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Our homes can have characters depending on the style we choose for its interiors and exteriors. In particular, the floor is often the primary creator of the overall look of the house, which is why many homeowners pay due diligence in planning and choosing their flooring option. Many of the experts would often say that timber is perhaps the most ideal flooring for any home whether you are employing a modern theme or prefer the traditional. Timber floors rank high in appearance as well as in many other facets like health-wise and money-wise. Timber is considered to be the safest and most hygienic floor. It is also very durable, hardly requiring any replacement so you would be able to save considerably in the long run.

If you are very particular about your interior decoration, then pay attention to the choice you make especially regarding the color of your timber. Timber comes in varying colors depending on the species as well as the age of the wood. For most timber species, younger trees feature lighter shades that are also less dense. For instance, sapwoods’ new grown outer tree would showcase a brighter hue that is opposite the darker and harder heartwood that you would think the products come from two different trees. For sure, there are other variations with other factors at play so be prepared when the product you ordered may look somewhat different from what you have seen in a showroom, magazine or the online gallery.

As a diligent buyer, you also need to know about the treatment of the timber especially hardwood flooring. In Australia, there are various states that require for preservative treatment of all spotted gum products. This treatment is important as protection from termites and even long-term decay. However, the process may subject the tree to alterations in its wood tone. For example, a treatment may result in a grey or brown tinge that you have not anticipated.

Many of the critics of timber floors would often say that wood flooring is high maintenance for it can be easily scratched by high heels or children’s toys. This is true but you can opt for highly resistant timber flooring in order to save yourself the trouble and money on re-sanding and re-finishing. If you think that your home would most likely receive heavy traffic of big and small feet as well as furry ones, better invest in a more suitable timber product. Just remember the general rule, which is the higher the hardness grade of the tree, the more resistant it would be to scratching, indentation and even damage. This does not mean that softer trees would readily dent for it all depends on the species. This is why you need to do your research first on what species would be suitable for your particular requirements.

Another mistake that many homeowners readily assume is that a floor finish can significantly enhance the hardness of timber floors. It will just offer a stronger protective layer from superficial abrasion but not significantly so that it would alter the innate qualities of the wood. A floor finish will just help you achieve the look you want for your home, whether it is a glossy or matted floor.