Timber flooring, also known as hardwood flooring, is a popular and durable type of flooring that is made from real wood. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want a beautiful, natural look for their floors that will last for many years. Timber flooring comes in a variety of colours, grains, and textures, which means that it can complement any interior design style, from traditional to modern.
Here is a look at why timber flooring is one of the most eco-friendly and healthy options out there.
Timber Flooring as an Eco-Friendly Option
Timber flooring can be an eco-friendly option if it’s sourced and manufactured sustainably. All our timber flooring is sourced this way and here are all the different ways in which this flooring option is kinder on the environment.
Renewable resource: Timber is a renewable resource, meaning it can be replenished naturally over time. If forests are managed sustainably, timber can be harvested without degrading the ecosystem or reducing the number of trees in the long run.
Low carbon footprint: Timber flooring has a low carbon footprint compared to other flooring options. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their growth, and this carbon is stored in the timber. Using timber for flooring can therefore reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
Biodegradable: Timber is biodegradable. It can decompose naturally without causing harm to the environment. At the end of its life, timber flooring can be recycled or used for other purposes, such as fuel for energy production.
Energy efficient: Timber is a good insulator and can help to reduce energy consumption in buildings. Timber flooring can help to keep a room warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the load put on heating and air conditioning systems.
Timber Flooring as a Healthy Option for Your Home
Timber flooring can be a healthy option for your home for several reasons:
Hypoallergenic: Timber flooring is hypoallergenic and does not trap dust, dirt, or pet dander, unlike carpet flooring. This makes it an excellent option for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Easy to clean: Timber flooring is easy to clean and maintain. A regular sweeping or vacuuming, followed by a mop with a mild cleaner, is usually sufficient to keep it clean and hygienic.
Non-toxic: Timber flooring does not emit harmful chemicals, unlike some synthetic flooring materials. It does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Durable: Timber flooring is durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. It does not need to be replaced as frequently as other flooring options, which can release dust and chemicals during the removal and installation process.
Warmth: Timber flooring can help to maintain a warm and comfortable temperature in your home, especially during the colder months. This can help to reduce heating costs and make your home a more comfortable place to live.
The health benefits of timber flooring can be maximised by choosing a high-quality product and ensuring that it’s installed correctly. We will take care of both of these avenues for you. If you are considering timber flooring for your home, it’s a good idea to consult with our professional crew to figure out what the right choice is for your specific needs and requirements.
Benefits of Timber Flooring for Indoor Air Quality
Timber flooring can have several benefits for indoor air quality, including:
Reduced indoor air pollution: Unlike carpet or vinyl flooring, timber flooring does not trap allergens, dust, or other particles that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. This means that timber flooring can help to reduce indoor air pollution and improve overall air quality.
Natural material: Timber flooring is a natural material. It does not contain harmful chemicals or emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. This makes it a safer and healthier option for indoor environments and living spaces.
Easy to clean: Timber flooring is easy to clean and maintain, which can help to reduce the build-up of dust and other particles that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Durability: Timber flooring is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand wear and tear. As a result, it does not need to be replaced as frequently as other types of flooring. This in turn means that you will have to go through the installation process fewer times resulting in less exposure to dust and other particles that can get kicked up during the installation process.
Timber flooring is a great choice for improving indoor air quality and creating a healthy and sustainable indoor environment as a result.
Timber Flooring and Allergies
Timber flooring is an excellent option for people with allergies as it does not trap dust, pollen, or other allergens like carpet or rugs can. Additionally, timber flooring can be easier to clean and maintain than other flooring options, making it less likely to accumulate these unwanted and harmful particles.
Here are some ways that timber flooring can benefit people with allergies:
Easy to clean: Timber flooring is easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or damp mop, which can help to remove allergens and other particles that can trigger allergies.
Low dust retention: Unlike carpet, which can trap dust and other allergens in its fibres, timber flooring has a smooth surface that does not trap dust or allergens.
