Choosing the ideal flooring material for your home is an essential part of a construction or property renovation project. Timber is one of the most durable materials that can add a naturally beautiful appearance to the home. It can be used to give the floors a contemporary, country, or rustic appearance depending on the type of wood and finishes that you choose. However, there are numerous types of timber out there today, and not all are suitable for flooring. Read on for some things you should have in mind when choosing timber supplies for your floors so that you can get the most out of the project.
Solid vs. engineered timber
There are two broad categories of timber: solid timber which comprises hardwood and softwood species, and engineered wood which is made up of various particles, fibers, or boards or wood products that are bonded together using adhesive.
Hardwood and softwood can both be used for flooring, but they have different properties. Softwood species include cedar, spruce, fir, and pine. They are low density and are lighter than hardwood, and this makes them a cheaper flooring option. Hardwood species include oak, mahogany, and teak. They are heavier, more durable, and more expensive than softwood.
Engineered wood is a durable flooring material that is neither as expensive as hardwood nor as cheap as softwood. The primary advantage of engineered wood is that its properties can be improved to give the wood moisture or water resistance, something that can't be achieved with solid wood unless it is finished. Engineered wood is particularly suitable for underfloor heating applications.
Style of the timber
Timber can be cut in various styles to give the floor a desired appearance, design, or feel. For instance, you can use two or three strip floor that makes the flooring look busy. If you want a less busy look, you can use wide timber boards for the floor. Wood planks can be accentuated on the edges to add style or installed plainly to create a flat surface. Assess your style and the look you want to give your floor then choose the ideal design, size, and accents for your timber.
Surface finish
Surface finish can significantly determine the durability and appearance of timber. When dealing with solid wood, you want to choose a finish that will provide water resistance and improve the wearing resistance of the floor. If you are installing the floor in high-traffic areas, you need to choose durable finish that will extend the durability of the floor. Finish can also give your floor a shiny, matte, or subtle look with low sheen. Have these issues in mind when choosing a finish to ensure that it delivers in terms of durability and aesthetics.
Installing a timber floor requires that you have the above issues in mind so that you can get durable, functional, and aesthetically appealing floors.
