Product Handling:

Pallet: Store on flat pallet at all times.

Storage: Keep in original packaging till ready to install and keep away from windows and moisture sources. Do not store in damp areas like garages and basements

Temperature: Aim to store at room temperature at all times.

Acclimatization: If exposed to extreme temperatures, or moisture prior to installation, let the product time to acclimatize in the room for 24-48 hours before opening.

Pre-Installation Requirements:

Dry Lay: Arrange planks before installation to visualize the pattern.

Mix & Stagger: Mix boards and stagger them for a pleasing design.

Assess During Installation: Do not install faulty or damaged boards.

Report Any Defects: Contact Sunstar Timber Flooring at 1300 081 999 if any product faults are noted.

Subfloor Preparation:

Clean Surface: Ensure the subfloor is free of debris and structurally sound.

Leveling: Limit rises and falls to a maximum of 3mm over a 1000mm radius. Smooth imperfections to ensure a maximum 1mm deviation over 250mm area.

Ventilation & Humidity: Timber subfloors should be well ventilated and meet building regulations for humidity. Concrete subfloors should not exceed 4.8% moisture.

Additional Direct Stick & Floating Floor Pre-Installation Requirements

Floating Floor: Use a 2-3mm foam underlay with a taped moisture barrier, or a 3-10mm rubber underlay as needed.

Direct Stick: Follow adhesive supplier guidelines to form suitable moisture barrier depending on subfloor. Different Adhesives require different steps.

In Slab Heating:

Maximum Temperature: Never exceed 28°C.
Pre-Installation: Run heating at desired temperature for at least one week, then turn off and allow subfloor to cool for 2-3 days.

Gradual Heating: Increase temperature by a maximum of 2°C per day. Maintain a constant temperature once running, with variations of no more than 2°C per day.

Floor Movement: Minor movement, cupping, or surface splits may occur and are not considered faults.

Confirm Suitability: Check with heating system supplier for suitability of floor coverings; the product warranty does not cover improper installations.

Adhesive Requirements: For direct stick installations, follow adhesive supplier guidelines.

Non-Acceptable Systems: Heating systems between floating floor and subfloor are not suitable.

Sunstar’s Engineered Timber products are suitable for direct stick or floating floor installation.
(Herringbone products Direct stick installation is recommended).

When installing direct stick, always follow adhesive supplier recommendations, taking care to select the right adhesive based on the subfloor type. And then select the correct trowel size and type to suit the adhesive, incorrect selection of trowel can lead to adhesive and moisture barrier failure.

Expansion & Building Movement:

Allowance for Expansion: Timber expands and contracts with changing seasons and temperatures.

Expansion Gaps: Provide a minimum 10mm gap around the entire perimeter including where it meets any vertical obstructions such as walls, fixed furnishings, plumbing penetrations and flooring transitions.

Large Floor Areas: For floors exceeding 20m in length or 10m in width, consult Sunstar Timber Flooring Technical Team. Additional measures may be required, such as direct stick installation or increased expansion gaps.

Tropical Locations: In areas with extreme humidity (e.g., QLD), increase expansion gaps to a minimum of 15mm (see installation in Tropical locations technical note).

Room Temperature: Maintain consistent room temperature before, during, and after installation.

Additional Direct Stick & Floating Installation Expansion Requirements

Floating Floor:

Avoid Fixing Skirtings & Scotia: Do not attach skirtings, scotia or trims to the flooring. Floorings natural movement must be allowed for.

No Caulking or Adhesives: Never caulk the floor or Use adhesive to fix trims to the flooring.

Excessively Heavy Furnishings: Furnishings over 200kg should be approved by Sunstar Timber Flooring Technical team prior to installation.

Click System: Products with a click system are glueless and it is not recommend any adhesive is applied to the joins.

Direct Stick:

Evaporative Cooling: Should not be used during installation. Expansion gaps may be reduced with care: Adhesive takes up to 30days to fully cure and bond.

To reduce expansion gaps the following steps must be taken:

• Acclimatized timber in boxes in for 48hours in the room prior to installation.
• Consistent room temperature must be maintained during installation and for 72 hours thereafter.
• Windows must have window coverings and be closed during installation and for 72 hours thereafter.

Timber and trims maybe caulked: To allow for floor to fully settle and bond, caulking must be complete minimum 24hours after installation.

Stair treads: All stairs should be installed direct stick. Where the top stair extends into a upper floating floor there must be an expansion gap provided. For suitable installation details contact the Sunstar Timber Flooring Technical team.