Timber flooring has been around for a long time and is one of the most popular types of flooring material. It offers a sense of comfort and warmth that no other flooring materials can duplicate, but did you know that it offers other benefits as well?
Here are 10 interesting facts about timber flooring:
1. Wood floors are a greener choice
When it comes to sustainable flooring for your home or business, timber is a great choice. While manufacturers are trying their best to come up with environmentally friendly alternatives, there’s still nothing that beats the sheer versatility of timber. Here are some important things to keep in mind when comparing the sustainability credentials of different flooring products.
- As a natural resource, wood is renewable. This means that it can be grown sustainably and harvested without depleting the earth of its natural resources.
- It’s an environmentally friendly material which doesn’t require large amounts of energy to produce or harvest (as opposed to synthetic materials such as laminate and vinyl).
- Timber floors will last longer than other flooring solutions on average – meaning less waste over time!
- It can be recycled into other useful items like paper pulp or compost at end-of-life!
- It is biodegradable so if you choose not to recycle it then it will break down naturally over time without causing harm.
2. Flooring will change color over time
It’s important to note that timber, especially in its natural state, is a living material that will change color over time. For instance, exposure to sunlight will darken the timber, as well as exposure to water and chemicals. Foot traffic also causes changes in the flooring surface while direct heat source can cause drying out and cracking of your timber floors.
3. Pre-finished wood floors can last nearly a lifetime
Wood flooring can last a very long time. Engineered wood floors can last up to 100 years and solid wood floors can last up to 150 years if they’re properly maintained. Pre-finished hardwood floors are sanded, sealed and finished in the factory before they are installed in a home. It’s important to re-seal pre-finished hardwood floors at least once every ten years, or sooner if you notice any scuff marks on your flooring.
4. Make your room look spacious
If you want to make your compact room appear larger, choose lighter colors of wood (e.g. oak or maple).
To achieve the opposite effect, dark colored woods will make a large space feel more intimate and warm (think merbau or jatoba).
A floating floor requires less maintenance than a traditional installed wooden floor, so you can relax after installation!
5. No two floors are exactly alike
Knowing that no two floors are exactly alike is key when selecting new flooring. Your floor will be unique to you, and your design options should reflect that.
While the grain of the wood may be consistent from board to board, nature creates a wide range of colors within the same species. Even when adjacent boards come from the same tree, there will be variations in color and even grain patterns. These variations are what make wood such a desirable material for your home’s interior design.
6. Easy to clean
Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and grit from the surface of your timber floors. This will prevent scratches from forming on the surface of the wood as well as make cleaning easier later on.
Sweep the floor with a dry dust mop and vacuum cleaner before mopping with water; this will remove any dirt or debris that may have been left behind after sweeping up loose particles such as dust and hair strands from your hands while vacuuming them out of sight under furniture pieces like tables chairs sofas etcetera (and don’t forget about those pesky little cobwebs in corners). Cleaning these spots first ensures there won’t be any leftover food crumbs or other crud left behind when using wet cleaning methods which could potentially cause mold growth!
7. Wood floors can improve indoor air quality
You may be surprised to know that wood floors can actually improve indoor air quality. If you suffer from allergies or live in a dusty area, you should consider switching to hardwood flooring. Research has shown that hardwood floors can reduce airborne dust by as much as 80% and pollen by 90%. Carpet, on the other hand, attracts and traps both of those particles and holds them tight. That is why it is important to choose a quality carpet that is easy to maintain, and you can do that thanks to brands such as Carpet Right. Wood floors are also less hospitable than carpet for mold spores, the ultimate allergen culprit.
8. The hardness of the wood
You may have heard that hardwood floors are a popular choice in homes. But did you know they’re more durable than many other materials, easier to clean and maintain, and considered more cost effective long-term?
This is due in large part to the Janka Hardness Scale (Janka Hardness Scale). This scale is used by flooring retailers and anyone interested in comparing wood on a hardness level. This scale measures the force required to drive a .444″ steel ball into wood to half of its diameter. The higher the number, the harder the wood material. The most common wood type used for flooring is oak. , ranging from red to white.
9. It adds value to your house or building
If you are planning on selling your home in the future then installing timber flooring will help increase its resale value by adding elegance and luxury to any room where it is installed- even bedrooms!
10. Timber works with any style
Timber floors have been used in homes around the world, whether they were built in the 1800s or yesterday! There’s no limit to how you can use timber floors in your home design, offering both classic appeal and modern flair in nearly any application.
Wooden floors are always a good solution!