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Interiors Addict RENO ADDICT Reno Products Shopping

Save 20% on a major reno expense with Kustom Timber’s sale

Sponsored by Kustom Timber

There’s no doubt about it; installing or replacing your floors, is one of the major expenses of any reno or build. But it can also be the biggest gamechanger for your interior! So when the chance for a genuine 20% saving is on offer, and from one of Australia’s most beautiful flooring providers, Kustom Timber, it’s a good idea to jump on it!

From forest to floor, Kustom Timber deliver an end to end turnkey service – a company first for engineered hardwood timber flooring specialists in Australia. Treading the industry boards (pardon the pun!) since 2013, they’re involved in all facets of the supply, install and preservation of responsibly sourced, FSC certified, premium European Oak for residential, commercial and hospitality projects.

While the sale, on until 31 December 2022, applies to supply only, the company can help you with every aspect of design, install and maintenance too.

“We choose the trees; we source the timber; we customise the product with a natural spectrum of in-house stains plus custom finishes; and with our specialist team, install flooring (including stairs) across the country,” says co-founder Mark Chaz. “Our job isn’t complete until our customers are expertly briefed on the maintenance and aftercare of our finished results.”

Based in Melbourne with showrooms in South Yarra, Mornington and now Geelong, co-founders Mark Chaz and Tristan Tiller bring over 35 years of combined industry expertise to the company. Mark gained his hands-on expertise in the family business installing, polishing and sanding floors, whilst Tristan, who oversees product acquisition – from sourcing through to production and delivery – comes from a buying background for Australia’s largest retail businesses. Forging relationships with major timber suppliers throughout Europe has enabled the company to develop Australia’s highest quality timber flooring range.

Kustom Timber offers five distinct collections with more than 30 unique shades and finishes. Unlike their competitors, these customised elements are devised in-house to maintain optimum consistency between colour batches and surface patinas with the option to create bespoke tones if requested.

Habitat is the largest, comprising premium European Oak available in four widths with shades ranging from beach house blondes to saturated mocha browns, while Como offers extra-long and wide floorboards for larger spaces. Peninsula speaks to the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula’s shores with a refined selection of timber washes, textures and knots articulating European Oak. Resonating with abundant pigment depth, Immerse features the most textural woodgrains. Finally, Atelier is an Italian timber range available in four pre-finished colours, as well as a natural raw clean grade timber which can be stained to set the tone, perfect for that custom project. 

“The high expectations we place upon ourselves guarantee low maintenance for the end user,” adds Mark. “Every board is heat and moisture treated by our dedicated team and is scratch tested to ensure we use the perfect coating weight to guarantee peak performance prior to installing. Our honed polishing techniques add the finishing touch plus by utilising eco-conscious solutions, which enhance durability without toxic fumes, our customers can settle back in sooner.”

Designed specifically to weather Australia’s dry conditions, Kustom Timber floors retain their original foundation with minimal seasonal expansion and contraction thanks to the stability of their multi-layer plywood construction engineering and can be laid in myriad patterns. They range from plank, herringbone and chevron styles to more elaborate arrangements including square-on-square and basketweave motifs, amongst others.

Mark says unlike competitors, who only offer a 2mm surface, all Kustom Timber’s engineered boards are designed to have a 4mm veneer surface. “This gives our customers the same depth of timber above the joint as a solid timber board and allows floors to be refinished and restored the same way whilst using substantially less wood and reducing costs. For this reason, we can proudly offer a 25-year structural guarantee and a 10-year installation warranty for our flooring installations.”

You want to maintain your investment and keep it looking its best, so completing their suite of services, Kustom Timber also offer extensive care and maintenance packages – from professional cleaning and nourishing treatments to sanding, polishing and refining existing floors (including outdoor decking). They are also experienced in timber restoration including staircases, floors and wall panelling. 

And they’re not just for Melbourne homeowners. Having established their reputation amongst Victoria’s boutique builders, architects and interior designers, in recent years Kustom Timber has solidified its offering to other states, particularly along the East Coast and abroad. Its internal team provides site measure and installation services as far north as Brisbane. Certified contractors collaborate with them for locations further afield unless clients specifically request their services.

