Changes To E3/AS1 Effective 4th November 2021 Amendment 7:
Timber Flooring In Wet Areas – Including Kitchens, Laundries, Powder Rooms and Toilet
From November 2021 timber flooring in a wet area becomes an alternative solution to satisfy the Building Consents Authority (BCA). The E3/AS1 six flooring options deemed an Acceptable Solution in wet areas where there is water splash, has been changed to three options and excludes timber or timber-based products. Kitchens are now included.
Going forward, glued down timber flooring can still be specified in residential kitchens, laundries, toilet rooms and powder rooms, though it now needs to be submitted an Alternative Solution to satisfy Section E3.3.3 with documentation to show “Floor surfaces of any space containing sanitary fixtures or sanitary appliances must be impervious and easily cleaned”.
This is a simple process and we are here to support architects and designers with the correct supporting documentation to assist in getting timber floors consented in kitchen areas. This also applies to laundries, toilet rooms, powder rooms and bathrooms (selected based on design, location and humidity).
Requirements for an Alternative solution
1. Durable Coating
All prefinished products we sell are factory finished and are warrantied for use in residential kitchens, laundries, powder rooms and toilet rooms. This includes both lacquer and hardwax oil finishes which are durable flooring finishes and easily cleaned.
On site finished floors, we use technical finishes that meet these criteria.
2. Impervious Installation System
We install the floor using the Wanaka Wood Floors prefinished timber flooring impervious installation system, or the Wanaka Wood Floors site finished timber flooring impervious installation system.
3. Easily Cleaned
Timber flooring is easily cleaned using a vacuum and a damp mop. We supply detailed care and maintenance guides with our wood floors along and sell specific cleaning and care products.
Our recommended cleaning methods are comparable to those required for other floor finishes that are still classified as an Acceptable Solution – e.g. vinyl.
Timber flooring is a natural material and regardless of whether it is a lacquer or oil finish, correct maintenance of the product is a critical factor in determining its performance and longevity.
Our Solution: Wanaka Wood Floors Systems
We are able to assist with providing documentation for council building consent for timber flooring as an Alternative Solution in a kitchen, WC, laundry etc.
Supply timber flooring that has a durable coating and is easy to clean, and install the floor to meet all requirements of an Impervious surface.
Please contact us by phone or email, or request information when pricing draft plans.