Timber Flooring: The Sustainable, Stylish, and Smart Choice for Your Space
AUGUST 2023
In today’s current climate, finding visually appealing and budget-friendly flooring solutions is a priority. If you’ve been considering timber flooring but are concerned about the initial cost, it’s time to reconsider! While carpet may seem like a cheaper alternative, opting for solid timber flooring offers numerous long-term benefits. Not only can timber flooring last a lifetime, but it also contributes to a healthier indoor environment and is more environmentally friendly. Additionally, it adds a statement of style to your home. Although the upfront investment for timber flooring may be higher, it pays off in the long run. Ten years down the line, while you’ll be replacing worn-out carpet, your timber floor will still be going strong, proving to be a wise and durable choice.
What are the options available and accessible to you? It all depends on your needs and values! Let’s dive into it.
For those who value durability, longevity, and aesthetics, solid structural strip timber flooring is an excellent choice. It is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear and tear, making it reliable for high-traffic areas in residential and commercial spaces. With proper care and maintenance, solid structural strip timber flooring can last for decades, providing excellent value for what may initially seem like a significant investment. Its timeless beauty and natural warmth, showcased through rich grains, textures, and colors, create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere in any space. The ability to install it in various patterns makes it highly attractive to homeowners and designers who seek unique and customised flooring solutions.
If you prefer a less thick and non-structural alternative, solid overlay tongue and groove flooring is worth considering. Despite its thinner profile, it retains the inherent durability of hardwood. It can withstand daily wear and tear, including foot traffic, impact, and scratches, ensuring long-lasting performance. The tongue and groove installation system enhances floor stability by minimising movement and preventing gaps between the boards. This stability is particularly beneficial in areas with temperature and humidity fluctuations, reducing the risk of warping or buckling. The installation process of tongue and groove flooring is suitable for professional installers and experienced Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiasts alike. It is relatively easy to maintain and offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing flooring solution for various residential and commercial applications.
For versatility and eco-conscious individuals, engineered timber flooring is an excellent option. It features a real hardwood veneer layer on top of a structural sheet subfloor, providing the appearance of solid hardwood flooring with enhanced stability and moisture resistance. Engineered flooring is highly sought-after in environments with fluctuating moisture levels and areas with radiant heating systems. Its combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and installation versatility makes it another popular in both residential and commercial spaces.
If convenience is your priority, pre-finished solid tongue and groove flooring is a suitable choice. This option comes already finished and ready for installation. Characterised by solid wood construction, tongue and groove edges, and a factory-applied protective finish, it eliminates the need for on-site sanding, staining, or finishing. The pre-finished surface is easy to maintain, simply requiring regular sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional damp mopping. Pre-finished solid tongue and groove flooring provides a particularly tempting, hassle-free solution for those seeking convenience or facing tight renovation deadlines and who also want to elevate the look of their premises.
Another option is parquetry, which is a technique that uses small wooden pieces or blocks to create intricate and decorative patterns. It adds elegance and artistic flair to floors, walls, and other surfaces. Parquetry contains two subcategories: block parquetry and mosaic parquetry. Both styles require skillful installation by experienced professionals, resulting in visually stunning and durable flooring surfaces that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. Parquetry flooring is often associated with prestigious and luxury settings and is sought after for high-end residences, premium commercial spaces, and historical or heritage sites.
For environmentally conscious individuals, cork flooring is a popular choice due to its sustainable and renewable nature. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without causing harm to the trees, cork flooring offers comfort, softness, thermal and acoustic insulation, resilience, and moisture resistance. It is suitable for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while reducing noise transmission between floors.
For budget-friendly solutions, laminate flooring replicates the appearance of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or tile at a lower cost. It offers durability, moisture resistance, easy maintenance, versatile designs, and simple installation. While laminate flooring is affordable and durable, timber flooring still holds appeal for those seeking authenticity, natural beauty, and long-term value.
In some cases, a complete flooring redo may be unnecessary. Homeowners or individuals with existing timber floors may opt for sanding and finishing to enhance their floors. This process involves sanding the wood to remove imperfections and old finishes, followed by the application of a protective finish. Sanding and finishing can transform the appearance of aged hardwood floors, restore old furniture, repair damaged wooden surfaces, and customise wood finishes.
Timber flooring solutions offer numerous environmental benefits compared to synthetic competitors such as carpet or tiling. Timber flooring is a renewable resource, supports responsible forestry practices, has a lower carbon footprint, and promotes better indoor air quality. Unlike carpets or synthetic materials, timber flooring does not harbor dust mites, allergens, or harmful chemicals. This promotes a healthier living environment, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Furthermore, timber flooring weighs less than tiles, and possesses a superior fire rating compared to carpet, providing increased safety.
By choosing timber flooring from certified sustainable sources, such as ATFA-registered businesses, and considering factors like durability, installation requirements, maintenance, and environmental impact, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty and functionality of timber floors. Regarding economic considerations, research conducted by ATFA in collaboration with real estate agents has revealed that timber flooring can add up to 3% to the overall value of a property and are generally easier to sell, highlighting its long-term value and desirability in the real estate market.
In conclusion, timber flooring offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of solid timber, the affordability and versatility of laminate, or the eco-friendliness of engineered flooring, there is a timber flooring solution to meet various needs. When making a decision, consider factors such as durability, installation requirements, maintenance, and environmental impact. By carefully evaluating these aspects, individuals can select the ideal timber flooring option that aligns with their aesthetic preferences, budget, and sustainability goals.
For more information, to become a member of ATFA, or if you require any advice, please call ATFA on 1300 361 693 or visit www.floorchoices.com.au
