When you are building or renovating your home, your choice of flooring is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make. Factors such as your budget, the look you’re aiming for, and your lifestyle all have to be considered. You could choose carpet, lino or tiles throughout your home (each with their own pros and cons) but if you want the absolute best in flooring, then timber is the one to focus on.
Timber floor installation has become more popular than ever, with a range of colours, grains and wood species to choose from. If you want strong, durable, sophisticated looking floors that compliment any home decorating style, then think no further than timber floors.
For visual examples of how great your floors could look with the addition of solid wood or engineered wood, check out the galleries of the top timber flooring Melbourne companies for inspiration.
Still not convinced? Let’s look at 5 reasons why timber flooring is best for your home.
1. Style
Timber is an excellent flooring choice for homeowners and renovators, as it adds a level of class and sophistication to any design style. A quick browse through the top design trends in Australia, currently shows that timber flooring is still the number one choice when it comes to interior decorating.
3 examples of design choices that incorporate timber floors are:
- Scandinavian Style – which incorporates natural materials, pastel coloured décor against white walls, and pale timber floors.
- Hamptons style – has become one of the most popular housing designs using shades of blue and white décor, timber moulding along hallways and stairs, and medium toned wooden floors.
- Industrial style – brings a clean yet edgy look with exposed brick, metal and wooden surfaces, enhanced by earthy, dark timber floors.
Regardless of your overall design vision, there is a timber flooring option to suit it perfectly. Seek the advice of a professional floor installation specialist, before deciding on the right timber flooring for your space.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Having timber floors installed in your home is actually one of the most environmentally-friendly flooring options available. Most of the top timber suppliers source their wood from sustainable plantation forests, ensuring the balance between human consumption, and nature stays in place.
Other flooring types such as lino and carpet, are far less durable, meaning more products and equipment will be used over time to care for them. These flooring types will need constant repair and replacement, and neither carpet nor lino are bio-degradable, which creates more landfill.
3. Durable & Easy Cleaning
Not only will your timber floors last a lifetime, but they are easily cleaned and maintained. Accidental spills aren’t a worry as they can be easily wiped up with a damp cloth. If you usually do a daily/weekly mop of your floors, make sure to dry them immediately. This will ensure to keep the polish or wood stain in perfect condition. Avoid using steam mops or bleach-based chemicals on your timber floors, as they cause the polish to deteriorate and wear away more quickly.
Timber floors only require re-sanding, and re-polishing every 5-10 years by professional timber floor installers. This process will bring your existing timber floors back to looking brand new, instead of having to replace them.
4. Allergen Free
For people who are prone to allergies and health problems, timber floor types are the best option for your family, and for your home. Carpet, lino and even tiles collect dust and harbour bacteria particles, which can exacerbate conditions such as asthma, eczema and hay fever. Liquid spills will soak through carpets and can cause mould growth, resulting in the inhalation of black mould spores, and a rotting housing structure.
Timber floors are a much healthier option as the polyurethane coating provides a layer of protection to stop the absorption of dirt and bacteria. The intricate grain systems of the wood also inhibit moisture absorption and the containment of dirt.
5. Increased Value
Being the most sought-after feature in a new home, timber flooring is worth the cost. For a feature room, or to be placed throughout the home, timber is your best, most stylish choice of flooring available. Houses on the market often fetch much higher profits if they have timber floors throughout, which guarantees you return on investment (ROI). Most people looking to purchase their next home will pick the house with timber flooring over one covered in lino, every day of the week. You can’t go wrong.
To Conclude
A home with timber flooring sets the stage for any style you wish to pair it with. From contemporary to gothic housing styles, and everything in between, there is a colour timber that will suit. For examples and advice, contact your local timber floor installers or timber floor supplier. They can help you decide which colours, and which wood species would best suit your new home or renovation.