hardwood & laminate flooring - Armstrong-aust.com

HARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGSpecifier and ConsumerProduct Information GuideCustomer Enquiries:1800 800 518

HARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGMAIN MENULaminate Flooring . . . . . . . . 2Armalock Range Details Summary ......................................... 3Hardwood Flooring . . . . . . 21Project Considerations ........................................................ 23Armalock Range Features Summary ...................................... 4What to Understand and Why ................................................ 5Construction Profile ............................................................... 6Manufacturing Process ........................................................ 16Warranty Summary .............................................................. 17Floorcare Summary ............................................................. 18Installation Summary .......................................................... 19Project Recommendations ................................................... 24Attributes ............................................................................ 25Acoustics ............................................................................. 37Environmental and Sustainability Issues ............................. 38Warranty Summary ............................................................... 39Floorcare Summary ............................................................. 40Site Conditions & Moisture Content ..................................... 41Room Scene images ............................................................ 20Product Range Details and Features Brief ........................... 42Room Scene Images ............................................................. 431

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGARMALOCK RANGE DETAILS SUMMARYARMALOCK Home CollectionCOLOURNAMEFarmhouseHickoryITEM CODEDIMENSIONSPIECES/ PACK M2 / CTN M 2 / PALLET1H112101 8 X 186 X 1285mm 8 1.912 68.83Lodge Oak 1H112102 8 X 186 X 1285mm 8 1.912 68.83CaribbeanCherry NaturalCaribbeanCherry Royale1H114002 8 X 186 X 1285mm 8 1.912 68.831H114003 8 X 186 X 1285mm 8 1.912 68.83Castle Oak 1H1124011 8 X 186 X 1285mm 8 1.912 68.83Heidelberg Oak 1H1124009 8 X 186 X 1285mm 8 1.912 68.83Main MenuFeatures Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images3

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGARMALOCK RANGE FEATURES SUMMARYARMALOCK Home CollectionDimensionsWear-layerCoreDesignTextureInstallationMarketWarranty8 x 186 x 1285mmHDF Moisture resistantHIGH DEFINITION PRINT TECHNOLOGYSynchronised EmbossingArmalockResidential / Light Commercial20 year residential / 3 year light commercialMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images4

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGWHAT DO YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND?• The construction of a laminate floor and the purpose of each layer• The different wear layer surfaces used on laminate floors• The benefits of Armstrong’s HDF core• The important differences and benefits of Armstrong’slocking systemWHY DO YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND?• To obtain maximum value for your flooring investment• Peace of mind knowing the product performance expectationsMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images5

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEA Wear Layer...Make upClassificationsAbrasion TestsB Image Design LayerABC HDF CoreCDD Armalock Locking System...E Balancing LayerSummarySummaryComparisonsEMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images6

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEA WEAR LAYER MAKE UPCLASS 23-31 RATINGAAC3 RATING (see chart on following page)(Armstrong’s name)• 20 Year Residential Warranty• Clear wear layer composed of AluminiumOxide ( Al 2O 3) crystals and saturated withmelamine resin.• Superior in;– Wear resistance to scratches and dents– Protection to sunlight hence no fadingAl 2O 3Aluminium Oxide(used in sandpaper)Second only todiamonds in hardness.Main Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images7

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEWEAR LAYER CLASSIFICATIONSAbrasionClassificationBased on Taber AbraderApplicationRecommended useClass RatingsEN RatingsAbrader #sMin. # ofrevolutionsAC1ModerateResidentialClass 21• Moderate loads• Ideal for bedrooms, etc≥900AC2NormalResidentialClass 22• Normal loads• Ideal for living rooms, etc.≥1800AC3Heavy Residential/Light CommercialClass 23• Heavy loads• Ideal for anywhere in house (except≥2500AC4NormalCommercialClass 32• Normal loads• Offices, waiting rooms, etc.≥4000AC5HeavyCommercialClass 33• Heavy loads• Large offices, shops, public buildings≥6500Main Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images8

LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEWEAR LAYER - TABER ABRADER TESTSHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGARMSTRONG – 3000 revsCOMPETITOR A – 400 revsTaber Abrader TestingAC3 Rating is > 2500 and < 4000 revolutions/min.Competitor A – does NOT achieve AC1 RatingMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images9

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEBIMAGE DESIGN LAYER• Gives laminate flooring the uncannyability to visually replicate the look ofwood, stone, brick, ceramic or anyother visualB• Latest technology for high definitionprinting is used to print the design• The design image is saturated withmelamine resin which provides colour clearnessMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images10

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILECHDF COREHigh Density Fibreboard (HDF) cores are not the same?Armstrong’s HydraCore is different…What differentiates the cores?C• The density of the core• Armstrong specifies a higher amount of resin in the core• Eliminates the need for acclimatizationMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images11

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEDLOCKING SYSTEM SUMMARY• Armstrong USA was the first to offera locking system – proven performance!• The strongest locking system in the industry!• Guaranteed not to unlock at the seamsfor 20 years.• Locking strength of over 900kg per lineal metre.DLockingmechanismMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images12

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEDLOCKING SYSTEM COMPARISONSAll Locking Systemsare NOT the same• Armalock has the longest lock in theflooring industry– More of the core is cut away toachieve this– Armstrong is willing to sacrifice costto provide the best and longest lock– Provides best fit to defeat effects ofexpansion and contraction• Fast and easy board replacementMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images13

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILEE BALANCING LAYER• Paper saturated with melamine resin• Same paper thickness as top layers• Provides balance, adhesion affect andmoisture resistanceEMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images14

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGCONSTRUCTION PROFILESUMMARYWear LayerImage Design Layer(Synchronised Embossing)HDF CoreBalancing LayerMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images15

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGMANUFACTURING PROCESSESFeaturesDPLDIRECT PRESSURELAMINATIONWhich one is better?HPLHIGH PRESSURELAMINATIONSTAGE 1 STAGE 2Manufacturing processdiagramsEMBOSSING PLATEWEAR LAYERPRINTED DESIGNREINFORCING LAYERREINFORCING LAYERREINFORCING LAYERCOREBALANCING LAYERBALANCING LAYERBALANCING LAYERCOLOUR LAYERDelamination ✓ No Yes – too many layersImpact Resistance Better - at countertop level ✓ Best – above countertop levelCorner Strength Equal – at countertop level ✓ Equal; Best – above countertop levelStability ✓ Best BetterPeaking Tendency ✓ None Yes – too many layersCost ✓ Lowest Highest - # layers & stepsLocking ✓ Yes Difficult - # layersEmbossed Technology ✓ Yes Difficult - # layersArmstrong specifies the DPL manufacturing process for all its laminate flooring.Main Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images16

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGARMALOCK 20 YEAR RESIDENTIAL WARRANTYWho is covered and for how long?Armstrong guarantees to the original purchaser that, for20 years from the date of original purchase, and in a dryresidential indoor setting, your Armstrong Laminate Floor:• Will not stain.• Will not fade from sunlight orartificial light.• Will not show wear-through.• Will be free from manufacturing defects.• Will resist water damage caused by normal householdspills and cleaning when our recommended cleaningpractices are used.• Will not unlock at the seams.What will Armstrong do if any of the things listedabove happen?If a claim is made within the warranty period and follow ourservicing procedures, Armstrong will provide materialseither to repair the defective area or replace the floor at ouroption. If the floor was professionally installed, and if theclaim was made within the first five years (first year for lightcommercial installations), Armstrong will pay reasonablelabour costs to repair the defective area or replace the floor.For full details of the Armalock Warranty, Floorcare and Installation Guidelines, either:• Ask your local flooring retailer• See details within each carton• Visit www.armstrong-aust.com.auMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images17

