Timber Flooring: Considerations When Whittling Down Your Options

Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice for homeowners as it provides you with timeless appeal and unmatched attractiveness. Nevertheless, the process of investing in wood flooring is not merely about buying the first option you come across. There is a wide assortment of options available to ensure you can meet your décor needs as well as find flooring that fits within your individual budget. Below are just a few of the considerations to bear in mind when whittling down your timber flooring options.

Unfinished timber vs. finished timber flooring

The first thing to keep in mind is whether you would like finished wood or the unfinished alternative. Unfinished wood flooring is especially ideal for homeowners who would like to use a custom stain on their flooring. This custom staining ensures that your flooring will directly match any existing timber floors you may already have in your home. Once the flooring contractors stain your unfinished timber flooring, they will then apply a protective coating that will prevent your timber from succumbing to moisture damage.

Finished timber, on the other hand, will come from the factory completely prepared. The wood flooring is sanded and sealed immediately after the manufacturing process. Finished timber flooring offers homeowners quick installation as there will not be any additional measures that need to be taken once the materials are in your possession. In addition to this, finished timber flooring would have the added advantage of not having to contend with any odours in the home from the staining.

Solid timber vs. engineered timber flooring

Another consideration to bear in mind is whether you would prefer solid hardwood floors or if engineered timber would be a better fit for your needs. Solid timber flooring, as the name suggests, is made up of solid planks of wood. This type of timber gives you the freedom to sand and refinish your flooring as often as you would want. Nonetheless, it should be noted that solid timber flooring is susceptible to moisture damage if you live in an area that experiences high humidity.

Engineered timber flooring, on the other hand, is made up of resins, plastics and wood chips. The addition of these extra materials makes the timber water resistant, so engineered timber tends to be more durable. The main drawback you would have to consider with engineered timber flooring is that it will not look as natural as solid wood. Nonetheless, the engineered timber comes in a variety of grain designs so you can choose what is most appealing to you preferences.


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