Doxford Hall Hotel: contract flooring project
We have just recently completed a contract flooring project at Doxford
Hall Hotel in Northumberland. It is without question going to be the finest
hotel in the North of England upon completion. We were contracted to undertake
the supply and fit of solid oak flooring throughout the hotel, the area
for this project was 2,000m2.
After a survey of the hotel was completed moisture tests for both the concrete
sub floor and the air were carried out. This is a very important procedure to
carry out before fitting a natural product such as a timber floor. If
moisture is above a certain level in the concrete sub floor or the air it can
cause the oak flooring to absorb this and cause it to lift or cup.
We now began the process of laying timber batons on top of the concrete
base. The timber batons were laid and screwed down leaving exactly 350mm spaces
in between. To ensure that the batons were laid and levelled to perfection we
used precise laser levelling equipment.
Once the timber batons had been laid and levelled we were then ready to proceed
with the installation of the solid oak flooring. For this project we used
20mm x 200mm x 1.5m-3m solid European oak flooring tongue and grooved
ends matched. The oak flooring was also kiln dried between 8-10%. The oak
flooring was laid the opposite way to the timber batons and secret nailed at
each baton.
Once the installation of the solid wood floor was complete we were then
ready to undertake the sanding and finishing process. The oak flooring was then
sanded using the highest quality sanding equipment manufactured by a
German company called Lagler. The beautiful new hardwood flooring
went through our meticulous floor sanding process which begins by using
the Lagler belt sander followed by our Lagler Trio machine. The belt sander is
used for the rough course sanding then we switch to the Lagler Trio to enable us
to create the perfect smooth, fine finish.
With the sawdust that we collected from the rough grit paper we mixed it with a
resin which created a filler. We then spread this across the oak floor
which filled any gaps between boards or possible imperfections within the
timber. Once this process was complete we were then ready to prime the floor.
The solid oak flooring was primed using a Bonakemi primer or the
equivalent Beckers primer. Once the are had been primed the dry time was
approximately 1 hour. The finish was then left for 12 hours during this time the
primer had completely dried and any small hairs/grains in the timber had risen.
The flooring was then ready for the final stage - lacquering. For this
stage of the project we used A Bonakemi Traffic Lacquer or the Beckers
equivalent. They are both 2 component water based lacquers and are specifically
designed for high traffic commercial areas. They also require very little
maintenance and give a natural finish.
Set in a beautiful 10 acres estate, the Hall dates back to 1818. The current owners have been extremely careful to retain the heritage and traditional grandeur, however, Doxford Hall boasts all modern facilities including a relaxing Spa and fitness studio with 21st century equipment.
Each of the 25 bedrooms have been named after Northumbrian castles and boast facilities you would expect from the region's leading luxury venue. Guests can relax in the whirlpool bath or watch their favourite programmes on the large flat-screen television, when retiring for the evening the indulgent king-size bed guarantees to rest and recharge. Every piece of furniture has been chosen by hand to make your visit a true indulgence.
Opening late summer 2008, Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa has been called ‘handmade
hall’ for a reason. The hotel boasts unrivalled attention to detail in every
area, from the stunning grand staircase, luxuriously furnished bedrooms to the
manicured estate and delightful gardens, Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa makes a
idyllic venue for weddings, leisure breaks and dining.echarge. Every piece of furniture has been chosen by hand to make your visit a true indulgence.
The George Runciman restaurant offers residential and day visitors to experience the finest cuisine daily, in addition, Sunday Lunch is not to be missed. A wonderful opportunity to discover the finest and freshest contemporary cuisine in the heart of beautiful Northumberland. Afternoon Tea is also served daily - A real treat for all visitors.
Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa. Tel: 01665 589 700