Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive Wood Flooring & Decking FAQ

Find below some of the most often asked questions and answers. If you can't find the answer of your specific questions here please contact us either using the online form at the bottom of this page or send us an email on info@kaltimber.com, you can also give us a call in our office number at (+62) 361 975 219 or reach us by whatsapp at (+62) 878 6020 4246 from Monday to Friday 8.30-16.30h. We will gladly answer all of your questions.

Understanding the Basics

  • An outdoor platform structure typically made from timber, used for leisure and functional purposes.

  • Extends living space outdoors, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or dining.

  • For outdoor living space, aesthetic appeal, and increased property value.

  • No, a deck is raised and built from wood/composites, while a patio is ground-level and usually stone/concrete.

  • Suitable for backyards, front yards, rooftops, and balconies.

  • Yes, suits most home types (modern, traditional, tropical).

  • Timber surface, support frame, and optional railings/coverings.

Materials & Types of Wood

  • Ulin (ironwood), teak, cedar, pine, ipe, and other tropical/reclaimed hardwoods.

  • Reclaimed ironwood (Ulin) - naturally weather/insect resistant and sustainable!

    • Pressure-treated: Chemically treated

    • Hardwood: Dense/durable

    • Softwood: More affordable

    • Composite: Wood-plastic blend

  • Excellent - adds unique character and eco-friendly appeal.

  • More stable (seasoned over time), sustainable, and one-of-a-kind.

  • Yes, we use responsibly salvaged materials with no deforestation.

  • High-quality woods resist these issues with minimal yet proper maintenance.

  • Often longer than new wood - already "seasoned" for decades. Ultimately it will depend on the wood itself. Our reclaimed Ulin ironwood is rated 50+years.

Wood Floor Installation

  • Unload in dry weather, avoid rain. Leave wrapped to acclimate for 2-3 days up to 2 weeks.

  • Solid hardwood isn't ideal for basements; use engineered wood below grade.

  • Yes, if linoleum is tightly glued to the subfloor.

  • Yes, but may be slippery - consider household (kids/pets).

  • Depends on product/subfloor: nail-down, glue-down, or floating.

  • Laid over underlay without subfloor attachment (not ideal for solid wood).

    • Glued: 15mm

    • Floating: 5mm per meter width + 15mm lengthwise

  • 7-10% for cutting/imperfections.

  • Yes - light woods darken; dark woods darken further.

Parquet Flooring

  • Natural, durable, renewable, hypoallergenic, and stylish.

  • Absolutely - works beautifully with custom patterns.

  • No - we create custom designs for any space. Our only limitation is the reclaimed nature of the wood, we have to adapt sizes to what’s available.

  • Yes - we tailor finishes/colors for perfect blending without a certain range.

Deck Construction & Installation

  • Yes with proper tools, but complex designs need professionals.

  • Saw, drill, measuring tape, level, screws, and safety gear.

  • Plan → Measure → Frame → Secure boards → Finish (seal/stain).

  • No - we can level with posts/supports.

  • Typically 3-7 days depending on size.

  • Usually yes. You need to contact your local authorities or ask your contractor.

Maintenance & Care

  • Annual cleaning + resealing recommended. If you go with reclaimed Ulin ironwood none of the above are necessary.

  • Broom + mild cleaner; avoid pressure washers.

  • Keep dry and use mold-resistant sealers.

  • Fill with wood filler; replace damaged boards. Hairline cracks are normal.

  • Yes - sanding and refinishing can restore beauty. It can also damage the wood if not properly done.

Sustainability

  • Extremely - reduces landfill waste and deforestation.

  • Yes - we specialize in salvaging/refurbishing.

  • Minimal - we use eco-friendly finishes and practices.

Raw boards – Square edges – Semi process - Full process

What are the differences?

  • This is the raw material, board, as we reclaim it from our Kalimantan dismantling. Most of the boards still have nail, surface cracks, end split and are often a little muddy.

    It is in general 2.3cm thick, 17 to 19cm wide and 380 to 400cm long.

  • We take raw board on top of the stock pile and process it. It is going once in our double planner to reach a fix thickness then process it once on our single rip to get straight square edge.

    Top face can be left rustic (natural) or smooth (double planner process).

    Nail holes, surface cracks and end split are left untouched.

    Board is always washed with high pressure water to clean it on its rustic form.

    It is in general 2cm thick, 17cm wide and 380 to 400cm long. Other sizes available.

  • We take raw board on top of the stock pile and process it such as square edge above and in addition it goes through our molding to put a profile on.

    Top face can be left rustic (natural) or smooth (double planner process).

    Nail holes, surface cracks and end split are left untouched.

    Board is always washed with high pressure water to clean it on its rustic form.

    Due to the texture of Ulin in its raw form we do not recommend using rustic for semi-process decking.

    It is in general 2cm thick, 15cm wide and 380 to 400cm long. Other sizes available.

  • We select each board to perfectly match the end product. It is going through the whole production process from double planner to final touch made by the hand of skillful carpenter.

    Nail holes are either glued or plugged, surface crack is glued, end split is either cut off or glue back, top face is fully sanded to minimum 120 grit for the smooth option, or wire brushed for the rustic option.

    Sizes are detailed in our catalogs.

 

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