What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Timber Floor?

We think the benefits of installing timber flooring far exceed any drawbacks.

Wood flooring is a timeless classic because it can be customised to any budget while providing a luxurious underfoot experience. We long for a home with hardwood floors because of its natural beauty and comfort.

You are likely drawn to this type of flooring due to its inherent air of sophistication. However, several modern flooring options are beginning to compare favourably to the timeless elegance of wood. Wood, on the other hand, can improve the mood of an entire room by lending an air of sophistication.

Wood floors are the greatest alternative if you want a style that can be easily incorporated into any design scheme. It adds a lot of personality and warmth to any house. Wood flooring is an elegant and trustworthy option for any setting, be it a home or an office.

Hardwood flooring & laminate flooring are two distinct types of wooden flooring. Here, nevertheless, are the undeniable pros and cons of the two options:

Hardwood floors are popular because of their high-end appearance and the sophistication they add to any room. The warmth and elegance of hardwood flooring add to the overall ambience.

Hardwood flooring offers benefits, but it also has drawbacks like any other flooring material. As a result, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of hardwood flooring before making a final decision.

Most homebuyers find hardwood floors to be a desirable feature. It adds to the home's resale value and may decide whether or not you purchase the property.

Hardwood flooring, like any other option, has benefits and drawbacks. We'll break down both parts so you can make an educated decision about your house. Check out Hitch Property Constructions for a wide range of balcony repairs.

The Pros and Cons of a Wooden Floor

• Hardwood floors are unrivalled when it comes to their enduring beauty and sophistication. It has a wonderful natural look, feels warm to the touch, and is of excellent value; furthermore, it ages nicely and develops a silver-grey patina. It is also timeless, never looking dated.
• Hardwood floors are the strongest and endure the longest of any flooring. They can withstand moisture and rain.
• Scratches of your hardwood floor can be readily fixed by sanding, grinding, or recoating the area. As a result, you won't have to spend money on new flooring just yet.
• A profitable expenditure: Putting in hardwood floors is a smart move because they raise the value of your property.
• Hardwood flooring is available in an overwhelming number of species, finishes, shapes, and colours. Unfinished & prefinished hardwood flooring are both available today.
• Hardwood floors are eco-friendly since modern timber harvesting techniques and regulations have reduced the number of trees cut down during manufacturing. Hardwood flooring that is environmentally friendly meets two additional criteria: it is made from recycled materials or wood with a low environmental impact.
• Because of advances in manufacturing technology, hardwood floors are now incredibly simple for homeowners to clean and maintain.
• Hardwood floors are preferable for allergy sufferers because they do not harbour allergens like carpets do, such as dust mites, animal dander, mould, and mildew. Problems breathing and these allergens bring on various allergies. Thus, if you have allergies, installing hardwood flooring is the solution.
• Ideal for placement atop a heated concrete slab from below using radiant heat: Radiant heated concrete is suitable for putting hardwood floors on. This can be done if the slab's surface temperature is below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Allows for direct concrete installation: A solid hardwood floor with a 5/16" thickness can adhere straight to concrete.

Hardwood Floors: Pros and Cons

While the upfront investment is larger than usual, it will last a lifetime and beyond with proper maintenance. However, traditional materials for floors, such as linoleum, laminate, and carpet, show signs of wear and tear rapidly.

In case you still haven't decided whether or not to have hardwood floors, here are five arguments in favour of doing so:

Investment for the future

Wooden flooring can last for millennia if they are properly maintained. Hardwood flooring costs more upfront, but they typically only have to be replaced after 20 years. Wood flooring is an excellent long-term investment because of its increasing value.

Considering your budget is essential when picking a new floor. Yet, today you can find wooden floors that fit any budget. Putting up wooden floors is a smart decision because they will last a long time and increase the price of your home.

Variety

When that comes to wooden floors, you may pick from a wide variety of styles. Pick the one that fits your time and budget the best. The fact that no two planks are exactly alike only highlights the wood's genuine character. You also can dye them if you get sick of the original hue. The flooring can be given a one-of-a-kind look by combining different types of wood.

