If you’re renovating or thinking about taking the plunge and upgrading your Sydney home, there’s a good chance you’re looking for some new flooring solutions. There’s a big range of options out there, but timber is increasingly popular due to its unique cozy aesthetic, easy maintenance and undeniable charm. Homeowners and visitors feel grounded and at home among natural materials. Timber flooring, also called hardwood flooring, is also highly durable and versatile. This type of hardwood is often the ideal choice for houses in chilly climates primarily because wood doesn’t spike to extreme temperatures like tiles. In our sometimes very hot Australian weather, timber also ensures the floor remains cool.
Hardwood flooring’s secondary feature is the ease of maintenance. Although susceptible to moisture damage, the affected area can be easily replaced. If you’re buying a used property with flooring that has become dull over time, consider hiring specialists that offer professional timber floor sanding and polishing in Sydney to bring out the best in your timber floor. Rather than replace it with something artificial to give rooms a fresh look, consider polishing up something sold, real, durable and unique.
Maintenance of timber floorboards is not a big deal. Common household cleaning solutions like pine oil can be incredibly beneficial to keep the wood looking fresh. When mopping the floor, opt for one part of pine oil with another part of gentle floor disinfectant. The secondary agent can balance out the strong smell of the oil.
Types of hardwood flooring:
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Solid flooring
This is the traditional type of flooring commonly used in various types of construction. Solid timber flooring is made from a single piece of wood and is known for its durability and longevity. The best part of this flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished over and over, making it an excellent long-term investment. Although a bit more expensive than other types of flooring, it comes in various wood species, colours, and finishes to suit different interior design aesthetics.
- Engineered wood flooring
This is a type of layered flooring where the top layer of each plank is composed of a natural hardwood veneer while the base is a composite material like plywood. This type of flooring makes engineered flooring stable and more moisture-resistant than solid. This option is also more affordable and can be installed by being glued or nailed down. Like solid flooring, engineered wood flooring is available in various species, colors, and textures to suit every creative project.
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Laminate flooring
This option is composed of a high-density fibre board core with a top that mimics the look of real wood. Laminate flooring is another affordable alternative to solid wood. It is also highly durable and easier to install than the other types because it is lighter, thinner, and easily cut into place.
Choosing the Right Flooring
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Preparation before installation
Contrary to popular belief, hardwood flooring installation, regardless of type, is not instantaneous. Even laminate flooring, arguably the easiest to install, will take a few days to measure, prep, and install. Solid wood requires a minimum of three days to get acclimatized to the moisture conditions of the room/house. This will significantly depend on your requirement and regional climate variations. The doors, baseboard, and base moulding must be removed to ensure a good fit for the new wood. Furthermore, the sub-floor requires cleaning, levelling, and fixing of any creaks and squeaks. (These sounds occur because of cupping, warping, cracking, or gapping in the floor.)
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Installation Process
The room should be dust and debris-free; the contractor will likely install a dust control system to minimise any issues. The floor installation will depend on the type of flooring – glued, nailed, or floating. Once the primary floor is levelled, it must be sanded, stained, and finished to protect it from daily wear.
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Maintenance
Once your new flooring has been installed, you absolutely must follow a maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your hardwood flooring avoids damage from daily use and provides a long-lasting service to your home’s needs. As part of your daily process, sweep or dust mop the floor to keep it clean. This will also help you collect lint and other particles like dirt carried in from outside. Make it a habit to mop the floor once a month using a hardwood floor cleaner. You won’t require any further maintenance effort when your flooring is new. However, when the wear and tear starts showing, deep cleaning hardwood floors every few months can remove dirt and grime stuck to it and give them a longer life.
Note: Avoid using water, vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners on hardwood flooring. Instead, opt for cleaning supplies developed explicitly for hardwood floors. Also, avoid polishing the floor with wax, as this can damage the finish. Never drag heavy furniture on hardwood flooring, as it can cause cracks to develop, permanently damaging the wood, not to mention scratches.
Conclusion
Take the time to think about your needs, your budget (and the current floor you have) before deciding on the best timber flooring option for you. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to look amazing and worth all the effort in choosing and any little disruption during installation. Also, choose an experienced qualified timber flooring installer in Sydney to ensure an efficient and beautiful result you’ll enjoy for years to come
