What Happens After Your Recycled Timber Flooring Arrives On Site?
January 2026
We’re often asked how the installation process works for our re-milled or salvaged recycled timber flooring, and where Thor’s Hammer fits into that process.
Completed re-milled recycled Local Ash flooring with kitchen island benchtop in Spotted Gum.
We supply the recycled timber flooring you need, manufactured to order and prepared with care, but we don’t install it. Flooring installation is carried out by a qualified flooring installer, and while we don’t undertake this work ourselves, we’re always happy to recommend experienced installers who know our timber well.
Docking re-milled recycled timber flooring on-site.
From Order to Delivery: Our Role
On our website, we outline the five steps involved in purchasing recycled timber flooring from Thor’s Hammer:
Choose your board size and timber species.
Confirm your total quantity, usually measured in square metres. We recommend allowing approximately 10% extra for wastage.
We provide a detailed quote.
Once accepted, a 50% deposit commences production.
The timber is sawn, solar kiln dried, and machined to your order. Packs are carefully wrapped and stored to maintain a low moisture content until collection or delivery.
When you are ready, the flooring is delivered by crane truck. The pack of flooring is left on the verge on next to the driveway and then needs to be moved by hand into the house. This is usually done by the floor installer.
Once your flooring arrives on site, responsibility shifts to your installer. While the boards are ready for use, there are several important steps still required before the floor is complete.
What Your Installer Needs to Do On Site
After delivery, your installer will typically undertake the following work:
Bring the Flooring into the House
The flooring is delivered by crane truck in a large pack and unloaded to the verge or next to the driveway. The installer will then carry it inside by hand. Delivery needs to be booked on a clear day without rain so that the flooring does not get wet.
Cutting to Length
While the timber is machined to size, boards are supplied in random lengths. Your installer will cut or dock them to suit the layout of each room before laying begins.
Laying the Flooring
Once boards are cut to length, your installer will lay the flooring in place based on the subfloor, board profile and site conditions. In the facing photo, you can see boards upside down, arranged ready for applying glue and laying, near the window, some of the floor has been already laid.
Nailing or Gluing the Flooring
With recycled timber, installers will often use a combination of nailing and gluing to help manage natural movement, improve stability and reduce any potential for noise between the floor and the subfloor. Selecting appropriate fixings and adhesives for flooring, and applying them with care, is key to achieving a durable, long-lasting floor.
Filling Holes and Imperfections
Recycled timber often carries evidence of its previous life, including old nail holes or small cracks. Depending on your preference, your installer may fill these using a colour-matched wood filler or putty, or sometimes they save the sanding dust from the floor and mix it with lacquer to make a filler. It’s worth discussing upfront which characteristics you’d like to retain and which you’d prefer to minimise.
Laying out the flooring, ready for gluing and nailing.
Sanding for a Consistent Finish
Once the floor is laid and secured, the floor usually needs to be sanded. Sanding removes any minor unevenness, and ensures a smooth and comfortable finish underfoot. It is important that the sanding is done with a high quality machine, as an inaccurate machine or unskilled operator could easily damage the floor.
Sealing the Floor
A sealant or oil is then applied to protect the timber and enhance its natural character. This process usually involves multiple coats, with light sanding between each application to build up a durable, even finish. We recommend the Osmo finishes made in Germany, which are made from natural oils and easy to apply and maintain.
Final Buffing or Waxing
As a final step, the floor may be buffed or waxed, depending on the chosen finish, giving the timber depth, warmth, and extra protection.
Secret nail gun for nailing tongue & groove floorboards.
A Collaborative Process
The steps above are a simplified overview, but they give a clear sense of the work involved after your recycled timber flooring arrives on site. Successful outcomes come from good communication between you, your installer, and our team.
Our Design & Sales team is always available to help guide you through the process, recommend experienced installers, and answer any questions along the way. Get in touch with us to talk about your recycled timber flooring project.