Extensive remote support is readily available for those requiring services outside Victoria, including virtual showroom tours. Electronic brochures plus product samples with specific stains and finishes can be ordered online. 

They strive to not simply to create products, but to comprehend the person who is going to use them. Sales staff with design-focused backgrounds have a thorough knowledge of the collections (timber species and colour ranges, plus oil and lacquer finishes that best compliment specific timbers) and can address installation queries through to maintenance advice. 

Contact Kustom Timber to discuss your requirements today and take advantage of 20% off product until the end of this month (December 2022).

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Expert Tips Interiors Addict

A timber floor with kids and dogs? Expert tips to have it all!

Timber floors are beautiful but can be tough to maintain, especially with children or pets. Spilt drinks, dirty feet and claw marks can all be hard on your floor. But you can have a beautiful floor with kids and dogs; you just need to know how to look after it.

Photo: Art Department Creative

Timber flooring experts Kustom Timber share these top tips.

Choose the right floor

First step, selecting a floor that’s tough enough to cope with whatever kids and pets throw at it. Engineered timber flooring is ideal for busy family homes; it gives you the warm, natural look and feel of solid timber, but it’s quicker and easier to install, and requires far less maintenance.


Topped with a layer of solid wood, the naturally occurring patterns on engineered timber flooring make it ideal for disguising scratches and scuffs. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain and is designed to age gracefully with your family. With minimal upkeep, you can expect an engineered timber floor to look beautiful for years. If you’re concerned about wear and tear, choose a floor with a forgiving finish, such as matte, hand-scraped or wire-brushed.

Clean it regularly

Keeping an engineered timber floor clean is easy – simply sweep, vacuum and mop it weekly to prevent dirt from getting ground into the wood. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage your floor; instead use a non-toxic wood cleaner to maintain the strength of the timber (and contribute to a healthy home).

Jump on spills fast

As soon as spills happen, mop them up with paper towels or a soft, lint-free cloth. This prevents liquids from penetrating the timber, which can leave a residue.

Dealing with ‘little accidents’

New puppy? Chances are your floor is going to be subject to a few little accidents in the coming months. Pet urine can leave dark stains on your timber floor and a permanent smell, so clean them up immediately.

Wearing gloves, place paper towels on the urine puddle to soak up as much as you can. Then blot the area with dry paper towels. Rinse the area with a damp cloth and dry out with a towel. For a stronger clean, there are products available specifically for spot stains on timber flooring.

Have your professional pet groomer regularly trim your dog’s claws to reduce the chance of them scratching your floor. Making a habit of walking your dog on concrete can also help.

Feed your pets on a tiled floor, such as the laundry, or outside. If you must place their food bowls on your engineered timber floor, put a mat underneath them to catch excess spills and mess. 

Mats, rags and runners

Mats on the front and back doors of your home prevent little paws and shoes from bringing dirt inside, which will minimise scratches and scuffs.

Protect flooring in high-traffic areas, such as a hallways and family rooms, by laying down rugs and runners. You’ll find they will also add another decorative dimension to your room.

Cover furniture legs

Scraping the legs of a chair across a timber floor (which kids tend to do) can wreak havoc on the surface. Avoid this by applying anti-scuff pads to chair legs and a protective layer under heavy furniture. Nailed-on pads are best as they won’t present a choking hazard.

Dealing with deep scratches 

One of the beautiful things about an engineered timber floor is that you can have it re-sanded and refinished to look like new – perfect if you’re worried about any deep scratches or discolouration.


How often you can have your floor re-sanded depends on the thickness of the top layer of hardwood. As a guide, Kustom Timber’s products have a minimum veneer of 4mm, and can be lightly sanded and polished around two to three times.

Accept the patina of time

Try not to worry about a few scratches and a little discoloration on your timber floor – these are part of life in a busy household with children and pets and will only add to the patina and character of your floor. Plus, when you choose an engineered timber floor, the naturally occurring patterns of the wood make any scratches or discolouration barely noticeable.

By adopting a few precautionary measures and good habits, keeping your timber floor in great condition is easy. Kids, pets, and characterful timber floor – you can have it all.

For more on Kustom Timber

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RENO ADDICT

Is your timber floor up to scratch?

