Real Hardwood Timber Clip-Rail Flooring

[JacqB]

I'm looking to lay timber floors on a slab base and have found a product from Genthree - they use real hardwood timber with a clip-rail flooring system (no nails, glue sanding etc). Does anyone know how this product compares to, say, the 'orginal' timber floors where you have to use glue and stuff. Any advice/knowledge in this area will be greatly appreciated. Cheers!

[Gaza]

the product i have seen like this works best if glued down with polyurthane timber flooing adhesive.

what is the brand you are looking at.

[JacqB]

The brand I believe is called Genthree. It has a clip-rail, effective pressure absorption and every plank features an insulated moisture resistant sealant to guard against rising damp and timber swelling.

[Dindas]

I know the product very well as I used to wholesale it to timber merchants and I know the importers.

It's biggest downfall's are only short lengths are available and the ends were arised - they were going to change the boards to square dressed. I'm not sure if it's happened yet as I'm no longer involved with the product.

The boards that are arised do give the appearance of boards that are not tightly fitted - a whole floor, coupled with the short lengths, looked more liked a tiled floor rather than a timber floor.

Also be aware that all the floors that are offered are of the same species (can't remember the name at the momment) and stained to its finish.

It's a great idea - but stacked next to a traditional timber floor, it can't compete yet, in my opinion. Each to their own.

Out of interest where did you see this product?

[JacqB]

Thanks for your response. You have given us something to think about and we won't be jumping into buying this product. When we first started looking at timber floors our interest was in the Spotted Gum ... and I guess, still is. We were made aware of Genthree when we visited a flooring place in Maidestone - Flooring & Bathroom Bonanza I believe they were called. My understanding is that Spotted Gum is reasonably hard to get hold of ... plus, we are trying very hard to keep the cost of laying timber flooring (on a 95 meter squared area) to a minimum!

[Dindas]

Have you tried any timber merchants, or just flooring stores?

[JacqB]

Indeed we have tried a couple of flooring stores, but that just threw out a load more questions due to our very limited knowledge of timber ... and the Genthree was of interest due to the possibility of saving money (we could save on labour costs and fit ourselves) ... but now we are back on the traditional timber trail. We are yet to try any timber merchants, but will certainly give it a go .... just need to educate ourselves a little more on timber. Perhaps you can assist with our first step?!?!?!? As mentioned above, we are going to lay this timber on a slab floor (the house is in the process of being built). Engineered timber has been mentioned - is that a good or bad option do you know?? Also, I have seen advertised a product called ReadyFlor (Uniclic) floating timber flooring - do you happen to know much about that one??? Would that be the same as the Genthree product?? With thanks!

[joedaly]

Dont bother with it. I purchased it and its been nothing but a nightmare. The problem is the rails underneath. They are just not strong enough. Lots of movement in the boards. THEY ALSO SQUEAK LIKE CRAZY. I just ripped up my floor this weekend and have some guys who are putting down a 12mm Sub Ply floor and then secret nailing it back down. The rails are off to the dump. If you go down this road be sure to get a subfloor and secret nail it down. Best of luck