FAQs

French Oak Floors is run by innovators in the flooring industry with over 20 years of experience. We use only the best suppliers of sustainable European oak. While other suppliers tend to use single core softwood, we use a multilayered hardwood structure.

Engineered timber flooring consists of a solid timber veneer layered over multiple timber or plywood layers. These can range from three to eleven, providing enhanced resistance to warping, shrinking, or swelling compared to solid timber. Its cross-grain construction offers superior stability and reduces issues like cupping or bowing, making it ideal for varied climates. Unlike laminate or hybrid floors, which use synthetic materials, engineered timber is entirely made of real wood, ensuring authentic beauty and durability throughout all layers.

Our floors are pre-finished with a high-quality eight-layer polyurethane UV lacquer, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. This is our standard finish, designed to provide long-lasting protection while enhancing the natural beauty of timber. Oil finishes are available as custom orders for those seeking a specific aesthetic or functional requirement. Additional finish options include matte, semi-gloss, brushed, deep brush, hand-scraped, or band-sawn effects, which further accentuate the wood's unique character.

At French Oak Floors, we use the TREFFERT Sapphire™ Coating System.

The TREFFERT Sapphire™ is the best performing scratch-resistant coating system for flooring in the market today. This special coating system is ideally suited for surfaces in demanding environments or needing long-time guarantees.

Tested to reflect real life, it has both exceptional linear as well as rotational scratch resistance. It is highly resistant to scratches during transport, installation, and use meaning your French Oak floor stays looking like new longer.

The TREFFERT Sapphire™ Coating System has eight layers. The layer construction is below:

1. Topcoat 7-10 g/m2

2. Topcoat 7-10 g/m2

3. UV Hard Sealer Transparent 20 g/m2

4. UV Hard Sealer Transparent 20 g/m2

5. UV Duro Sealer 20 g/m2

6. UV Hard Filler Transparent 20 g/m2

7. UV Hard Filler Transparent 20 g/m2

8. UV PU Insulation 15 g/m

French Oak Floors has been assessed and certified in meeting the requirements of:

• Certificate SGSHK-COC-011769

• Chain of Custody Certification Qualifor – SGS

• Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC) / Chain of Custody. The purchase of PEFC certified logs for the sale of wooden multi-layer engineered floorings provides a link between those products and sustainably managed forests.

The certificate is valid until 21 April 2025.

Engineered timber offers the same aesthetic appeal as solid timber with added durability and stability. Unlike solid timber, engineered boards are less prone to seasonal movement, allowing for wider planks and compatibility with radiant heating systems. Furthermore, the multi-layered construction of engineered timber maximises stability and resource efficiency while maintaining its identity as a fully timber product, making it both practical and environmentally conscious.

Our boards are available in a variety of sizes and profiles to suit diverse design and functional needs.

Standard sizes:

1. Plank: 2200 x 220 x 15/4mm

2. Herringbone: 600 x 120 x 15/4mm

3. Chevron: 600 x 120 x 15/4mm

Other available sizes:

1. Thicknesses: 10/2mm, 12/3mm, 14/3mm, and 21/6mm

2. Widths:
   

   1. Plank: from 90mm up to 300mm

   2. Herringbone & Chevron: fromm 100mm up to 180mm

3. Chevron: 600 x 120 x 15/4mm

Some dimensions may be specific to certaingrades or finishes. Please contact us for guidance on selecting the ideal sizefor your project.

Our standard grade, ABCD, provides a balanced mix of planks with varying features such as knots and sapwood. Custom orders for AB or ABC grades, which have fewer or smaller knots, are available at an additional cost. Grade variations are natural and contribute to the unique character of timber flooring.

The subfloor must be level, clean, and dry. Unevenness greater than 3mm over a 3m span must be corrected. In addition to installation, we provide comprehensive subfloor preparation, including levelling services if required. This ensures that your flooring is installed on a perfectly even surface, enhancing both durability and appearance.

Our adhesive includes a built-in moisture barrier, eliminating the need for additional protective layers on concrete subfloors. This simplifies the installation process and ensures long-lasting performance. If acoustic thresholds need to be met, we can offer an upgrade to an acoustic adhesive or supply and install rubber underlay to achieve the required specifications.