If you’ve decided to go with timber as your flooring option for your reno, you’ll know just how important laying it correctly is for a perfect end result. Up until recently, there was no regulatory control over timber flooring products sold on the Aussie market, meaning that below par products (and results) were a constant concern for both DIY and professional renovators and builders.

Thankfully, that has all changed thanks to the Australasian Timber Flooring Association or ATFA. ATFA was established to improve effectiveness, quality and competitiveness in the timber flooring industry. It is working to eradicate shoddy products and workmanship and ensure regulation within the industry.

Is your timber floor up to scratch?

Before the creation of ATFA,products were arriving in Australia and being sold without any regulatory control, often then failing in the home or commercial space. Product failure often results in drawn out court cases or even more likely the company who supplied the product going broke and not being able to provide any compensation to the consumer. This effect snowballs into family issues with budget blow-outs and stress as

There’s also the issue of safety. Often, these non-conforming products have additional unsafe qualities, some being high in dangerous toxins, formaldehydes or produced by poor manufacturing procedures that creates a danger to home and business owners.

Precisely what you don’t want happening to your floor!

Now, thanks to AFTA, a robust compliance program that assesses products, materials and equipment to ensure they comply with standards, industry requirements and consumer expectations exists. Under the ATFA program, timber floor producers will be required to provide independent certification and/or reports that substantiate and support the validity of the producers claimed compliance and where relevant meet the minimum requirements set by the ATFA and the industry.

When choosing your timber floor products, look for the ATFA compliant logo which means that the product has passed the compliance program and should be safe to use and install, giving you greater peace of mind and an assurance that the product you’ve chosen is a good one!

For more information, to become a member or if you require any advice please call ATFA on 1300 361693 or visit www.atfa.com.au

 

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Bathrooms RENO ADDICT

Timber floors in the bathroom? It can be done!

If you thought that timber flooring for your bathroom was only a possibility for renovations shows or high end new builds, we’ve got good news! Timber can be a feature of your bathroom reno if you know what to look for.

timber floors

Mafi timber flooring has a unique design structure which allows the timber to process moisture in wet-areas, unlike other timber floors, and ensures the timber does not warp or cup. With over 30 years experience using timber in bathrooms, Mafi utilises an all natural oil finish, which allows the pores of the timber to remain open and breathe. This means the flooring regulates water rather than repelling it, preventing any liquid becoming trapped and causing long term issues.
timber floors
The stability of Mafi boards is largely due to the three-layer solid construction. The boards are perfectly balanced with the same timber on the top and bottom layers and a softwood in the middle. This symmetrical construction means that the timber can expand and contract as timber does without any damage to the floor itself. The upkeep of Mafi timber is also designed to continually re-oil and finish the floor. Cleaning the floor involves a bucket of warm water and Mafi oil soap. This special soap cleans and re-oils the floor with every wash.
For more information about Mafi timber, visit www.mafi.com.au
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RENO ADDICT Shopping

Carpet Court launches new range of eco-friendly timber flooring

Love the look of timber flooring but wary about its environmental impact? Carpet Court has got you covered. The new Stockmans Ridge collection released by the flooring giant is both sustainably sourced and FSC certified which means that the timber has been sourced from well managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. It’s the ideal eco-friendly timber flooring choice.

eco-friendly timber flooring

 Timber flooring is becoming a hugely popular choice with home buyers and renovators and with good reason. “Timber is increasingly popular with customers who are looking for a flooring solution that combines durability with a luxe look,” says Darren Palmer, Carpet Court Ambassador and interior design guru. “The Stockmans Ridge range launches at a time when demand for this look hits an all-time high, as people prepare to ready their home for the year ahead.”

eco-friendly timber flooring

The Stockmans Ridge production process yields up to five times more finished product than traditional engineered floors from the same amount of Australian Hardwood, making it the ideal flooring option for the environmentally conscious.

There are six styles available within the range, each offering a different grain and gradient to tone. Sydney Blue Gum, Spotted Gum, Jarrah, Grey Ironbark, Blackbutt and Brush Box timber species all feature giving those on the hunt for timber floors, a variety of options.

