If you have your heart set on timber flooring, you certainly wouldn’t be alone in your desire to experience the timeless beauty that comes with a hardwood floor, and there are several options. If, for example, you are planning to relocate in a few years, a recycled timber flooring would save you some money. Recycling is a global trend that stretches to timber flooring, with flooring companies that offer recycled timber floors that are unique and if the environment is important to you, a recycled floor is a practical solution. Here are a few options to help you make the right decision.
- Solid Timber – If you can afford it, why not have that oak timber flooring you’ve always wanted? While solid timber is not the cheapest form of flooring, it will last a lifetime and with regular treatment, will retain that timeless look. There are many species – oak, ash, walnut and mahogany are just a few of the species that make good flooring.
- Engineered Flooring – Essentially a core of composite with a veneer of real timber, which gives you the genuine look and feel of real wood, with the strength and durability of a composite core. What’s more, engineered flooring is considerably cheaper than solid timber, for obvious reasons, and it is made in an eco-friendly way, without the use of chemical adhesives and other harmful substances.
- Hybrid Flooring – Mix the beauty of vinyl with the durability of laminate and you have hybrid flooring. It looks and feels like solid timber, with a hi-res digital image imprinted under the protective layer, and there are stunning finishes in oak, walnut, pine and many other quality timbers. If you prefer to have solid timber in the lounge and dining room, hybrid flooring is the perfect choice for the bathroom and kitchen, and with so many designs, you are bound to find a match.
- Luxury Vinyl – This takes some beating, and comes in tile form, making it very easy to install. A cork backing adds a touch of softness underfoot, and don’t expect to hear a thing when you walk across your new floor, as vinyl is silent. Timber, stone and even slate are available and with a broad range of colours and hues, you can give the room some balance. Impervious to water, you could immerse a section of vinyl in water for a few hours and it would not swell or warp in any way.
- Laminate Flooring – Another very popular choice for Australian homeowners, laminate flooring is durable, good looking and will stand the test of time, whatever the environment. The supplier would install the flooring and would handle all the ground prep, which is minimal, and with the right backing, the floating floor will not move.
Benefits of Timber Flooring
With the high cost of solid timber flooring, it is no surprise that the composite family of laminate, vinyl and hybrid are all very attractive alternatives, and for many property owners, is the floor of choice.
Timber flooring, also known as hardwood flooring, holds a timeless appeal. Its natural elegance and warmth instantly enhance the aesthetics of any interior, from traditional to contemporary styles. It’s the kind of feature that seamlessly blends character with sophistication, making any space more welcoming and refined.
One of the most cherished benefits of timber flooring is its exceptional durability. With proper care and maintenance, these floors can last for generations, far outliving many other types of flooring. This remarkable longevity makes timber flooring not just a part of the house, but a long-term investment that can pay dividends in terms of functionality and property value.
Maintenance for timber flooring is also remarkably simple. Unlike carpet, which can trap dust and allergens, timber surfaces require nothing more than a quick sweep or vacuum, followed by a damp mop. This ease of cleaning, coupled with the hypoallergenic nature of wood, makes timber flooring a great choice for allergy sufferers or those who value a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Adding to its appeal is the sheer versatility of timber flooring. It comes in an array of species, each offering a unique blend of colour, grain, and texture. From the stately elegance of oak to the rustic charm of walnut, timber flooring can be chosen to perfectly complement the style and personality of your home.
Another undeniable advantage of timber flooring is its potential to boost property value. Homes with timber floors often command higher prices in the real estate market, making this type of flooring an investment in the future. Additionally, should your aesthetic tastes change over time, timber floors can be sanded and refinished, creating a fresh, new look without the need for replacement.
Finally, in an era of growing environmental consciousness, timber flooring is a sustainable choice. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, timber is a renewable resource. It also offers better acoustics by reducing echo and noise transmission, an often-overlooked benefit in rooms with high ceilings or large open spaces. In essence, timber flooring provides a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal, durability, and environmental sustainability.
All images from Apartment K160 by Line Design Studio – see full story here.