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGARMALOCK FLOOR CARE GUIDELINESProtecting abeautiful new floor• Place a natural or colourfast mat atoutside entrances to collecttracked-in dirt and absorb excessmoisture.• For added indentation resistance,use felt floor protectors on chairsand other furniture. As a ruleof thumb, the heavier the item, thewider the floor protector should be.• You may purchase Armstrong floorcare products at your local flooringretailer.Routine care• Vacuum, use a dust mop or wipewith a damp cloth.• For spills, just wipe up with a clothor sponge.• Do not use soap-baseddetergents or “mop and shine”products, as these may leave adull film on your floor.• Do not use abrasive cleaners, steelwool, or scouring powder, whichcan scratch your floor. And, in verysandy areas or the beach, sweepor vacuum regularly.• Do not wax or polish your floor.• Laminate flooring, like other types ofsmooth floors, can become slipperywhen wet. Allow time for floor to dryafter washing. Immediately wipe upwet areas from spills, foreignsubstances, or wet feet.Spring cleaning• Use a well-squeezed damp mopwith Armstrong Hardwood andLaminate Cleaner. A light dampmop is all you need.Main Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images18

LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGARMALOCK INSTALLATION SUMMARYARMALOCK - ANGLE/ANGLE• Angle short side 1st• Angle long side 2nd• Provides the best combinationof strength and ease of installationNOTE: Contact Armstrong for ARMALOCK Installation DVD.Main Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images19

LAMINATE FLOORINGARMALOCKROOM SCENESHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGFarmhouse HickoryLodge OakMain Menu Features Construction Manufacturing Warranty Floorcare Installation Images20

HARDWOODFLOORING21

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD INTRODUCTIONHardwood flooring – What does it bring to an interior?Warmth and character, beauty and richness allwith the natural charm of nature…...everybody loves it!!Why this education tool for hardwood flooring?There are some misconceptions of hardwood flooring, hence this is designedto educate and inform specifiers and consumers of the many attributes thiswonderful sustainable natural resource has.The more informed you are the better and more comfortable you feel that youhave made the right decision – after all it’s a lifetime of enjoyment of one of themost desirable floor coverings available.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images22

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGPROJECT CONSIDERATIONSFactors to consider:• Who are you appealing to? - Home owner or investor or commercial client• The frequency and type of traffic?• Type of room - living, bedroom, hallway, dining, showroom, retail interior, etc.• Size of the room - different width planks provide different room affects• Interior furniture - will decide colour and graining of the hardwood (or vice-versa)• Amount of natural sunlight - light or dark interior?• Acoustic requirements - for multi level residential buildings• Budget constraintsMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images23

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGHR - Highly RecommendedR - RecommendedNR - Not RecommendedEducationInstitutionalTransportationPROJECT RECOMMENDATIONSClassrooms NR NRHallways HR RLaboratories NR NRFood Service Areas NR NRComputer Labs NR NRHospital / Health care Front Foyer HR RRetailOfficeHospitalityResidentialSales Floor HR RSpeciality Stores HR RProduce/Food Areas NR NRConference Rooms HR RFoyer HR REntrance HR RDining HR RDance Floor HR NRConference HR RBathroom NR NRHallway HR RBedroom R RDining HR HRLiving HR HRKitchen R RMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images24

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGHARDWOOD ATTRIBUTES1 Construction- Engineered Construction vs Solid Construction- Profiles- Surface Finishes - Types of Pre-finish- Pre-finished vs Site Finished Coatings- Acrylic Impregnation2 Species- Hardness, Visual and Cost- Hardwood Grading- Species Table- Configuration Profiles- Natural Graining and Colour- Hardness Comparison Chart- Country of Origin3 Installation- Glue Down vs Floating MethodMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images25