With 14 acrylic coats offering exceptional dent and scratch resistance, the Stockmans Ridge is the ideal choice for high traffic areas or families with children, while the patented Välinge click-locking system and micro-bevelled finish offers easy installation and a seamless finish for those with an eye for detail.

For more information, visit Carpet Court

Looking for expert tips on choosing timber flooring? Check out our top 3 tips on Reno Addict.

 

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Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Beautiful, eco-friendly oak flooring that won’t break the bank

I am extremely anti-carpet, so timber floorboards have long-held my heart. Yet there’s no denying they don’t often come cheap. So that’s where Kustom Timber step in.

BecJudd02
Style School: White Wash finish. 190x1900mm planks

A young, dynamic flooring business based in Port Melbourne, Kustom Timber were founded on the desire to produce beautifully crafted European oak flooring, at affordable prices. With an emphasis on expert quality-service and environmental awareness, friends and owners, Tristan Tiller and Mark Chaz, manage the whole process themselves, giving their clients the best possible price. “We manage the design and manufacturing process right from start to finish using only premium quality materials and state of the art production processes,” explains Tristan. “We don’t deal with any agents or middle men, so we are able to offer the best prices to our clients. We really believe that beautiful floors should be within everyone’s reach, not overpriced and inaccessible.”

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Vintage Smoked finish. Wide boards 220x2200mm

Using timber sourced from renewable FSC certified forests (FSC is an international network that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests), for the duo, it is important all their timber is produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards… though of course, it has to look good too! “We want our floors to be innovative and well designed, interesting but not faddish,” says Tristan. “Our creative process begins with an idea of how to make a space we use daily more streamlined and functional, whilst improving the aesthetic.”

Albert St Project
Scandinavian finish. Parquetry 150x900mm

With a vast array of colours, lengths and widths on offer, their floorboards are pre-finished in the factory, meaning there is no sanding, polishing or coating required on site. This allows for some amazing products, including their Scandinavian finish in parquetry, which they recently installed in a renovated Port Melbourne heritage cottage (above) and their White Wash finish, which they used in a collaboration with Rebecca Judd. “We worked together with Rebecca Judd on season two of her online series, The Style School. We did the floors in the Mentone apartment she renovated with stylist Julia Green. We used White Wash, which worked perfectly to open up the small space of the beach side apartment.”

Style School: White Wash finish. Planks 190x1900mm
Style School: White Wash finish. 190x1900mm planks

Now in business for over two years, Kustom Timber recently opened a warehouse-style showroom in Port Melbourne, where they’re able to showcase their extensive flooring range. “It’s a space that we can invite our customers to be inspired,” explain Tristan. “Where they can see how the products look against furniture and artwork, just as it would in their own home or development. It’s a dream come true.”

For more information.

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Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

Cabot make it easy to get the stylish matt look that lasts

Cabot have added an all-new matt finish to their popular CFP Water Based range, providing homeowners with an easy way to get the natural timber look without sacrificing durability.

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Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt is an easy-to-apply clear flooring polyurethane, which provides incredibly durable and hardwearing protection for timber floors.

Suitable for all interior timber, parquetry and cork flooring, Cabot’s CFP Water Based is perfect for those areas exposed to scuffing and high traffic, such as hallways, kitchens and living areas; delivering exceptional resistance to stains and scratches.

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Like the sheen and gloss finishes already available, Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt is fast and easy to apply, without the need for sanding on pre-coated timber floors. It’s low odour and quick to dry, allowing users to recoat after only three hours and get the job done in less than a day. And because the water-based finish is non-yellowing, the floors will look their beautiful best for longer.

Cabot’s CFP Water Based in Matt is available from leading hardware stores in 1l, 4l and 10l cans. For more product information, how-to guides and stockists, visit their website.

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RENO ADDICT The Block

Stop press! Parquetry flooring makes a surprise comeback

As viewers of The Block can attest, parquetry flooring is back and in a big way. But while most of us would never have imagined its return, the trend has shed its stuffy associations and emerged with a much more contemporary feel.

Boral Timber Parquetry (herringbone) - Ironbark

“A popular feature in historic and grand ballrooms, parquet flooring has reappeared as a contemporary flooring favourite, as interior design trends shift toward creating individual and personalised spaces,” says Clinton Skeoch, market development manager at Boral Timber.

