Does Flooring Need to Comply with NZBC Clause G3?

Here’s What You Need to Know – And How Marchand Leads the Way

When it comes to flooring in kitchens, sculleries, and other food prep zones, questions often arise about compliance with the New Zealand Building Code Clause G3 – Food Preparation and Prevention of Contamination. While Clause G3 doesn't specifically target flooring, there are times when flooring must support the intent of G3, especially in spaces where hygiene is essential.

At Marchand Luxury Oak, we proudly lead the market with engineered timber products that go beyond standard expectations. Our products ensure cleanliness, performance, and compliance in even the most scrutinised areas of the home. This article will unpack the relationship between G3 and flooring, illustrating how Marchand's construction, finish, and installation methods provide peace of mind in food prep environments.

Marchand Blanc installed throughout a Wanaka home

What is NZBC Clause G3?

Clause G3 of the New Zealand Building Code ensures that areas where food is prepared or handled are designed to prevent contamination. It applies to:

• Food preparation areas, such as kitchens, sculleries, and commercial cooking spaces

• Surfaces likely to become contaminated during food handling, including benchtops, splashbacks, joinery, and nearby vertical finishes

  
  

The goal is to ensure surfaces are:

• Impervious to moisture

• Easily cleaned

• Durable and hygienic

  
  

So Does Flooring Fall Under G3?

In short: not directly. Flooring is primarily governed by Clause E3 (Internal Moisture), which ensures floors resist water penetration and damage. However, in certain circumstances—particularly in residential kitchens or sculleries—building officials may evaluate whether flooring in these zones supports the intent of G3 in terms of cleanliness and contamination risks.

Examples of Flooring Considerations

Consider these examples:

• Flooring under food prep benches or islands where spills are common

• Areas that are hard to reach but still in the food zone, such as under open shelving

• When flooring forms part of a continuous hygienic envelope in high-end or commercial-style kitchens

  
  

So, while not a direct compliance requirement, flooring in these spaces may still come under G3-related scrutiny. That’s where Marchand makes a significant difference.

How Marchand Flooring Aligns with G3 Requirements

Even though Clause G3 doesn’t mandate flooring compliance, Marchand’s approach ensures our product exceeds expectations and offers complete peace of mind in food prep zones. Here’s how:

1. Sealed Sanitary Joints – No Gaps, No Worries

Our installation process is crafted to eliminate areas where moisture or food particles could accumulate.

• All sanitary junctions are sealed during the installation.

• This method mimics commercial-grade waterproof detailing and aligns with the intent of G3 for impervious, hygienic junctions.

• With no expansion gaps, the risk of contamination is minimised, a major concern for compliance officers.

  
  

2. Market-Leading Lacquer Protection – 9 Layers Deep

One of Marchand’s greatest strengths lies in our industry-leading 9-layer UV-cured lacquer system—an unmatched feature in the New Zealand engineered flooring market.

• This finish seals the 6mm European Oak top layer, creating a durable, wipeable surface that resists spills, staining, and general wear and tear.

• The lacquer is factory-applied in a controlled environment and cured for optimal performance—resulting in a floor that’s not just beautiful but also hygienic and moisture-resistant.

• Importantly, this layer maintains full imperviousness, which is essential in aligning with both G3 and E3 intent. No other engineered timber floor in New Zealand offers this level of surface prefinished protection.

  
  

3. Tight Bond to Substrate – No Movement, No Expansion Gaps

Marchand’s engineered flooring is glued directly to the substrate during installation—board by board.

• This method ensures a tight, seamless fit, with each plank fixed firmly to prevent movement over time.

• No expansion gaps are needed around the perimeter, thanks to our unique construction using cross-threaded eucalyptus plywood.

• Our core structure is designed for maximum dimensional stability, even under varying temperatures and moisture conditions.

  
  

The result? A solid, gap-free, hygienic surface with no room for contaminants to hide.

Mason and Wales Home installed Marchand to meet G3 and E3 NZBC

Built for Performance, Proven in Practice

At Marchand, we back our claims with real-world testing. Our eucalyptus plywood core has been exposed to harsh outdoor conditions—twice, including rain—without any sign of swelling, warping, or decay. Our unique board construction gives us exceptional moisture resistance. This feature is what confidently allows us to recommend our flooring for high-performance environments like kitchens and sculleries.

Our boards stay stable. Our finishes stay sealed. And our installations remain clean.

Key Takeaways: Peace of Mind for You – and the Inspector

While NZBC Clause G3 doesn’t specifically apply to flooring, Marchand’s system is built to support its hygiene goals—offering:

• A sealed, impervious surface

• Moisture-resistant performance from top to bottom

• A tight, gap-free installation

• Factory-controlled lacquer protection unmatched by any other brand

  
  

When flooring becomes part of a food prep area’s hygiene envelope—whether by design or council expectation—Marchand is here to deliver.

Making the Smart Choice

Whether you’re an architect designing high-end kitchens or a homeowner prioritising cleanliness and durability, Marchand Flooring is the smart choice for food prep zones. Our products seamlessly integrate into your spaces, ensuring both compliance and peace of mind.

For more information on how our solutions can fit into your next project, visit our website.