• Broadleaf Barn Oak must be secret nailed fixed. It is unsuitable for glue fitting. 200mm boards must also be face fixed before sanding.
For further details on these fixing methods and more general fitting information see " Wood Floor Want To Know More? ".
• Barn Oak cannot be re-kilned for use over underfloor heating. (If you are looking to achieve a real rustic look, it can be prepared for use over underfloor heating by loose laying for approx 4-6 weeks. Although this may result in some gapping and cupping, this would be in keeping with this style of floor.)
• For a real rustic finish, belt sand the boards with 80 grit paper, fill the open knots, and then finish sand with 120 grit paper before sealing.
• For a more perfect top surface, belt sand the boards with 60 grit paper, fill the open knots, and then finish sand with 80 grit followed by a 120 grit paper before sealing.
• Ideally, we would suggest that a upright continuous belt sander (not a disc or flat bed sander) is used to sand Barn Oak prior to filling. These can be rented from all good tool hire shops. Alternatively, a hand held belt sander may be used, but this is much harder work and may be less effective. For the finishing sand, use a triple disc sander or a hand held belt sander.
• To fill the knots in Barn Oak, use a 2 part polyester based wood filler such as Timbafill (teak in this range gives the best colour match in our view).
• Barn Oak is ideally suited to a traditional hardwax oil finish. A stain such as Walnut or Jacobean can be applied before finishing to create an older looking floor, and cut nails can be added to the top face for a really authentic feel.
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