Australians have long had a love affair with timber flooring. It became a practical choice for new homes because the material was abundant and easy to access, providing warmth in winter and is relatively cool underfoot in summer.
Picture: Touch of Class Flooring
Timber is also durable and can take a beating, in some cases it develops a beautiful patina with age.
It has the ability to stand the test of time. With proper maintenance, timber floors can look fresh for many years.
These days there are more options than just the timber that is locally abundant and Australian designers are increasingly incorporating lighter-coloured timbers such as oaks into their designs.
Picture: Touch of Class Flooring
If you’re considering investing in timber floors, there’s a lot more to consider than you might imagine.
Once you have picked a timber that works with your budget and complements the rest of your interior decor scheme, you will need to consider how it will be laid.
Parquetry and clever designs such as herringbone and fishbone patterns are popular choices at the moment and it’s easy to see why.
But if these options take your fancy, you can expect to pay more for installation. Experts agree it’s an investment that will pay off, particularly if resale value is something you need to keep in mind. Timber flooring laid in a beautiful design can massively boost the value of your home.
Picture: Octagon Timber Flooring
Picture: Octagon Timber Flooring
If you’re looking for something that’s a bit unusual, another option is to consider the treatment of the floor.
Timber can be stained to a dark colour, even black is possible, or you can treat it with a white wash to give a soft beachy vibe.
Some companies offer the option to include decorative inlays to complement your timber floor and add a lot of visual interest. Incorporating decorative elements to a living room can transform the space to make it memorable and truly unique.
Picture: Octagon Timber Flooring
If you’re worried about the wear and tear on your floor – of particular concern for pet owners or people who live in areas where the external environment might get constantly trampled inside – you don’t have to abandon the idea of timber on the floor.
Modern vinyl planking is extraordinarily durable and often looks almost identical to the real thing.
