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 come up around compliance with New Zealand Building Code Clause G3 – Food Preparation and Prevention of Contamination. While Clause G3 doesn’t specifically target flooring, there are situations where flooring may need to support the intent of G3 — especially in spaces where hygiene is critical.

At Marchand Luxury Oak, we’re proud to lead the market with engineered timber products that go well beyond standard expectations — ensuring cleanliness, performance, and compliance in even the most scrutinised areas of the home. This article unpacks the relationship between G3 and flooring, and 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 that are likely to become contaminated during food handling — especially benchtops, splashbacks, joinery, and nearby vertical finishes

The goal is to make sure surfaces are: 

• Impervious to moisture

• Easily cleaned

• Durable and hygienic

 So Does Flooring Fall Under G3?

 In short: not directly.

Flooring is typically governed by Clause E3 (Internal Moisture), which ensures floors resist water penetration and damage. However, under certain circumstances — especially in residential kitchens or sculleries — building officials may assess whether flooring in these zones also supports the intent of G3, particularly when it comes to cleanliness and potential contamination risks.

Examples include:

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

• Areas that are hard to reach but still within 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 — and that’s where Marchand makes a 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 designed to eliminate areas where moisture or food particles could accumulate.

• All sanitary junctions are sealed during install.

• This approach 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 key concern for compliance officers.

2. Market-Leading Lacquer Protection – 9 Layers Deep

 One of Marchand’s greatest strengths is our industry-leading 9-layer UV-cured lacquer system — a feature unmatched in the NZ engineered flooring market.

• This finish completely 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 critical in aligning with both G3 and E3 intent.

 No other engineered timber floor in the New Zealand market 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 install — 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 twice to harsh outdoor conditions — including rain — without any sign of swelling, warping, or decay. Due to our unique board construction our exceptional resistance to moisture is what gives us confidence in recommending our flooring for high-performance environments like kitchens and sculleries.

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

In Summary: 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 the core to the finish

• Tight, gap-free installation

• Factory-controlled lacquer protection no other brand matches

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

Whether you’re an architect specifying for high-end kitchens, or a homeowner who doesn’t want to compromise on cleanliness and durability, Marchand Flooring is the smart choice for food prep zones.