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Information Sheets for Fixing
SMARTimbers Sugar Gum flooring products:
Use recommendations
Decking
Sugar Gum decking comes as random length, standard grade unless
otherwise specified. Lengths will be 1.5-4.5 metres, with most lengths
from 2.0-3.5 metres. Some lengths may have some tight knots, or
some signs of insect presence, or traces of sapwood. These features
will not affect its durability or strength.
Storage - If the timber is to be held for
some time on site, we advise that it is kept under a covering to
reduce differential drying. In storage, it should be supported on
level even bed timbers at least 50mm wide at no more than 450mm
spacing. Moisture content of the decking as supplied will generally
be about 15-17%.
Fastening - Decking should be fastened by
pairs of screws or nails at each joist. With 19mm decking, joists
should be no more than 450mm apart. We recommend pre-drilling, with
hand nailing, or screwing into countersunk holes.
Finishes - Sugar Gum is water repellent to
some degree. Water-based applications are not recommended. Oil based
stains and preservatives can be used. Alternatively, it can be allowed
to weather without surface finishes. It has a class one durability
rating and will weather in most conditions to a silver grey colour.
In situations where the timber is damp for long periods and away
from direct light, a preservative will be useful to maintain a clean
surface.
External cladding
Most of the above suggestions and recommendations for decking apply.
In particular, note that invisible fastening is considered inadequate:
pairs of screws or nails should be applied at each joist, with joists
no further than 450mm apart. Where it is known that cladding will
be subjected to greater exposure than normal it should be specified
when making the order. A profile with greater overlap may be required.
For cladding applied vertically, the join opening
should be positioned so that weather from the prevailing wind drains
over the cladding profile. We recommend that our cladding be applied
horizontally. For vertical applications we can supply rough sawn
or square dressed boards in two widths.
Flooring
SMARTimbers Sugar Gum flooring is normally
only supplied quarter sawn, and kiln dried to 10%, to minimise any
shrinkage and expansion in service. Colour after kiln drying can
vary somewhat towards a mid-tan shade.
Many of the recommendations for decking apply. Unless
otherwise specified, the flooring will be random length and standard
quality.
Profile - will be standard secret nail, but
we cannot guarantee a perfect match with flooring from another supplier
unless a representative sample is supplied. End-matching needs to
be specified.
Storage - Flooring should be carefully stored
on site. Before installation it should be laid out across the joists
and allowed to equilibrate for at least a week with the conditions
on site. This is especially important when the conditions at the
time of floor laying are particularly moist or dry. If the floor
position in the house is subject to unusual incident light, or the
house is going to be at fluctuating moisture levels, or intensively
air conditioned, these factors need to be taken into account in
the laying of flooring.
Finishes - Normal Estapol and polyurethane
finishes work satisfactorily with Sugar Gum. If stains are used
they should be oil based.
Glueing - Glueing of 19mm and 12mm Sugar
Gum flooring onto wood composites and cement is as with other hardwood
flooring. Boards should be clean and dry.
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