Tips for Selecting and Looking After Hardwood Timber Flooring
It's not surprising that many floor materials mimic hardwood in an attempt to replicate its beauty. For example, laminate, porcelain and vinyl attempt this using photographs and technology. However, these fake alternatives can't capture the authentic look and feel of genuine hardwood, which brings warmth and nature into a home. Here are several tips for selecting and looking after wooden flooring.
Selecting Timber
Hardwood offers a range of variables, and you need to drill down and decide about them. First, what species of wood planks do you want? Each has unique characteristics. For example, blackbutt flooring comes in a range of tones, including honey brown, blonde, and tan, with pinkish shades. It's relatively fire-resistant, making it a good choice in bushy areas.
Next, you need to choose a grade of timber. Premium-grade planks feature even grains and patterns without many flaws, such as knots. At the other end of the scale, you can select a character grade with more irregularity and a charming, rustic appearance.
Another consideration is the hardness of the timber species—each is ranked on the Janka scale. Higher-rated timbers are harder and won't scratch or dent as easily as softer woods. Blackbutt, for instance, is rated about nine on the Janka scale, which is a high rating.
Floorboard Width
Planks also come in varied widths, giving different looks. A floor with narrow planks will tend to look contemporary, while one with wider planks can appear more traditional. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, as the aesthetic will also depend on the colour and pattern of the timber.
Choosing a Finish
After you've chosen a timber species, you need to select a finish for the planks, with the two main options being polyurethane and oil. Polyurethane comes in a high-gloss or satin finish. While a shiny surface is attractive, it has drawbacks as it shows scratches more than a satin finish, which is more subtle and will wear better. Oil provides another possibility. It takes longer to dry, but if your floor develops scratches, you can easily rub some remaining oil over them to soften their appearance.
Maintenance
While timber is attractive and long-lasting, it needs care to maintain its appearance. Protect it from wear by sweeping or vacuuming it regularly to remove dirt, which is abrasive to the surface. Put mats at the entrance and exit of your house to catch dust, and also place rugs in high-traffic areas such as hallways.
If you are interested in blackbutt flooringF, or another type of timber flooring, contact a local service.
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