Say Yes to Timber Floors

Timber floors not only look great, they add value to your home and are so hard-wearing that they may even outlast the residents. They are easy to keep clean and don't retain dust like carpets do, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. But just what is meant by timber flooring? Not all timber floors are made of solid wood.

Yes, there are solid wood floors and these are quite expensive, but they last so long that it is worth the expense. A solid wood floor is made from planks of solid timber that is usually hardwood, but sometimes softwood is used. Timber absorbs moisture, so a solid timber floor is not suitable for use in a house or room that is damp or in humid conditions as it could warp.

The next choice is the semi-solid timber floor that is made from layers of plywood glued together with a thin veneer of solid timber over the top. These can be re-sanded and finished three to four times so will last between 20-40 years.

Engineered solid floors are similar to the semi-solid type, only every second strip of plywood is reversed, which helps to prevent warping. They are even more hard-wearing than the semi-solids and will last between 40 and 60 years. These are not so prone to the affects of humidity.

And if you want a floor that is simply a photograph of a timber floorboards then choose laminate flooring. It's true! The timber photograph is sealed between a clear plastic layer and a fibreboard base. The new laminates are better than the old and almost scratch-proof, though they may not stand up to a large, doggy friend.

Whichever timber floor you choose, be sure to get the biggest sample you can and look at it under all different lights, because it will probably look different depending on the light flow and the colours of the walls and furnishings.

Meg writes on a variety of subjects including the using timber flooring around your home and how to choose a timber floors to match your style of décor.