Ivy wine

A restaurant floor in its normal daily life takes an incredible amount of wear and tear; if it is not prepared for when first laid can have a devastating effect on the floor that may result in unnecessary replacement. The ideal way to minimise the risk is to select the best floor material at the start; this is where oak flooring has the advantage over its rivals.

Oak is a hardwood and by definition has long term qualities of robustness having been habitually used to build and decorate buildings over many centuries. The decorative effects of oak are comparable to its sturdiness. Looking at the natural grain and markings in the woods surface will reveal how beautiful it looks.

Most people have heard of ‘oak apples’, these are not, surprisingly, edible apples but are formed by the secretion of a female gall wasp into a developing leaf bud.

There is a price to be paid for using oak flooring planks and that is the time it takes to get from start to finish.

It starts with the selection of the oak product needed for the project. The United Kingdom produces very little oak in the present day and we are reliant on imports from Europe and North America for our supplies. This, however, opens up the choices available because one type of oak tree is not the same as another.

Once the oak planks are selected, the majority of the oak products will come supplied as tongue and groove for a better fix, order allowing for 5% wastage. The planks come in various widths so choosing the best width for the project is important.

Once the oak has been delivered place it in the restaurant area where it is to be fitted. Thoroughly check it for any damage and allow it to stand for between 3 and 5 days. This will allow it to become accustomed to the environment in which it will be fitted. Fixing it in place before this is allowed to happen may result in shrinkage or expansion which could ruin the whole project.

Fixing each plank in place should be done carefully ensuring each tongue is firmly embedded in each groove sticking each plank using a wood adhesive or secret nails. It is not advised to just push the planks together as they will all react separately to changes in humidity, where if they are fixed to each other they will move as one.

The finishing touches are very important as this is the part of the job that will be seen by all. The planks should come sanded but it is well worth giving them a final sand to ensure they are perfectly smooth before applying the finish coats. It is also very important to ensure all dust and debris is removed from the surface.

There are several different finishes for natural oak flooring the most popular being lacquer or an oil and wax combination. Lacquer applies more easily and is easier to look after, oil and wax takes more care to apply but is better for long term maintenance.

There is nothing quite like a finished oak flooring project, it is tough and beautiful down to its core.