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESENGINEERED VS. SOLID CONSTRUCTIONEngineered FloorsSolid FloorsVisual layerChosen hardwoodCoremulti layered cross-plied hardwoodCross-plied Coregrain running in opposite directionsConstructed of multiple cross-plied layersproviding extra dimensional stability and lesspotential expansion/contraction problemswith changing climatic conditions.- Environmental advantage – less wastage,less usage of exotic timbers.- Globally increased from 20% to approx. 45%of the total hardwood flooring in 10 years.One piece of solid flooring from top to bottom.A tongue and groove system aids installation.– Generally not pre-finished, hence requireson site preparation.– Greater potential for expansion/contractionproblems with changing climatic conditions,especially in the width.Less than 1% expansion/contraction in lengthLess than 1% expansion/contraction in lengthLess than 1% expansion/contraction in widthUp to 12% expansion/contraction in widthMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images26

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESPROFILESStrip– Widths < 100mm, provides a ‘linear’ effect.– Wider flooring widths tend to produce a more ‘casual’ style.Edges– Square Edge (SE) floors will blend the floor as a ‘whole’.– Micro-Bevelled Edges (ME) provide a slight individual outlineeffect of each strip – it also reduces affects of lipping comparedto ‘square edges’SQUARE EDGEMICRO-BEVELLED EDGELengthsStandard length ‘boards’ (1800mm to 2200mm) are usually staggered.Random lengths provide a more authentic visual as short and longlengths are mixed within the installation.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images27

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESPRE-FINISHED VS SITE FINISHED COATINGSEvery Armstrong Hardwood floor is pre-finished with a unique surface coating that is the result ofextensive hardwood flooring technology, research and development.Pre-finishedSite Applied FinishesPre-finished – warranties provided.- No unsightly mess or odours on-site.- Consumer/builder can use the floor usuallywithin 24 hours of installation.- It also reduces total installation time and costs.- A more even finish is applied as there aremore constant controlled conditions within themanufacturing process.See page 29 for types of Armstrong finishes.Unfinished floors have also been popular formany years.- Popularity has decreased.- There is the option of a applying a stain.- A five step process of sanding, staining andthen applying the three finish coats does taketime and labour, hence adds to the cost ofinstallation.- Dust, mess and odours on-site.- Generally NO warranties are provided.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images28

HARDWOOD FLOORINGATTRIBUTESHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGTYPES OF ARMSTRONG SURFACE PRE-FINISHESAluminium oxide/urethane finish(‘Lifestyle’ range)– Based on ‘ceramic’ technology. Up to 6 coatsare applied during the manufacturing process.– High resistance to everyday wear and tear.‘Permion’ Surface Finish(Premier Performance and ‘Valenza’ ranges only)– Concentrated aluminium oxide crystallineminerals suspended in a UV cured urethane.– 15 times greater abrasion resistance thancommon site applied urethane finishes.NOTE. All surface finishes can be rejuvenated if requiredMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images29

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESACRYLIC IMPREGNATIONPremier Performance range onlyAcrylic impregnated floors– The process of injecting liquid acrylic intothe natural, open cells of the top layerof hardwood.– Greater level of indentation resistance to thefloor. The indentation resistance can improveby up to 50% with acrylic impregnation.– See Janka Ratings Chart (Page 36) illustratingthe difference in hardness.Magnified timbercells before acrylicimpregnation.Note:There are air gaps.Magnified timbercells after acrylicimpregnation.Note:The gaps arecompletely filled.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images30

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESSPECIESArmstrong offer an unrivalledselection of exotic and traditionalspecies sourced from Australia andaround the globe. When selecting thetype of species, you need to considerthe Visual, Hardness and Cost.HARDNESSCOSTVISUAL• Visual – all hardwoods come with their own unique graining, colour and natural characteristics• Hardness – refer to Hardness Chart• Cost – several factors influence the cost of hardwood flooring – use the cost diagrams below forthe effect of cost on species availability, length, width and grading.Single Strip Flooring WidthSingle Strip Flooring LengthSpecies AvailabilityHardwood Grading$$1800/2200mm900mm600mm$ S.E. AsiaExoticsAustralian$ClassicStandardStandard& BetterSelectNarrowWideShortLongSpecies RegionGoodBestMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images31

