For the home improvement shopper, the world of flooring can be a bit intimidating. With so many varieties, how does one choose? Keep it simple and try natural timber, which is becoming one of the most popular styles of home flooring available.  Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping.

Uniqueness of Floating Timber Floors

What are floating timber floors? Simply put, it’s a floor that is not attached in any way (e.g. by glue or other substance) to the primary foundation. Floating timber floors have a “plug and go” quality in that they can be placed over the existing floor, concrete or tile in the home. Homeowners just have to ensure that the floor is even before placing the floating timber planks. Laying floating timber over existing flooring also provides an extra layer of noise insulation.

When shopping for floating timber flooring, know that there are two basic types: real and artificial. There are pros and cons to both. True floating timber flooring is a combination of hardwood pressed with a thicker fibreboard base. It comes finished, so adjusting for evenness is not a concern. If needed, it can be sanded down for a desired effect, but it is suggested not to do this too often due to the thinness of the natural wood on top. Artificial floating timber flooring is basically a laminate veneer overlay. Laminates are constructed to look exactly like real hardwood and require lower maintenance. Regardless of the choice, both real and artificial floating timber flooring come ready to instal.

Pros and cons of floating timber floors

What are the benefits of floating timber floors? For one, they can be a huge cost savings compared to true professionally installed timber flooring. If you are so inclined, try out your construction skills and instal them yourself! Timber flooring can add natural beauty to every room of your home, but is best used away from wet areas. You have your pick of wood types including cedar, oak and pine.  

Floating timber floors also offer flexibility, meaning that they have natural “give” to the wood. Over time, this reduces sagging and unattractive gaps that can sometime form in other wood flooring. These floors are actually designed to have small gaps that give the wood room to expand and contract.