Whether you’re planning to renovate your residence or build it from the ground up, your choice of flooring material can have unexpected effects beyond just the look of your home’s interior. 

The popularity of timber floors has risen over the years as homeowners began to realise the benefits of timber over carpeted or tiled flooring. In fact, according to the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), timber floors account for at least 25% share of the flooring market today, and this figure is steadily increasing.

Even with the popularity of carpets in the 1980s and 1990s, timber floors have never really gone out of style. As a natural material, it has a timeless elegance that appeals to most homeowners. In this short feature, we’ll talk about some of the other attractive qualities of natural wood floors that are driving the growth in demand for them.

Unlike synthetic flooring materials, natural timber biodegrades when disposed of. While there may be concerns about the environmental impact of using wood, current timber flooring options are produced with sustainability in mind. That’s why it’s recommended for homeowners to buy only from timber flooring Melbourne companies that are certified by the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). This will ensure that the products they’ll choose are responsibly sourced.

Solid timber floors can last hundreds of years with proper care and maintenance. Even if you managed to gouge and dent the floor, you only have to sand and refinish the surface, and then it’s good as new. You can’t say the same for carpets, laminates, or tiles that can easily break and will require a total overhaul if they are severely damaged. On the other hand, engineered timber floors may not last several hundred years, but it’s still a more durable option. In fact, since the top layer of each slat is made with real wood, you can refinish it just like solid timber.

Timber floors are easier to keep clean than other flooring materials. All you need is a vacuum cleaner or a broom and mop, and you’re done! If liquids like wine or coffee spill on the floor, you won’t have to worry about stains. You really can’t say the same for carpeted floors. Carpets are a nightmare for pet owners as well, especially if their dogs or cats are not yet potty trained.

Engineered timber floors are incredibly easy to install, accommodating a wide range of installation methods depending on the product. This is one aspect where engineered timber flooring outshines traditional solid timber, as the latter normally can’t be used as a floating flooring solution. Indeed, engineered timber flooring can be glued on or simply pieced and locked together through its tongue-and-groove mechanism. On the other hand, solid timber flooring typically has to be nailed or stapled down.

Whether you have a solid or engineered timber flooring, these materials age very well. The small scruffs and dents over the years only add character to the timber. It’s the same reason why reclaimed timber from old buildings is such a sought-after material for home renovations. Besides the charm of old timber, each piece is incredibly durable and can be used over and over.

Having great-looking timber floors can significantly increase the value of your home. According to ATFA estimates, you could be looking at an increase of 3% in your home’s value, while surveyed real estate agents pegged it at around 8% addition. In a study conducted by ATFA and RE/MAX network, it was revealed that 73% of the agents surveyed agreed that houses with timber flooring sold faster than those with other flooring materials. 

When you’re looking to update your floors, consider looking into timber flooring solutions. Not only do wooden floors add a rustic, old-world feel to any space, they also evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and calm for homeowners to enjoy.