Frequently Asked Questions

Current work methods in combination with traditional wood colouring methods place virtually no restrictions on us. The suitably chosen application of lacquers or hard wax oils allows us to achieve countless combinations, with an almost unlimited range of colours.

The only limit to colour and texture is the choice of suitable wood. Whether it’s oak, American walnut, European walnut, teak, ash or beech, every type of wood reacts differently, and looks different accordingly.

All the manufacturers we work with have years of proven know-how. They know how to create a surface finish that ensures long-term stability, colour stability, safety and a unique appearance of the floor.

Our suppliers offer a wide range of technological and aesthetic finishes for all collections. Their repertoire includes machine methods and tried-and-tested manual work. They are also aided by elements such as fire and water. As a result, each product has a unique touch that reflects the approach taken by its creator.

We offer hand planing, smoke finish, thermal treatment, saw effect, worn finish, carbonised finish, or one that combines multiple finishes. The right technique will give you the ideal look for your interior.

The final treatment is then applied. Depending on the type of wood and the intended use, the client has three options: oil, oil-wax or varnish.

The first step in determining the correct finish is how the floor will be used in the future. Key factors include, for example, its location, its expected traffic load, and taking into account other factors that will have an impact on the wood. If a floor is to be laid in areas with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom, we select woods that do not suffer from changes in moisture level (this includes teak, merbau, ipe, and other tree species. On the other hand, oak flooring is not recommended for the bathrooms).

If the floor is intended for high traffic areas, the covering is prepared for this type of use from the very start of production. Our suppliers know how to treat wood specifically for high-traffic areas. The floors we choose for these areas are thicker and have a greater tread for long-term resilience.

Subsequently, we recommend regular treatment with preparations appropriate to the relevant product type (every manufacturer has its own recommended and most appropriate type of care). Don’t have time to think about maintenance? Valen&Masar provide a service in which we monitor the condition of the floor for you. Once a year, a technician will come to perform a thorough inspection of your floor and suggest any measures that need to be taken. You can then apply these yourself, or order them from us without any worries.

Most two- or three-layer wooden floors meet the requirements for placment in areas where underfloor heating or cooling is installed. It is important to know the thermal conductivity of your chosen material. This should not exceed 0.15 K/W per m2. Some woods are less suitable for underfloor heating. In general, wood has a higher thermal resistance, which determines how much energy is consumed to increase the temperature by 1 K over an area of 1 m2. Solid oak floors with a thickness of 20 mm or more are more difficult to heat. Energy consumption will be higher, and therefore more expensive.

After laying, it is necessary in particular to comply with the conditions for proper heating, which are communicated to the client after installation. In general, the temperature should be increased and reduced by max. 1-2 °C per 24 hours. The maximum temperature (e.g. of water in hot water heating) should not exceed 40 °C.

At the same time, it is advisable to maintain a relative air humidity in the house of between 40-65%. Why is this so important? Wood is a hygroscopic material. It can absorb air humidity, which affects its appearance. Constant heating and the avoidance of large temperature fluctuations are essential. Assuming that fluctuations may occur, this fact is already taken into account when selecting the material so as to minimise nuances in the wood structure under the influence of temperature fluctuations.

The surface on which the floor is to be installed must be properly prepared and meet certain parameters. The basic requirement is that the substrate must be clean, dry, cohesive, free of cracks and tears, degreased and dust-free. At the same time, it must be flat (in accordance with ČSN 74 4505, the maximum limit deviations for living spaces are ±2 mm per 2 m) and the base layers must be sufficiently dry: In the case of cement, 2.0% CM* (1.8% CM* for underfloor heating) and anhydrite 0.5% CM* (0.3% CM* for underfloor heating).

We always communicate specific requirements for surface preparation with our clients in advance, or we can arrange modification in such a way that the actual implemation always takes place to 100%.

* abbreviation CM = Carbit Method

The laying of the floor and the work connected with it require compliance with certain rules and standards. Within the interior we often deal with e.g. expansion joints and their visibility. Various types of material can be chosen, for example cork instead of synthetic sealant.

Certain rules of use must be followed to ensure the longevity and beauty of your floor. Wood should be protected from abrasive materials, furniture should be handled gently and floor mats must be used at the entrance to the room. The floor is the largest piece of furniture in your house, and therefore requires regular care. Use care products that are suitable for the relevant type of material. In case of wear, it is possible to provide maintenance care or to repair or replace a particular damaged part locally.

We provide suitable products for the regular maintenance of every floor type. It is better to avoid commercial products that are freely available in supermarkets. At the same time we offer regular inspections by one of our experts, who will check your floor and suggest possible measures that need to be taken.

Wood is unique and inimitable. In a word, timeless. Each piece is unique and you will not find two identical floors in the world. It is the premiere material in the art of floor-making. It is no coincidence that the appearance of wood is the most copied pattern for vinyl and laminate floors, as well as ceramic tiles. Compared to vinyl, laminate or tiles, however, it does not deteriorate over time. On the contrary, the effect of time creates a much desired and aesthetic patina.

With proper care, wooden floors can serve several generations. They are still the best investment with regard to quality of workmanship, properties and additional maintenance.

Wood is the most ecological raw material in the world. It is a renewable resource created from solar energy and atmospheric carbon. The health benefits in interiors are undeniable; wood is highly hygienic and antibacterial. The tannins contained in it naturally kill surface bacteria and produce so-called “clean dirt”. Wood is also antistatic and you don’t have to worry about the formation of clumps of dust, as is the case with other flooring.

Our work together doesn’t end with the floor. In addition to laying, we provide not only maintenance, but also non-traditional applications to fine-tune your interior. Be it wood panelling, ceilings or connection with furniture, it is always possible to achieve a highly consistent impression and maximum synergy.

Got an original idea? Tell us your ideas and we will implement them together.