Timber Flooring

Timber Flooring

Timber flooring is also known as wood or plank flooring where generally recycled or reclaimed wooden boards are installed to make flooring in home or office. There are many distinctive terms used for timber flooring because it is one of its kinds in flooring and have had been used from time immemorial in homes and offices.

Timber flooring is commonly also known as planking because it makes use of hard board wood planks. Planking is preferred over many other types of flooring due to the aesthetic appeal it provides to the interiors. The colour and types of wood used rely on the demand and budget of the customer.

Types of timber flooring

Hardwood flooring is known as tongue and groove flooring system which is installed for its wonderful durability and ever lasting beauty. The hardwood tongue and groove flooring is designed to be installed directly onto the floor or over concrete and also can be nailed onto the old wooden flooring. Types of wood installed have three grades i.e. select, natural and standard grades.

Parquetry Parquetry is another type of timber flooring which is hardwearing and can be avail in two styles that is mosaic and block. The two styles of parquetry are arranged in different patterns and features which customer desires. Different grades of wood are used in this style of flooring such as alpine ash, blackbutt, Tasmanian oak and many more.

Strip flooring Strip wooden flooring makes use of wooden planks arranged in narrow tongued and grooved hardboards which are nailed into the timber joists. Strip flooring is generally laid parallel to the length of the room.

Wood mosaic flooring Wood mosaic flooring is quite similar to wood block as arranged in herringbone or basket weave patterns followed by mounted on using aluminum foil in order to form panels. The mosaics installed are indeed very small with the thickness of 10 mm.

Laminate flooring Laminate flooring is altogether new to the wooden flooring as it only gives the illusion of wooden floor but quite cheap and durable than wood. Laminate timber flooring doesn’t subject to problems like contraction, checking and cupping.

Bamboo flooring Bamboos are considered durable, reliable and versatile for its strength when it comes to flooring and have become popular among customers. Bamboo are chosen more over timber because it grows faster than wood and most economical and environment friendly.

Installation of timber flooring

• Several steps have to be taken before installing wooden floor. It is important that the intended surface is made smooth and level before installation. The floor can be leveled up with some agent or sanded or filled to make it flat.
• Timber flooring is installed after the construction of home or renovation and several preparations done in home.
• The floorboards should be laid on the floor in randomly staggered configuration. Consider two factors to determine the direction in which timber has to be run. Firstly chose the longest wall and lay parallel to the wall, secondly make sure that some natural source of light fall on boards.
• Start measuring the width of the floor and ensure that measurement is taken wall to wall at right angle to run the board.
• Black builder’s plastic should be laid with the thickness of 0.2 mm which will act as barrier against moisture and seam must be covered with plastic tape.
• The underplayed flooring must be rolled so that every end and sides fit properly against the walls. Make sure the seams between lengths joins together from the end so as to avoid overlap.
• Place the board with groove side facing the wall followed by second board but before you do that, apply good amount of glue to the top of tongue of the end join so that the joints are firm.
• Last board is applied if necessary and a gap of 8 mm has to be left around the perimeter of all walls. Now start with second row using cut-off from the former row and continue in the same process until the installation completes.
• The final boards need to be cut lengthwise and to mark the width of cut, place final board on the top o last board. Make use of floorboard off-cut, slide the off-cut along the wall along the wall scribing with a pencil placed against the wall and cut off the board along the line.

Advantages of timber floor

• Being strong and durable wooden floor provides infinite benefits as it is as beautiful as any other designer flooring.
• Timber flooring can withstand huge traffic without replacement and minimal maintenance.
• It just needs to be re-sanded or re-polished to retain its original luster and finish.
• Eco-friendly and natural material which hardly requires energy during manufacturing.
• Timber is hypo-allergic which do not extract dirt and other allergens.
• Good insulator and hygienic
• Low maintenance

Disadvantages of timber flooring

• Expensive
• May loose its shine giving dull look
• Takes lot of time to set on the floor
• Sometimes slippery and dangerous