Everything you must know about timber floor installation

Timber flooring is undoubtedly the number one choice for those after a neutral and natural aesthetic for their home.

While it is a key player in enhancing the final look and feel of your space, it is also a significant investment.

There are important factors to consider before you make the upgrade, to ensure that the outcome is satisfactory and serves your space well.

ITB floors has 40+ years of experience in timber floor installation in Melbourne. We have offered our expertise to many residential and commercial projects over the course. Here’s what we advise all our clients to consider before undertaking timber floor installation.

Which is the right timber for your space? 

There are several factors that can help you determine the right timber flooring for your home/office. For every unique requirement, there is a timber that serves it just right! 

Aesthetics of timber: colour & texture

First things first, if getting the aesthetics right is your top priority then start by considering the existing pieces of furniture and artwork that you already own to select a shade of timber flooring that will bind them all together. 

However, if you are starting with a blank canvas and are yet to source the furniture and décor – start by creating a mood board to understand how you’d like your space to look and feel. This will then help you select the shade that’s a fitting match for what you are after! 

Are you attracted to soft colors and rattan-esque furnishings complimenting a resort-style, minimalist vibe? Then the inexhaustible options in light-coloured timber are the way to go.

Or if you want to create an intimate and cosy space that’s warm and inviting at the same time – darker shades of timber such as mahogany and cherry will be a better match for you. 

The grain and texture of the timber you select also plays a role in adding to your overall aesthetic appeal. Smooth finish timber flooring complements the minimal, modern look – adding to the sleekness of the overall aesthetic of the room. Whereas textured timber flooring adds character to any room where it’s laid and works like magic in hiding scratches, pet hair and dirt. 

The shade you choose will also depend on various other factors, such as the purpose and size of the room, and how much access it has to natural lighting. Lighter hues can make smaller rooms open and appear bigger, while darker hues add warmth and can make a larger space appear snug. Rooms with plenty of natural light can accommodate dark-toned timber flooring without making them feel stuffy.  

Durability & longevity 

Flooring is not only an expensive upgrade, but also one which comes with the considerable hassle of temporarily displacing yourself and your belongings. 

So, if you are going to undertake the project, it’s necessary to put in the due diligence required in selecting the right timber flooring to install. 

Different timbers offer varying qualities and advantages. Some are more durable; some are easier to maintain, and some are both! 

High traffic areas, such as the kitchen, living room and office spaces require the floor to be sturdier and at the same time – dust resistant. Therefore, we recommend high-density wood for timber flooring installation in spaces likely to experience wear and tear quicker than others.  

Based on the Janka Hardness Test, which is used to determine the strength of a sample of wood based on how quickly it dents and wears down, timbers with a density of 8+ are considered high density. 

Examples of timber flooring of varying density