Masters Home Improvement

Timber flooring has a natural, contemporary look that’s hard to beat.  Not only is it hard-wearing and environmentally friendly, it adds character to a room.

With colours that range from a light honey to a dark, rich brown, a timber floor helps to keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter.

Timber types

Softwood floors are often made from pine and have unique patterns and colours. In low-traffic areas, this can add a light, breezy element to a room. Hardwood is the most common flooring choice and is made from tree species like blackbutt, ironbark, bluegum and mahogany. These floors are a more expensive option but are extremely hard-wearing and durable.

Engineered timber is made from softer timbers sandwiched together then laminated with a hardwood surface. It’s a very stable material, mid-priced and in some cases, can be snapped together without need of nails. Not only are engineered timber floors quick and easy to install but they can be walked on immediately.

Sizes

Hardwood timber flooring generally ranges in width from 80mm to 120mm though it’s possible to get boards up to 180mm wide. A wider board creates more of a seamless effect and can help to make smaller rooms feel larger. Wider boards are also much quicker to install as fewer boards need to be laid.

Finishes

All timber floors need a protective coating to keep them looking good and aid in maintenance. Polyurethane varnish provides a tough and waterproof finish but should only be applied in a well ventilated room. Water-based acrylic varnish emit far less fumes during applications and is a fast drying alternative.

A non-toxic option is to apply linseed or tung oil to bring out the grain of the wood while protecting it from moisture and humidity. Both oils need to be re-applied regularly which can be a time-consuming process.

Tip-top condition

To keep your timber floor looking its best, regular maintenance is a priority. Dusting, mopping and vacuuming stops grit and dirt building up and scratching the finished surface. Use as little water as possible when mopping and dry immediately in order to avoid raising the moisture content of the timber. Detergent is never a good idea and timber floor cleaner should be used in its place.

Timber floors are warm and inviting while being easy to clean and maintain. They add value to a property, are cost effective, versatile and look fantastic.  

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.