An increasingly popular choice for Australian homes, timber flooring offers many advantages over other materials – not the least of which is it’s appearance. In this blog, we have invited some reputable timber suppliers to share 11 of their favourite advantages in the hopes of helping you to reach a decision that suits your home.
- Acoustics
Timber also has very good acoustic properties. If your children play instruments or you’re a music lover, for example, you can rest assured that the sound quality will be clear. Wood prevents that hollow sound in the room, which is common with materials like carpet. It also helps to insulate against noise travelling.
- Colours & Styles
Timber is very versatile – whether you prefer a modern-looking home or a more vintage one, it’s possible to find a style to match. This flooring comes in a variety of colours, styles, patterns and species. Keep in mind that light coloured wood is better suited to rooms that are small and dark, whilst darker colours can make the space more stylish.
- Durability
One of the biggest advantages of timber is its longevity and durability. It is incredibly strong, with the ability to withstand wear and tear for years. Quality flooring has proven to last longer than 20 years, which is why you will often see period homes still with their original floors – an incredible feat in this day and age.
- Ease of Installation
Many timber suppliers report that this type of flooring is fairly easy and straightforward to install. Whilst it is possible to handle the installation yourself, we recommend hiring professionals to ensure it goes off without a hitch. The nature of hardwood means that it’s very forgiving when it comes to needing a flat subfloor.
- Easy to Clean & Maintain
You won’t need to do more than regularly wipe down and mop your flooring, as well as the occasional vacuum, to keep it in good shape for years to come. Timber is nowhere near as high maintenance as other materials, particularly carpet (which can be a nightmare to clean when it comes to spills and the like).
- Healthy & Hygienic
Unlike carpet (which traps dirt, pet dander and other particles), timber flooring doesn’t allow airborne allergens to accumulate. As such, it’s recommended for those who suffer from allergies. Daily sweeping and vacuuming will take care of any hair and dust that does accumulate, providing you with high indoor air quality.
- Organic
It might seem counterproductive, but if you care about the environment and creating a sustainable home, timber is actually the ideal choice. As it originates from nature, it actually has a fairly small carbon footprint – when recycled correctly. On top of this, its toxicity levels are very low, making it a safe choice.
- Premium Appearance
If you’re looking for a first-class look and feel for your home, no other type of flooring even scratches the surface. Although some man-made materials are engineered to mimic the texture and pattern of various wood species, they’re nowhere near as authentic as hardwood – nothing else can compare.
- Refinished
No longer happy with how your timber looks or has it become damaged over time? Good news – you can give it a facelift by simply sanding and refinishing it! This will save you a lot of time and money, not to mention the hassle of buying new flooring. Do this every 10 years or so and watch your floors last even longer.
- Value Adding
Although the upfront cost of timber is high, it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run. One of the main reasons for this is that it actually adds to the resale value of your home. In fact, a house with wood flooring tends to be sold faster – and at a higher rate – than those without. You can’t argue with that logic!
- Warmth
If you’re looking for flooring that feels warm underfoot in winter and remains cool in summer, timber is the ideal choice. This is because it’s a good natural heat insulator, meaning that it keeps the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. Plus, there is nothing quite like the natural knots and whirls underfoot.
If you’re trying to decide whether timber flooring is the right choice for your home, we hope that the advantages outlined above have helped you make up your mind. Do not hesitate to speak with a timber supplier should you have any other questions – we are more than happy to help you reach a decision that works best for you.
