In this section we've discussed the main problems that can occur with coatings applied to timber or cork floors. We haven't looked at the issues that can affect the flooring itself, because these are generally outside your control, since they relate more to installation practices or moisture content changes.

However, it's still important that you understand what sorts of things can go wrong with timber floors, because it may affect the way you approach the finishing job, or even whether you decide to take the job on at all.

Below are four problems that can occur in tongue and grooved strip flooring. See if you can match the correct term with each drawing by clicking on a term and then it's corresponding drawing.

As you match up each pair, think about how the problem might have come about, and what the flooring installer could have done to avoid it.