Hypoallergenic: Timber flooring does not contain fibres or other materials that can trigger allergies. It’s a natural material that does not emit harmful chemicals or VOCs, which can also be beneficial for people with chemical sensitivities.
Better air quality: By reducing the amount of dust and allergens in the air, timber flooring can contribute to better indoor air quality, which can be especially important for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.
As such, timber flooring is a good choice for people with allergies, as it can help to reduce exposure to allergens and improve indoor air quality. However, some people may still have allergic reactions to wood itself or to the finishes or adhesives used in the installation of timber flooring.
Compared to carpet or other types of flooring, timber flooring does not trap dust, pet hair, or other allergens as easily. This makes it easier to keep your flooring clean and reduce the risk of allergic reactions or respiratory problems.
In addition to timber flooring, there are other flooring materials that can be good choices for people with allergies, such as ceramic tile or vinyl flooring. These materials are also easy to clean and maintain and are less likely to trap allergens. However, they are not as durable or good-looking as timber.
Timber Flooring and Chemical Sensitivities
Timber flooring is also a good option for people with chemical sensitivities, as it’s a natural and non-toxic flooring material. However, some finishes or sealants used on timber flooring can contain chemicals that may cause sensitivity reactions in some people.
If you have chemical sensitivities, choose a flooring that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air and cause respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues for people with sensitivities.
When choosing a timber flooring option, look for finishes that are low-VOC or VOC-free. Water-based finishes are a good option as they tend to have lower levels of VOCs than oil-based finishes. Additionally, choose a timber species that is naturally resistant to pests and decay, as this will reduce the need for chemical treatments. Most of our offerings produce almost no VOC. Our prefinishing process further ensures that no chemicals are released during installation or the useful lifetime of the flooring.
It’s also a good idea to have the flooring installed by a professional who is knowledgeable about chemical sensitivities and can ensure that the installation process is as safe as possible. Our crew is highly qualified and capable of helping you out with the installation. Proper ventilation during installation is highly advisable as well.
Timber Flooring and Noise Reduction
A low-noise environment is great for your health as it reduces stress and helps you to get a good night’s sleep. Timber flooring can offer some level of noise reduction, especially when compared to hard surface flooring options like tile or concrete. Timber flooring can help to absorb and dampen sound, reducing the amount of noise that travels through the space.
The level of noise reduction offered by timber flooring depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of the flooring, the type of underlay used, and the installation method. Thicker timber flooring with an underlay can provide better sound insulation than thinner flooring without an underlay.
When choosing timber flooring for noise reduction, consider the type of subfloor and the installation method. Floating floors, which are installed without being nailed or glued to the subfloor, can provide good noise reduction because they create a barrier between the subfloor and the timber flooring. Our range of prefinished timber or engineered timber is an excellent example of this. Choose a high-quality underlay to ensure the best results.
While timber flooring can reduce noise, it may not completely eliminate it. Other factors in the room, such as furniture, wall coverings, and ceiling materials, can also impact the level of noise reduction.
Foot-friendliness of Timber Flooring
The foot may not be the first body part people think of when speaking about health but a pair of pain-free and healthy feet goes a long way in improving your quality of life. Timber flooring is generally considered foot-friendly as it provides a natural and comfortable surface to walk on. Unlike hard surface flooring options such as tile or concrete, timber flooring offers some level of shock absorption, which can reduce impact on the feet and joints. Additionally, timber flooring has a warm and inviting feel underfoot, and can be more forgiving than harder surfaces.
To maximise the foot-friendliness of timber flooring, choose a wood type with the right level of hardness and resilience for the specific needs of the space. Softer woods like Victorian Ash or Tallowwood may not be as durable, while harder woods like Ironbark or Sydney Blue Gum may be more resilient but also more prone to creating a harder surface underfoot. One of our professional installers can help guide you in selecting the right timber species and finish for your needs.
In terms of maintenance, keeping timber flooring clean and free from debris can help prevent scratches and damage that could create rough spots underfoot. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help maintain the foot-friendly nature of timber flooring and extend its lifespan.
