This is the system used by the Laminated Flooring industry but has also been adopted to install pre-finished solid wood flooring.

• Cheep.
• fast installation - minimal disturbance to household.
• Factory finished floor - should be perfect.

• The joints are constantly under strain often leading to chipped edges.
• Floors have a spongy feel underfoot.
• Laminate - can't be sanded for future maintenance. While manufacturers maintain that individual boards can be replaced, try get the same colour /shade in a few years, and then try replacing that one board in the middle of the floor. Good Luck!
• NB! The Hutton Brothers will not use the "Floating System" neither will we install a Laminate floor!

The Wooden floor is "Glued" directly to the substrate, much like ceramic tiles. The System is widely used in the rest of the world and is catching on in South Africa like Wild Fire. Many home owners are ripping up their carpets and laying New Solid Wood floors.

• Price is relative.
• fast installation.
• Pre-Factory Finished Floors allow minimal disturbance to household.
• joints don't need to be on a joist/batten allowing random jointing, which results in negligible wastage.
• Floors can be maintained and re-sanded.
• System allows for creativity.

• Many Pot Holes - not a method to be used by the novice.
• Moisture, Moisture, Moisture.
• Difficult repair.

This is traditionally the system used to install a strip wood floor. Floor boards are nailed to a framework of Joists. The system is widely used by your average DIYer or Fisherman cum Carpenter.

• Floors can be repaired/maintained and re-sanded.
• Ideal for that real Old cottage atmosphere.

• Floors are Hollow underfoot.
• Joints must be on a Batten/Joist or end matched.
• High material wastage.
• Squeaky or noisy.
• System can only be used to replace existing instillations or on houses that have allowed for the height of the Framework.
• Timber is susceptible to warping and moisture damage.
• Very often the wedges used to level Framework, either rot or simply work their way loose.

The Batten/Joist/Cavity

This is traditionally the system used to install a strip wood floor. Floor boards are nailed to a framework of Joists or Battens. This is probably the system used most. Especially by your average DIYer or Fisherman cum Carpenter.

• Floors can be repaired/maintained and re-sanded.
• Ideal for that real Old cottage atmosphere.

• Floors are Hollow underfoot.
• Joints must be on a Batten/Joist or end matched.
• High material wastage.
• Squeaky or noisy.
• System can only be used to replace existing instillations or on houses that have allowed for the height of the Framework.
• Timber is susceptible to warping and moisture damage.
• Very often the wedges used to level Framework, either rot or simply work their way loose.

Used in Gymnasiums Squash Courts and Ballrooms. The Flooring is laid on a framework which in turn is laid on rubber cushions.

• Floors can be repaired/maintained and re-sanded.

• Expensive.
• End matched timber is preferred. If Framework is not precise then joints won't fall over a support.
• High wastage.