From bold geometric patterns to herringbone and everything in between, people love the bespoke nature of the material. Combining similarly toned tree species, rather than contrasting dark and light timbers, is a hot look at the moment in particular.

“Parquetry flooring allows homeowners to combine colours and shapes to create something that reflects their unique character and style,” says Clinton.

On a practical note, parquetry flooring allows you to fix spot damage by replacing just the affected timber blocks making it both stylish and practical too! Boral parquetry is available in Blackbutt, Sydney Blue Gum, Grey Ironbark and Spotted Gum timbers.

See boral for more.

 

 

Categories
Design RENO ADDICT Shopping

3 tips for choosing timber flooring

Timber flooring adds warmth and versatility to home interiors and is a steadfast design choice. Ideal for single room makeovers, apartment projects and whole home flooring applications, there is a magnitude of timber products on the market. So how to choose? Here are my three easy tips that will ensure you get the best timber flooring for your needs.

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  1. When selecting a timber product, homeowners must first consider which rooms the timber will be located in and what type of surface it will be laid over. The subfloor will determine the timber flooring options available and may also impact decisions about the timber’s hardness rating, wear-ability and colour. Solid strip timber flooring is nailed down over bearers and joists or to battens on concrete, while solid strip overlay flooring or parquetry is glued to a concrete floor or directly onto plywood or existing timber floors.
  2. Choosing colours and width of timber flooring comes down to personal taste. The cream to pale brown tones of Blackbutt timber makes it a popular choice for Australian homes, and can be used for both internal flooring and decking for a seamless indoor/outdoor flow.
  3. It’s important to be thorough when shopping for a timber flooring solution. Homeowners should be clear on what grade and species they are buying, as there are variations between suppliers.

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There are a few key terms homeowners should be aware of when buying timber flooring:

  • Species refers to the type of hardwood and is often a guide to colour. There are a wide range of Australian species available for timber flooring, from light browns to deep reds.
  • Grade refers to the level of natural features in the wood, such as gum veins, spirals, burls and insect trails which give timber floors a unique character.
  • Width refers to the width of each board and can affect the overall look of the room once the flooring is installed. Homeowners will need to decide whether they want wide boards or narrow boards.

Lastly, it’s important to be mindful of the properties of timber flooring and care for it appropriately. As a natural product, timber flooring responds to environmental influences such as extended sun exposure and dampness. Timber flooring is not recommended for bathrooms, for example.

— Clinton Skeoch is the national market development manager at Boral Timber, who have just released a new range of Engineered Flooring, which combines the sophistication of Australian hardwoods with the convenience of pre-finished boards.

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RENO ADDICT

The look and feel of timber flooring but with more durability

Here in Australia we love timber flooring! Be it for the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, lounge area or even the bathroom, timber is perfect for creating interiors right on-trend.

Formica Flooring image 2 inteirors addict

However, while wood may look and feel great, it’s not always the most cost efficient or durable option, so Formica’s eight new laminate flooring decors, in the latest colours and finishes, may just be the best option!

“Designed specifically for Australian interiors, homeowners can create modern living areas with Formica Flooring at a fraction of the price of most solid timber floors,” explains Formica marketing manager, Vivienne Rosta. “The same warmth, character and richness of traditional timber are achievable with these new, relevant colours and finishes. Formica flooring is an easy, quick and cost-effective flooring solution that can be installed by DIYers or by flooring installation professionals.”

Formica Flooring_Modena Oak interiors addict

New to the range are eight Formica Laminate flooring colours: the pure tones of Tasmanian Blackwood, Queensland Walnut and Spotted Gum reflect the natural beauty of timber, while the earthy colours of Dijon Oak, Modena Oak and Smoked Oak are perfect for creating intimate spaces and the lighter colours of Whitewashed Oak and Blackbutt will create the appearance of more space.

Available in both matt and gloss finishes, all flooring is easy to clean and maintain, a microfibre mop or appropriate laminate floor cleaner is all you need to remove stains, dust and mites.

Made in Europe and sold with a 30-year residential warranty, Formica Flooring ensures your floor will look great, year after year. For more information.