Low Maintenance and Durability of Timber Flooring
Spending less time cleaning and maintaining and more time making memories in your living space is an important facet of being healthy. Timber flooring is a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance requirements. However, the level of maintenance required depends on the type of timber flooring and the finish applied.
In general, solid timber flooring tends to be more durable than engineered timber flooring, as it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing it to last for decades. Engineered timber flooring typically has a thinner layer of timber on top and may not be able to be refinished as many times. However, we have tackled this by prefinishing the timber to a high quality. This removes the need for finishing on site during installation or refinishing once every few years while being just as durable as regular timber flooring.
To ensure the durability and longevity of timber flooring, choose a high-quality product and have it installed properly by a professional. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to prevent damage and prolong the life of the flooring.
In terms of maintenance, timber flooring generally requires sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove dirt and debris, and occasional mopping with a damp mop and a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.
Is Engineered Timber Flooring Better For Your Health And The Environment?
Engineered timber flooring and regular timber flooring both have their pros and cons when it comes to health and environmental impact.
Both types of flooring are generally considered safe, as long as they are installed and maintained correctly. However, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain types of wood, so it’s essential to do your research and choose a type of flooring that works for you. Engineered timber flooring offers a wider range of options and is better suited for people with very specific needs.
When it comes to the environment, both engineered and regular timber flooring can be sustainable choices. As long as they are certified by reputable organizations that confirm the wood used is harvested responsibly and sustainably, it should be good for the environment. Engineered or prefinished timber is again the slightly better option as it is manufactured more efficiently with less wastage of energy and raw materials.
FAQ
Is timber flooring good for indoor air quality?
Yes, timber flooring is a natural and non-toxic flooring material that can improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust, allergens, and other pollutants in the air.
Can timber flooring be a good option for people with chemical sensitivities?
Yes, timber flooring can be a good option for people with chemical sensitivities as long as low-VOC finishes are used and the flooring is installed safely.
Is timber flooring eco-friendly?
Yes, timber flooring can be eco-friendly if it’s sourced from sustainably managed forests or from reclaimed sources, and if low-VOC finishes are used. Additionally, timber flooring is a renewable resource that can be recycled or reused at the end of its life.
Does timber flooring provide noise reduction?
Yes, timber flooring can offer some level of noise reduction by absorbing and dampening sound, especially when compared to hard surface flooring options like tile or concrete.
What maintenance is required for timber flooring?
Timber flooring generally requires regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, and occasional mopping with a damp mop and a mild cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.
Is timber flooring durable?
Yes, timber flooring can be very durable, especially solid timber flooring which can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered timber flooring may have a thinner layer of timber on top and may not be able to be refinished as many times, but can still be durable if high-quality products are used and it’s installed properly.
What factors should be considered when choosing timber flooring?
Factors to consider when choosing timber flooring include the type of timber, finish, installation method, specific needs such as chemical sensitivities or noise reduction, and the environmental impact of the product. Choosing high-quality and eco-friendly options can help ensure a healthier and more sustainable home environment.
Conclusion
Timber flooring is an excellent choice for a healthy and eco-friendly home. Not only is timber a natural and renewable resource, but it also offers a range of benefits including improved indoor air quality, noise reduction, and low maintenance and durability.
When choosing timber flooring, consider factors such as the type of timber, finish, and installation method, as well as any other specific requirements you might have. By choosing high-quality and eco-friendly options, homeowners can enjoy the beauty and benefits of timber flooring while also contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Timber flooring is a timeless and versatile choice that can enhance the look and feel of any home while promoting a healthier and more environmentally conscious way of living.
Looking for a flooring option that will bring style and natural beauty into your home? Look no further than timber flooring from your local Carpet One store! Our selection of Australian hardwoods offers durability and timeless elegance, while our engineered timber options provide the same look and feel at a more affordable price point. Let our experts help you find the perfect timber flooring for your space and provide you with a detailed quote.
