Guidelines for Installing Timber Flooring in a Wet Area

Guidelines for Installing Timber Flooring in a Wet Area

Should you wish to install Forté timber flooring in a wet area, you must be prepared to adhere to the guidelines and precautions outlined below. Forté shall take no responsibility for any water or moisture-related damage sustained by timber flooring installed in a wet area.

IN ALL WET AREAS -

• You must only install a Forté timber floor with a lacquer finish
  
• The substrate must meet the requirements of the NZ Building Code
  
• The flooring must be correctly installed, with no large gaps between planks
  
• The room must be well ventilated at all times, we recommend installing an extractor fan
  
• Humidity levels must be kept in accordance with the care instructions
  
• The perimeter of the flooring should be sealed with waterproof silicone
  
• The joints between the timber flooring planks should be sealed with Unika Clic-seal or a waterproof PVA glue
  
• Any spills or surface water on the timber flooring should be wiped up within one hour to avoid damage.

AROUND BATHS & SHOWERS -

• It is a good idea to install a wide strip of tiles around bath and shower areas to protect the timber flooring from the majority of splashes or puddles
  
• Spills or surface water should not be allowed to run onto the flooring.
  
• Should you choose to install timber flooring directly next to a shower, the shower should have a proper base and door with a seal - water must not be allowed to run onto the flooring.
  
• Should you choose to install timber flooring directly under or next to a bath, splashes and any water outside of the bath should be kept to a minimum.
  
• Any spills or surface water must be wiped up within one hour.
  
• In any areas directly next to showers or baths, an absorbent bath mat is highly recommended. The bath mat should be hung up to dry directly after use (not left sitting on the floor when wet).

MAINTENANCE -

• The surface coating of timber flooring in wet areas is likely to need refinishing more regularly than in non-wet areas, as exposure to water or moisture on a regular basis can cause the surface coating to wear faster. For advice on refinishing please contact us.

WARNINGS -

• If the above guidelines are not followed it could result in irreparable damage to the timber floor
• In the event of a serious leak or a flood, it is likely that the timber flooring will sustain permanent damage
  
• Our structural warranty is valid on Forté flooring in wet areas, however we shall not be held responsible for any water or moisture-related damage sustained by our timber flooring.

Disclaimer: Forté shall take no responsibility for any water or moisture-related damage sustained by timber flooring installed in a wet area

Should you have any questions or concerns about installing timber flooring in a wet area, we recommend speaking to one of our technical advisors on 0508 35 66 77.