There are several varieties of wood flooring to choose from, such as:

• Tigerwood, or Brazilian cherry
• Cypress, Australian
• Walnut Teak from Brazil
• Hickory Oak and Brazilian Chestnut (Red and White)
• A Santos Mahogany

Having timeless quality

Carpets and vinyl floors wear out over time, but wood floors may be refinished or resanded to look new. This restores the flooring to its pre-scratch condition while keeping the sheen and polish intact. Hardwood floors are more durable and age gracefully, making them a great investment.

Wooden floors are classic in design and never go out of style, so they never seem dated or worn. As this practice has long been common in private homes, you can anticipate high future cost and time savings.

Convenient and simple cleaning

If you frequently sweep, clean, and keep your wooden floors dry, they should last a very long time. Hardwood flooring does not conduct electricity. Hence, they are not as susceptible to collecting dirt and debris as other flooring types. Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable, and simple to care for. Changing to wood could be the greatest concern when you've got pets, while rugs are a major concern due to mishaps.

Clean air in the house

Hardwood floors are impervious to the growth of dust mites, spores, and fleas. As a result, animal dander, mould spores, and other allergens are prevented from entering. Accidents are less likely to happen at home than with other flooring types.

Allergy sufferers, especially those living in homes with children, are typically advised by specialists to install wooden floors. It's a great choice for people allergic to specific materials because it doesn't trap smells and is hypoallergenic. In addition, installing a heating system is an efficient and cost-effective way to warm up a room with wooden floors.

It's safer for infants.

Many children's houses have wooden floors. Its semi-character and lack of hazard make it ideal for infants who have just begun to crawl. In addition, their motor skills develop more rapidly on wood floors.

Hardwood flooring is the best since they require less work to keep up. Any blemishes on the floorboards can be painted over or sanded out. Hardwood flooring is common in homes with kids since toys and other tiny items can't be lost in the pile of a carpet.

Quality acoustics

There is less echo and reverberation on a hardwood floor. Wood flooring isis beautiful, but it can make your office sound like a cafeteria when working in a busy area. If you or your children play an instrument, however, you'll notice the difference in the fullness of tone.

Adds to your home's resale value

Wooden floors have a large initial investment, but they typically increase the value of a home. Hardwood floors are a popular choice because of their timeless beauty and the value increase they can bring to a home. As its texture improves with time, it ultimately offers a luxurious perspective.

Organic

Hardwood has gained appeal as the sole natural flooring option. Because of its biodegradability, wood flooring is a great option.

Putting in a wooden floor is one method to make your home greener and reduce environmental impact. It is safe to use and requires little upkeep.

Easy installation

Hardwood flooring is simple to install and may greatly improve your property's value if done correctly. The best course of action is to hire a professional to complete the job, as doing it yourself runs the risk of ruining the overall appearance.

Wooden planks are typically rather thick, making it possible to work with minor variations in floor height, but laminates do not lend themselves to this.

The clipped-together and readily removable flooring are the show stopper; you can take them when you move. Check out our range of timber repairs Melbourne at Hitch Property Constructions.

Consequences of Having Hardwood Floors

It's not common knowledge that wood flooring has drawbacks, but humidity and temperature changes can damage it. The wood expands in damp, cold temperatures and contracts in a dry, warm environment.

• Hardwood flooring won't prevent scratches or cover your animal's claw marks. It will have to be refinished frequently due to its fragility. Despite its durability, this wood is vulnerable to harm from everyday use and accidental spills of water.
• It's not a good idea for a complete soak: Hardwood flooring is not a good choice for a full bathroom because of its susceptibility to moisture and its tendency to pool water. In addition, if water spills from showers and bathtubs onto hardwood floors, the floorboards can distort and buckle.
• Requires constant upkeep: If the floor sees heavy foot traffic, polishing it once every between three and four years is necessary. If you live in a particularly termite-prone location, you'll also need to take steps to make your home resistant to these pests.
• Water entering our home and pooling there might ruin your beautiful hardwood flooring. Be careful not to let water drip down your hardwood floors when you mop.
• Hardwood floors don't muffle outside noise as carpet does because they're too rough and echo too much. Hardwood floors can therefore transmit a variety of sounds, such as the clickety-clack of a lady's high heels or the pounding of small children's and pets' feet. Rugs on hardwood floors are a must for noise reduction.
• Avoid installing this below ground: Hardwood flooring is vulnerable to dampness. Therefore, it's not a good idea to install it poorly.
• If you're installing hardwood flooring for one room as well as another type of flooring in the next, you may also need to install transition strips to smooth over the height difference.
• Hardwoods can swell or shrink depending on the relative humidity and temperature. But if you keep your house at a steady temperature throughout the year, you won't have to worry
• about this issue.
• Unfriendly to pets: Hardwood floors aren't a good choice for households with dogs since they are too smooth for the animals' paws to walk comfortably on. They will thus continue to slide and slip every few minutes.
• Is it freezing in your home? In the winter, your floor may be uncomfortable if a cold draught is continually entering your home. You want a comfortable place to live, though. That means you shouldn't use hardwood in your house.
• Hardwood flooring is more costly than other materials for this purpose.
• The advantages and disadvantages of hardwood flooring have been laid out for you, so you can make a well-informed decision about whether or not to install it in your home. Consult
• experts, do your research, and think carefully about the consequences of each option before settling on one. When you do, you'll be able to see the benefits of hardwood flooring alongside its inherent beauty and richness. And since you're only going to get older, you should go for what's low-maintenance and convenient in the long run. As you probably already know, everything else is irrelevant.

