Timber flooring is a type of floor manufacturing using the wood devised for aesthetic or structural purposes. Wood is a popular option used in flooring, as it comes in various cuts, colors, and styles. Bamboo flooring is also sometimes referred to as timber flooring even though it is essentially made from bamboo which is a type of grass. There are numerous types of timber flooring, as one might guess, and here are some of the most popular ones:
Types of timber flooring:
Timber flooring can be broadly classified into the following types:
- Hardwood: As the name suggests, Hardwood timber flooring is made up of deciduous hardwood trees like Teak, Mahogany, Birch, Maple, Oak, and Ash. These trees take decades to grow and hence drive up their price. Even though they are more expensive than softwood, hardwood timber flooring is more sought after because comparatively, they provide higher durability and sturdiness. They last for more than a lifetime and can go through extreme wear and tear. They are also more resistant to fire.
- Softwood: Softwood timber flooring is made up of evergreen softwood trees like Fir, Spruce, Pine, Larch and Cedar. These trees grow relatively quickly and are priced on the lower side. Thus, Softwood timber flooring is an affordable option. They are mostly used to make furniture, homes, and cabins.
- Engineered: Engineered timber flooring is made up of many layers of HDF (High-Density Fibre-board) or plywood, as the center-board material. This is then covered with a top layer of a wooden lamella usually made up of oak, walnut, or larch. Because it is made up of layers, it is less prone to warping and shrinking in harsh weather conditions. They are easy to maintain and have no or little maintenance costs.
Benefits of using timber flooring:
In spite of the initial additional costs of timber flooring, they are hugely popular because timber flooring has numerous options for personalization. They’ve numerous advantages, which lends to them their popularity and here are some of them:
- Timber flooring is extremely durable. In most instances, they last for more than a lifetime. Hence, they are more cost-effective than carpets which might need to be changed every few years. Also, the look and feel of the floors improve over the years without any actual maintenance.
- It is easier to clean than carpets or another type of floorings. A light vacuum cleaner or a simple brush suffice for the maintenance of timber flooring. Also, damaged timber flooring can be easily repaired by a simple sand and seal.
- It is more hygienic than most floorings, as dangerous parasites cannot dwell in it. Allergy-inducing agents, dust, mites, are not present in timber flooring. Carpets trap unpleasant odors from spilled items or pets. Timber flooring does not have this problem. Instead, they exude the aroma of polished wood.
- Nowadays, the most sought after means of room heating is underfloor heating. Timber flooring makes it easier to install this facility which might otherwise be a cumbersome process in other flooring option.
- Wood has a great visual appeal. Other forms of flooring have been in and out of fashion with changing times. However, wood has always been a sought-after option for flooring purposes. Its popularity has only increased over the years and is now at its peak.
- Previously, wood was a type of flooring only affordable by the well to do families. However, now with the advent of latest innovations and technical advancements, production methods have improved and made wood an easily available option for all and an affordable option to choose.
Conclusion
Flooring is a cost-effective option for most homes. Most other forms of flooring require regular maintenance. Timber flooring is easy to maintain and can be installed with ease. Once installed, they last for a lifetime. The visual appeal and scopes for personalization it offers to add to the demand for timber as a flooring option.