solid footing

While it may not garner the same attention as the artworks on the walls, a gallery's flooring is a valuable asset in its own right. The stringent requirements needed for the internal environment of a gallery space and the high volume of traffic necessitates a floor of exacting quality.

For the new Tauranga art gallery that meant coming up with a custom profile, says Just Hardwood Floors managing director Steve Heald.

"We worked closely with the architect from the start to establish a flooring specification that would provide a fail-proof finished product.

"The most important aspect was to ensure moisture resistance. This was achieved by laying the timber on top of 15mm marine ply and battens, which were laid on the slab over two coats of moisture proofing."

To ensure the floor's durability, a thicker-than-usual cut of timber was specified. More than 1000m² of sustainably grown Victorian ash chosen for its neutral colour was laid throughout the gallery space.

Heald says the process took eight weeks from preparing the slab surface through to the floor being fully cured.

"Three weeks were allotted to preparation and laying the floor, with another three weeks for the timber to become acclimatised to the gallery's internal environment. Lastly, the floor was sanded and four coats of BonaKemi water-based polyurethane were applied."

For details, contact Just Hardwood Floors, 9 Allens Rd, East Tamaki, Auckland, phone (09) 272 2890, fax (09) 272 2892. Email: sales@jhf.co.nz, or visit the website: www.jhf.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas