This paper discusses the fi ne balance between past and present in restoration
and remedial work in historic buildings, with particular regard to timber fl oor
installation. The fact that timber is a natural material and subject to movement
is discussed in terms of modern requirements for a more engineered machined
fi nish. By use of a case study it is illustrated that high levels of relative humidity
can cause severe defl ection in such surfaces, which traditionally would have
been accepted as a consequence of using timber and accommodated by a looser
assembling regime that allows for expansion of the timber, and also robust
fi xing methods. The paper proposes anticipation of such movement and the use
of wider expansion gaps, along with the use of moisture barriers and greater
care in the sourcing of the timber used, to combat future problems of this kind.

• Past meets present