1. Skirtings: Skirtings must be removed before installation. This is especially important for herringbone or chevron patterns.

2. Vacated sites: The installation site must be vacated during installation, including homeowners and other tradespeople.

3. Installation timing: We prefer installations to occur as late as possible in the construction process to minimise foot traffic and potential damage to the new flooring. If early installation is necessary, we can supply and install floor protection to safeguard your investment. We request a three-week notice prior to installation but are also adept at accommodating urgent schedules when needed.

Yes, our engineered flooring is compatible with underfloor heating systems, provided the surface temperature does not exceed 27°C. The heating system should be activated for at least two weeks before installation to ensure the subfloor is sufficiently dry. There are additional steps required when installing over heated slabs, so please let us know in advance, and we will provide a detailed document outlining the full process.

Yes, acclimation is essential. Flooring should remain in its original packaging at the installation site for 48-72 hours to adjust to room temperature and humidity. For environments with extreme conditions, a longer acclimation period may be required.

Installation methods include direct adhesive fixing, floating floors, and nail-down installations. Floating installations require an acoustic underlay, while direct adhesive methods use a moisture-resistant adhesive such as STAUF. Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure the best results.

Spillages should be dealt with as soon as possible. Wipe up spillages with a damp mop or wiping cloth that has been well wrung out to remove all excess water.

Our French oak floors are best cleaned with a floor cleaning product designed for lacquered floors. We use and recommend WOCA cleaning products. We have these products available for purchase at our showroom.

When using a product that requires a “mop and bucket” method, ensure the mop is well wrung out leaving the mop damp rather than wet.

If you don’t have a cleaning product on hand, methylated spirits can be used from time to time in the following method:

1. Mix one (1) part methylated spirits to ten (10) parts water in a spray bottle.

2. Spray over the floor one section at a time and mop dry with an anti-static or similar mop.

Yes. Avoid wax and abrasive cleaners. Do not wax, polish, or use abrasive cleaners or scouring powder to clean your floor.

The WOCA Master Care product is recommended to be used every 6 or 12 months to rejuvenate the appearance of the floor.

Use quality area rugs and doormats by outdoor entrance areas to prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor.

Use floor protectors and wide-bearing leg bases/rollers to minimise indentations from heavy objects.

Felt or rubber protectors should be used under chair and table legs.

Regularly inspect your floor for any signs of wear or damage. Early detection can help prevent further damage.  

Avoid walking on the timber floor with metal-tipped stiletto-heeled shoes and be careful with sharp objects. Trim your pets’ nails regularly to avoid scratches.

Small objects dropped from a height have immense impact pressure, and steps should be taken to protect the floor from such impacts.  

There is no way to prevent UV sunlight from aging wooden floors. To ensure that your floors age evenly, you should rearrange rugs and furniture periodically.

Yes. Increased humidity in summer can cause expansion, while dry winter air can cause contraction. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed can help maintain the floor's integrity.

To use a wax stick/putty brick, rub the stick across the scratch or dent, filling and pressing in if necessary. The excess can be removed gently with the edge of a plastic scraper. Then, using a buffing rag, rub the excess off from the area. Multiple sticks can be blended to achieve a grain look.

If you would like to leave it up to a professional, we highly recommend the floor repair skills of Jena at Innovative Floors (Melbourne) 0409 243 189. We’ve received excellent feedback of his work from clients.

No, wear and tear such as scratches, dents, or surface damage caused by improper care are not covered. These are considered part of normal usage and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance practices.

Submit claims within 30 days of identifying an issue. Provide proof of purchase, a detailed description, and photos of the defect. Our team will review the claim and guide you through the next steps.

Yes, we can create bespoke finishes and stains upon request. Customisation options allow you to match existing flooring or achieve a unique design vision.

Lead times depend on stock availability and project requirements. With over 20,000m^² of flooring in stock, we can fulfil most orders promptly. However, if the colour or size you are seeking is not available, lead times for new orders are typically between 10 to 12 weeks. To avoid delays, we recommend firming orders 3 to 4 months in advance to ensure seamless project execution. Please note that timelines are subject to unforeseeable events outside French Oak Floors' control, which may cause delays.