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESGRADINGThe grading of hardwood is usually divided into 3 categories which determines theamount of natural wood characteristics visually shown (e.g. gum veins, knots,mineral streaks, pin holes etc.) see page 35.SelectThe highest gradeavailable which providesa ‘cleaner’ visual withvirtually no woodcharacteristics.Standard & BetterThe second highestgrade showing someof the hardwood’snatural characteristics.Classic (Natural)The lowest gradewhich shows nearlyall of the speciesnatural characteristics.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images32

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESARMSTRONG HARDWOOD SPECIES TABLE*AustralianSpeciesExoticSpeciesPremier Performance Valenza Harborlight Beckford Single-strip Two-strip Three-stripBlackbutt ✓* ✓*Spotted Gum ✓* ✓*Tablelands Spotted Gum ✓*Ironbark ✓*Coastal Eucalypt ✓*Southern Eucalypt ✓*Cabreuva✓CherryJatoba✓✓Kempas ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓LapachoMaple ✓ ✓✓Nyatoh ✓ ✓ ✓Pacific WalnutPradooPyinkadoRed OakSakuraWalnut✓✓✓✓White Oak ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓Species available for release in 2008.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images✓✓33

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESCONFIGURATION PROFILESTo give you more scope, the Lifestyle Hardwood Collection offers three profiles. Available in single-strip, twostripor three-strip configurations, you have the ability to choose the visual width of the boards.The two-strip and three-strip profiles are thinner boards that have been pre-joined with a single core and base layer.The thinner boards save on material cost and their final size is wider so you also save on installation time and costs.The Elite Hardwood Collection, including Valenza, is only offered in single-strip flooring.Thinner boards are recommended to give the illusion of length in smaller rooms, larger boards are recommended inlarger spaces.Single-strip Two-strip Three-stripMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images34

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESNATURAL GRAINING AND COLOURAs hardwood flooring is made from natural timber, all boards have unique physical characteristics, such as colour, grainand other wood characteristics. Some boards may look quite different within the same species but when laid out acrossan entire room, this gives the character to a natural hardwood floor. All hardwood is graded so the unsightly characteristicsare removed, however the species grading will determine the amount of other wood characteristics (see below).Heartwood vs SapwoodHeartwood is the non-active centre ofthe trunk that supports the tree.Heartwood is generally distinguishablefrom the outer portion (sapwood) by itsdarker colour. The outer row ofsapwood cells supply water andnutrients to the tree. The remaininglayers of sapwood serve to store water.Springwood vs SummerwoodLots of moisture and rapid growth inspring produces a different wood tothe slow growth wood formed duringsummer. Over the years this causestree rings which make the beautifulgrain of the species.GrainThe direction, size, arrangement andappearance of the fibres in wood.SapwoodHeartwoodKnotsCross section of a tree branch orlimb with the grain usually runningat right angles to that of the pieceof wood in which it occurs.Mineral StreaksA darker discolouration ofundetermined cause in hardwoods.May be caused by an accumulationof mineral matter.Pin HolesFine worm holes that are 1/32” orless in diameterGum veinsA ribbon of gum between growthrings, which may be bridged radiallyby wood tissue at intervals.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images35

