8. Cleaning & maintenance:
Sweep/vacuum regularly. Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner. Wipe spills immediately.

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Laminate Flooring FAQs

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1. What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product designed to mimic the look of wood or stone. It has a photographic design layer under a protective wear layer, supported by a fibreboard core for stability.

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2. Benefits of laminate flooring:

• Cost-effective alternative to hardwood

• Durable, scratch-resistant, and low maintenance

• Easy DIY installation with click-lock systems

• Wide range of wood and stone-look designs

• Pet and child-friendly

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3. Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Most laminate is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. For wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms, SPC hybrid or vinyl options are recommended.

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4. Installation:
Suitable for floating installation over existing floors or subfloors. Expansion gaps of 10mm are required.

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5. Cleaning & maintenance:
Sweep or vacuum regularly. Use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid excessive water.

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Flooring Accessories FAQs

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1. What flooring accessories are available?

• Finishing end trims: Finish edges of floors near walls or doorways

• Floating floor underlays & acoustic mats: Reduce noise, improve comfort, and provide insulation

• Adhesives: For glue-down installations, ensuring durability and stability

• Flooring laying tools: Essential tools like DIY floor laying kits, pull bars, spacers, and mallets make installation easier and more precise

• Floor self-levelling compounds: Used to create a smooth, level surface on uneven subfloors, ensuring a stable and even floor installation

• Moisture barriers: Protect floors, especially timber options, from moisture rising through concrete subfloors

• Floor Protection: Protect your floors from any potential damage during construction stage

• Bona floor care cleaning products: Specialist cleaners and maintenance solutions for long-lasting beauty and performance of timber, laminate, and hybrid floors

• Skirting boards & moldings: Provide clean, polished edges and cover expansion gaps

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2. Why use flooring accessories?
Accessories ensure a professional finish, protect edges, prevent water or moisture damage, and extend the lifespan of your flooring. Using the correct accessories also improves safety and enhances the appearance of your floor.

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3. Are accessories necessary for DIY installations?
Yes. Essential items like underlays, DIY floor laying kits, adhesives, floor trims, and moisture barriers ensure proper installation, prevent damage, and maintain warranties. Specialised tools like tapping blocks and pull bars make installation easier and more accurate.

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Transform Your Space with Premium Flooring
Australia’s leading online flooring store – offering both supply-only and supply + install packages. Explore our premium collections of Engineered Oak, Timber, Hybrid, Laminate, Carpet, and more – shop online or in-store today!​

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