information/FAQs

Fig 1 Standard profile

Fig 2 Secret nailed

Description of tongue and groove flooring

Solid strip timber flooring is assembled from tongue and groove timber boards that are manufactured in varying widths.

There are two main profiles. These are the standard and secret nailed. The standard profile is face or exposed nailed (see Fig. 1). The secret nailed profile allows nails to be hidden as they are driven through the extended tongue of the board (see Fig. 2). Secret nailing of solid strip flooring is not recommended in boarding over 75 mm wide.

Solid strip flooring is available in various thicknesses, usually of 19 mm or greater. They are thicker than overlay strip flooring, and capable of spanning further.

As timber will expand and contract to remain in equilibrium with the ambient environment, it is normal that floors show some movement in individual boards after installation. This movement may be seen as a slight opening up of the joints between boards, even in tightly cramped, well laid floors.

Strip timber flooring is generally seasoned to between 10% and 15% moisture content in compliance with AS 2796 and will suit many standard applications. However, lower moisture contents and tighter moisture content ranges can be specified to suit particular applications.

Reference: NAFI Manual, Timber Datafile SS3