Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix and match floorboards from different houses?
Maybe. It is likely boards from different houses or buildings originally came from different sawmills, which would have a unique tongue and groove (T&G) profile. This could result in the T&G being in the centre of the board or offset. Or the tongue being a different thickness or length to the next house's floorboards. At Melbourne Recycled Timber Floorboards we always keep our boards in houselots so each pack has the same tongue and groove profile.
What if I need more floorboards than are available from one houselot?
There are two possible ways around this extremely common occurrence. One, different house lots sometimes do have the same T&G profile. Two, much more commonly the T&G doesn't match so one house lot is laid in it's entirety then the next lot is laid. This means there is only one join between the different houselots, which a competent floor layer can easily deal with.
Can I buy set lengths?
Maybe but probably not. Due to the various different tongue and groove profiles outlined above floorboards are kept in house lots with the same T&G. The length of the boards in each houselot are generally between 1.5 metres and 4.0 metres with the majority 2.0 to 3.5 metres. Most houses have a lot of different lengths contained within these parameters. Occasionally a house will have a lot of boards the same length, but the probability they will be the length you want is slim.
What is the average houselot size?
The normal house produces between 40 and 45 square metres of recycled floorboards. However there is quite a lot of variation with smaller lots quite common. Be wary of larger lots for sale as they may be a mixture of houselots with different tongue and groove profiles.
When can I inspect/buy floorboards from Melbourne Recycled Timber Floorboards?
Inspection is available at our factory at 11/55 Whiteside Rd Clayton South, normal business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and Saturdays by appointment. As of January 2025 we are switching to by appointment only, please contact Clint on 0408346538 to make sure someone is on site before you arrive.
Are the floorboards in good condition?
Yes. We aim for customer satisfaction and repeat business. A referral from a happy client is the best type of advertising. The boards are de-nailed, docked ( any splits/broken parts of the board are removed) and stored under cover. The T&G are 99.9% intact with any breakages very minor. It is important to remember that these are recycled floorboards and as such may have some scratches, paint marks, old floor stain etc on them. These will sand off quite easily and along with the age of the boards are what gives them their unique patina.