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESHARDNESS COMPARISON CHARTEach hardwood species has its ownhardness factor, usually determined bythe density of the wood and wood fibres,hence indentation resistance differsamongst the species.The Janka Hardness Test, the mostcommonly used within the hardwoodindustry, provides the applicable ratingfor each species. The higher the rating,the harder the species.Armstrong Acrylic Impregnated Maple NA* 17.7Lapacho SA* 14.9Ironbark A* 14.0Armstrong Acrylic Impregnated Cherry NA* 11.9Spotted Gum A* 11.0Armstrong Acrylic Impregnated Walnut NA* 10.7Jatoba SA* 10.5Pyinkado SEA* 10.4Pradoo SEA* 10.1Cabreuva SA* 9.8Blackbutt A* 9.1Southern Eucalypt A* 8.1Kempas SEA* 7.6Coastal Eucalypt A* 6.4White Oak Russia* 6.0Maple NA* 6.0Red Oak NA* 5.7Nyatoh SEA* 5.3Pacific Walnut SEA* 4.7Sakura China* 4.4Janka Rating0 18* Country of origin:NA – North America SA – South America SEA – South East Asia A – AustraliaMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images36

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGATTRIBUTESGLUE DOWN VS. FLOATING INSTALLATIONGlue down.Floating Floors.- Provides a more realistic and authentic ‘solid’wood flooring sound when walked on.- Provides more stability to the floor, due to theurethane adhesive’s bond strength andflexibility.- Generally quicker, easier and less expensiveto install as the floor is laid on an acousticbarrier and ‘floated’.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images37

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGACOUSTICSAcoustics has become very prominent, ever since the increased demand formultiple level residential buildings. Basically, it is the sound transmitted from oneroom down to the room below.The new Building Code of Australia (BCA) Standard, Part F of the BCA document forfloor sound impact noise between apartments, requires that the sound impactrating (L’ nT,w +C 1 ) must not be greater than 62. In essence the lower the L’ nT,w +C 1rating, the better the performance.The Elite Hardwood Collection – Rating = 52*provides outstanding acoustic results especially in high-rise developments.Independent testing shows Elite Hardwoods exceed the Standard with a rating of52 and with no acoustic barrier. The tests are done in accordance with theapplicable Standards, ISO 140-7:1998 and ISO 717-2: 1996.*based on 200mm concrete subfloorThe Lifestyle Hardwood Collection. – Rating**Since this range is often installed using the ‘floating floor’ method, an acousticbarrier is required for multi-level residential buildings. It is the builder/flooringcontractor’s responsibility to ensure that the acoustic barrier installed meets therequirements of the specific project.**Dependent on acoustic barrier manufacturer ratingGLUE DOWN FLOORFLOATING FLOORContact Armstrong for more details on acoustic ratings for all our Hardwood floors.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images38

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY ISSUESAs the world’s largest hardwood flooringcompany, Armstrong has a vestedinterest in protecting the forests whereour raw materials originate. Our forestmanagement strategy requires we protect thecommunities and environments where we extract,process and manufacture wood products.Armstrong and its hardwood suppliers, either through the TropicalForest Foundation(TFF) or the Forest Stewardship Council(FSC) havecertification or are working to the applicable international standards forcertification. Both the TFF and FSC Standard for Chain of Custody(CoC)are programs involving 3rd party verification (an accredited auditor)that lumber is being sourced legally.Wood sourced can either be FSC certified or non-FSC certified and canalso be ‘mixed’ in the manufacturing process. In the case of non-FSCcertified wood, the company must be able to verify that it complies tothe applicable FSC Standards.Understandably there is much concern over logging ofexotic or tropical timber which is why we have strict exoticwood purchasing policies. Our supplier agreements strictly statethat wood purchases are lawfully sourced and use environmentallysustainable forest management practices. They must also meetapplicable international trade laws and regulations.Improvements in the manufacturing processes andspecifications also enables Armstrong or its suppliers toproduce wood flooring from less lumber. This is evident withgreater focus on engineered wood flooring which can use up to 84% morelumber from the same tree versus solid flooring. Also the more abundantspecies available is used in the base layers for engineered flooring.Armstrong does not produce, purchase or sell any products that useraw materials in violation of CITES (Convention on International Tradein Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)As a company, Armstrong is heavily involved in industryand government organisations fostering environmentalstewardship. Armstrong proudly sponsors the American ForestGlobal ReLeaf program as well as the Hardwood Forestry Fund andNational Arbor Day Foundation. These programs are responsible forreplanting thousands of hardwood trees each year.In 2001, Armstrong received the Gifford Pinchot Award from theHardwood Forestry Fund – the only wood company to receive this award.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images39

