Important Tips for Choosing the Right Timber Flooring
Posted on: 12 April 2016
Timber flooring is very durable and has a classic look that lasts for years and that goes well with any décor; you can usually change the paint color on the walls and swap out all your furniture for an entirely new style without ever thinking about changing your floors when you choose timber flooring. One drawback to timber flooring is that there are so many options, this might make it difficult to choose the right timber and the right type of installation. Note a few important tips and factors to consider when you're ready to have timber flooring installed in your home.
1. Floating floors
Floating floors are not applied directly over a concrete slab or a subfloor, but there is usually a layer of foam applied first, and then the slats for the floating floor are snapped together, keeping them in place. This type of floor is good for homes with uneven floors, as the timber slats for the floating floor may simply shift with the surface underneath them, rather than cracking and buckling. Another advantage is that the foam under the floating floor may allow for more noise insulation, making them a good choice for an upstairs or for when you simply want to cut down on the noise of foot traffic.
2. Eco-friendly options
If you're concerned about how choosing timber floors may affect the environment, look for "sustainable" choices. This would be wood that is taken from forests created just to support the construction industry, or it may include recycled and reclaimed wood. There are also timber choices that grow more quickly than others, such as bamboo versus mahogany, and these can be a better choice for anyone who wants to avoid contributing to deforestation with their timber floors.
3. Grade
When choosing timber flooring, you may notice that slats are given a grade. This refers to how many "defects" there are in the wood, including veins and knots. These grades may vary in their terminology; usually "select" may have the fewest veins and knots, whereas "rustic" or another similar term may have the most. When choosing the grade for your timber floors, note that you may actually appreciate these "defects," as veins can give the timber some color and knots can add visual interest. If you're adding new floors to a cabin or vacation home, choose the lowest grade or most rustic option available; this might also be a good choice if you're going to paint over the timber floors. Don't assume that a higher grade is automatically better, as you need to choose the timber flooring that works for your preferences in your home.
For more information about your options for flooring timber, contact a local flooring contractor.
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