If you have decided to invest in timber flooring for your home, then you may have several questions in your mind, regarding which one would be the best option, the products that will be required for the process of installation, and how to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the wood for a long period. Well, to answer your queries, this article unravels the frequently asked questions about timber floors, along with the important elements that homeowners must be aware of before installing them.
Know More About Installing Timber Flooring
Before diving into the details, let us focus on a few basics that are related to timber flooring and these are given below:
1. What is the timber flooring?
Timber floors are engineered floors that consist of three independent layers and a secured finish. With proper selection of materials along with the right amount of moisture content (naturally found in the wood), the floors guarantee maximum durability and strength.
The different layers of timber floors are:
- Face layer: This is available in various shades and designs, and the surface of this layer is often sanded during the renovation.
- Core Layer: The core or middle layer provides durability and stability to the floor. It absorbs the excess stain and stress, keeping the floor the way it is in every condition.
- Backing Layer: The backing layer is meant for prevention of wrapping or cupping, keeping the floor good as new for a long time.
- Finishing Layer: The finishing layer safeguards the timber flooring from stains, scratches, wear, and simplifies maintenance.
2. Where should you install timber flooring?
You can install timber flooring in any part of your home, however, it is often recommended to avoid them in areas that are prone to moisture like bathrooms as this can affect the structural integrity of the floor. Apart from that, you can have them in any place to add a much-needed splash of warm earthy colors and a natural look.
3. What is Janka hardness for timber flooring?
Janka hardness refers to the measure of how dense and hard the timber flooring is. This code of measurement was created to analyze how well different species of timber can resist wear and dent. A golden rule of thumb is that the more the Janka number is, the better the hardness of the timber wood will be.
Installation and Maintenance Questions Answered
Apart from the flooring itself, homeowners often have many questions about its installation and maintenance, and these include the following:
1. Should the underfloor be leveled properly, prior to installation?
Majority of the timber flooring can be installed on subfloors that are not in a perfect state. You can easily get away with the underfloor having high or hollow spots or no more than three square meters. But, anything beyond that should be leveled for effective installation. At the end of the day, the leveling compound would transform poor subfloor into a perfect one, so the expense will definitely be worth it.
2. Can you install timber flooring in your kitchen?
Yes, you can install the floor in your kitchen, but do place a rug near the sink or other appliances such as the dishwasher, after installation. This is because even the slightest moisture when left unattended will deteriorate the quality of timber floors.
3. If the floor gets damaged areas, can it be repaired?
A major benefit of the timber flooring is that it can stand the test of time beautifully. But, in case of minor cracks, simple touch-ups every now and then would do the trick. This means you can opt for repair services whenever required.
Now that you have the answers, give the aesthetics of your home a facelift with the best timber flooring solutions and notice the amazing difference that it can make.