We've compiled a list of ten disadvantages of hardwood flooring:

Cost

Wooden floors are significantly more expensive than carpets or tiles. So, this may not be a feasible choice for everyone. The installation of hardwood flooring is more difficult since it is typically laid over sub-flooring. The price of expert assistance might vary widely.

Easily damaged by termites

Most contemporary buildings avoid using wood which could be a food source for termites. Spruce, as well as southern yellow pine, among many others, are susceptible to these infestations. To avoid such issues, selecting the appropriate wood species is crucial. Keep an eye out for cracks in the floor, as termites often eat through a piece of wood from the inside.

If you tap the floor with only a screwdriver and hear a hollow sound, termites have likely created cavities there. Wooden floors that termites have weakened often generate a squeaking or creaking sound when they move.

Avoid water.

Mopping the floor is acceptable, but the wood should not be soaking wet afterwards. In the event of seepage, the hardwood flooring will be ruined. While washing the surface, gentle cleaners are recommended.

Scratching

Dents and scrapes are common issues with wooden floors. Hence, you should use caution. Yet, there is still a danger that spills would leave stains on the floor. This is why you should be especially cautious around kids and animals. Hardwood floors are more visible imperfections than their softer counterparts.

Seldom used

Not every room in your house should have hardwood floors installed. Because of the great risk of damage from moisture and spills, we do not recommend having it put in either the kitchen or bathroom.

Cupping

This is because the wood has progressively expanded in response to the presence of moisture, making the board's borders higher than its centre. Hardwood floors are porous, so it's best to prevent accidents with water.

Hardwood flooring undergoes compression when the wood expands due to the near proximity of the boards. The board's edges are harmed because of the enlargement.

Crowning

The opposite of cupping, occurs when the centre of the board rises over the edges. When the relative humidity is high, this occurs. If you begin sanding the edges after noticing cupping, but before the wetness has dried, you will end up with crowning.

If you don't give the wood some time to dry out after sanding the edges, the middle of the board will start to rise (crown).

Moulds

Water seepage should be suspected if there is evidence of moulds or fungi. They thrive in moist environments and can often be found in the cracks between the floor's top and bottom layers. When the moulds grow and eat away at the hardwood floor's finish, you may notice them.

If mould starts to spread too much, you may need to replace the wood. Avoid creating a breeding environment for mould by taking care to prevent water seepage when caring for hardwood floors.

Noise

As once mahogany flooring is installed, you'll have a sturdy, noise-free surface on which to work or relax. However, during a few decades of usage, the wood flooring might become damaged in spots due to severe wear and tear and foot traffic. This can result in noises like clicking and creaking as you walk. In addition, the people living below can find it very annoying if you reside in an apartment.

High maintenance

Every three to four years, at the very least, and more often in high-traffic areas, you'll need to give them a good polishing. Dust and dirt can diminish the floor's appearance and scratch the surface if not removed regularly.

Only a microfiber mop cloth and sprays specifically designed for wooden floors should be used to clean the floor. Make sure your vacuum includes a brush roll on/off switch if you plan to clean hardwood floors, and avoid scratching the floor by leaving the brush roll (normally used for carpets) engaged. We have a wide range of external waterproofing services at Hitch Property Constructions.