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGWARRANTY SUMMARYProduct Species Surface Finish WarrantyCommercial ResidentialPremier Performance Walnut 3 year 25 yearCherry 3 year 25 yearMaple 3 year 25 yearHarborlight Maple 25 yearBeckford Red Oak 25 yearValenza Spotted Gum 3 year 25 yearBlackbutt 3 year 25 yearIronbark 3 year 25 yearSouthern Eucalypt 3 year 25 yearCabreuva 3 year 25 yearPradoo 3 year 25 yearLapacho 3 year 25 yearSakura 3 year 25 yearWhite Oak 3 year 25 yearKempas 3 year 25 yearPyinkado 3 year 25 yearJatoba 3 year 25 yearProduct Species Surface Finish WarrantyCommercial ResidentialSingle-stripAustralian Spotted Gum 25 yearTablelands Spotted Gum25 yearBlackbutt25 yearIronbark25 yearCoastal Eucalypt25 yearSouthern Eucalypt25 yearExotics White Oak 25 yearNyatoh25 yearKempas25 yearTwo-stripPacific Walnut25 yearWhite Oak25 yearKempas25 yearNyatoh25 yearThree-stripKempas25 yearNyatoh25 yearWhite Oak25 yearMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images40

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGFLOORCARE GUIDELINESIt’s only natural that hardwood floors may lose theirgloss over time but you can expect years of beautyfrom an Armstrong Hardwood floor by taking a fewprecautions and maintaining regular cleaning andmaintenance routines.• Keep dirt, sand, grit and water off your floor byplacing outside mats in front of all entrances toyour home.• Sweep or vacuum regularly to rid your floor of dustand grit that can scratch the finish.• Always apply felt pads under any furniture or chairlegs to prevent scratches and to ease movement.Keep pads clean at all times and regularly check andreplace as necessary.Armstrong Floorcare products;• Armstrong Floorcare System – contains mop handlewith mop cover and Armstrong Cleaner spray bottle• Armstrong Cleaner spray bottle• Touch Up Kit for installers and consumers to repairscratch marks• Armstrong Restore Floor Finish• Mop Cover Replacement PacksFor full maintenance details and the ArmstrongFloorcare Products Brochure please contact us.• Never flood or wet mop your floor with water or anyother liquid products as it voids the warranty andmay cause severe damage.Main Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images41

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGSITE CONDITIONS AND MOISTURE CONTENTInformation for buildersand flooring contractors– Subfloor needs to be clean, dry, level andstructurally sound.– Relative Humidity(RH). Understand theimportance RH and its effect on hardwoodflooring relative to moisture content (MC) in the air.Hardwood movement depends on construction typeand hardwood species.• Ave. MC of engineered hardwood flooring = 8-10%• High RH – means higher MC in the air – hardwoodabsorbs moisture which can cause hardwood toexpandTIPS– Where the RH is higher or lower than therecommended 35-55% range, acclimatize hardwoodpacks where possible prior to installation.– If installing from un-opened packs and RH changesduring the construction programme, use a humidifieror air conditioner to raise or lower the RH, hencealtering the MC.– Different climates can occur within the 1 dwelling,especially in high rise developments during theconstruction programme.For full details go to atfa.com.au or contact us.• Low RH – Dry Air (low MC) - hardwood losesmoisture which can cause hardwood to shrinkMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images42

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGROOM SCENESCabreuvaLapachoMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images44

HARDWOOD FLOORINGHARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORINGROOM SCENESIronbarkWhite OakMain Menu Considerations Attributes Acoustics Environmental Warranty Floorcare Site Conditions Features in Brief Images45