The Appeal of Wood Flooring
When embarking on a home renovation, one would realise that several structural foundations in a home will underpin everything else. One of these basic yet important foundations is the floor. This decision can make or break the ability of a homeowner to bring to life the design style of their dreams. Of the many things to note when choosing your flooring, its material plays a key role in setting the stage, before other elements can be built upon it.
From wood to vinyl and laminate, there are various types of flooring choices that you can select based on the aesthetic appeal and needs of your home. In this article, we look at the wide appeal of wood floors, the various types, and maintenance requirements to help you make a more informed flooring choice for your home.
Why Choose Wood Flooring for Your Home in Singapore?
It is said that “Wood is universally beautiful to man.” As a material that has been used to beautify homes for centuries, it is no doubt that wood flooring can add warmth, sophistication, and timelessness to your humble abode. Praised to be one of the holy grails in the interior design industry, its long list of benefits leaves designers unfazed. A reason why it is one of the go-to choices lies in the fact that there are many variations of the material, with different stains and types that will complement any home decor.
Types of Timber Flooring in Singapore
Solid Timber
Solid Wood Flooring | HDB Flooring
Solid wood is thick chunks of actual timber with organic grains engraved into each plank. The flooring thus naturally adds texture, appeasing aesthetically motivated homeowners. These planks of timber also acquire a warm patina with age, adding dimension to your interior space with every passing year.
If you are looking for floors that will be your ultimate ride or die, solid wood plank flooring will not disappoint. Due to its thickness, it lasts for generations. Easily repairable with sanding and refinishing, solid timber will make for a luxurious abode that will never go out of style.
Engineered Wood
What is engineered wood flooring? The term “engineered” tends to frazzle some, but it is simply a thin top layer of hardwood compressed with other layers. It has high dimensional stability due to treatment processes each plank goes through during production, making it impervious to drastic weather changes like that of Singapore. And since these planks are glued directly onto pre-existing floors, you will not have to worry about levelling issues.
Another benefit of engineered wood is its variety of colours and finishes. From FloorTop to Savannah engineered collections, this type of floor radiates with the authenticity and beauty of solid timber, all while providing structural stability. As a versatile floor material available in different thickness and a spectrum of colours from light to dark timber, this cost-effective and easy-to-install flooring type will tick boxes off your checklist.
How to Maintain Your Wood Flooring
As with every floor type, a maintenance routine is required to keep it looking spick and span – timber flooring in Singapore is no exception. Being durable and hard-wearing, a few simple steps would suffice in keeping them in pristine condition for years to come.
1. Daily Sweeps & Weekly Vacuuming
A quick run through the house with a broom or vacuum will do wonders. As simple as it may sound, removing dust, fur, or dirt will prevent accumulation between the grooves and planks of timber. Vacuuming the space will ensure that every nook and cranny of your home is free of tiny abrasive debris that may rub against the floor and leave minute scratches.
2. Monthly Dry-Tacking
After the debris has been removed, you can do a monthly deep clean with an appropriate liquid wood cleaner. Ensure that the mop is damp and not soaking wet so that water is not concentrated in the area. Should there be excess liquid on the surface, wipe it clean immediately.
3. Yearly Inspection
Although you should be inspecting your floors more frequently for any discolouration or indentation, a yearly inspection by a professional will do it some good. Have someone assess the health of your floors and recommend ways of keeping it in tip-top condition.
4. Refinishing
Whether you are looking to update the appearance of your floors with a new stain or fix little imperfections, refinishing will give your home a new lease of life. Through the process of sanding, staining, and coating, your home will have a completely new look without much effort.
If you are not sure about the best wood flooring for your home, reach out to our experts in Singapore who will advise you on the best floor type according to your needs and wants.
