Timber flooring can add an element of luxury to the home, and possesses many benefits as an alternative to other types of flooring such as carpet, tiling or stone. There are many different varieties of timber that are designed for use as flooring, each with its own unique characteristics.
Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered timber flooring consists of three or four wood layers running in different directions, which are glued together to create a plank. By having several layers within one floorboard, the plank is able to withstand various changes in humidity or room temperature, as it doesn’t expand and contract. Intrinsically, these properties mean that engineered flooring combines the look of a solid floor, with the stability of a laminate, giving you the best of both worlds.
Laminate Flooring
Designed to appeal to your eye and your wallet, laminate flooring consists of compressed fibreboard which is covered by a protective layer featuring a photographic representation of wood. This hardwearing floor is both cheaper and easy to install, whilst allowing you to pick from a variety of designs. If you’re looking for a wholly authentic look, laminate flooring doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head compared to alternatives, but its durability and flexible usage options make it a winner if you’re on a budget.
Solid Timber Flooring
Unlike an engineered solution, solid timber flooring is made from a single piece of wood and is naturally affected by changes in climate, which can cause the wood to swell and/or shrink. As a result, this type of flooring is best laid in areas where there is a relatively consistent climate, such as a living room or hallway. A solid timber floor ensures an unsurpassable attractiveness that other flooring options might struggle to achieve.
Bamboo Flooring
Although bamboo is technically a grass, its characteristics aren’t too dissimilar from hardwood engineered or solid timber flooring. Bamboo flooring is available in two different styles; traditional and strand weaved. Naturally, strand woven is much more durable than traditional bamboo and boasts a higher hardness rating than timber, making it an ideal choice for those requiring flooring that’s easy to maintain.
Champion Timber provide all of the flooring options listed above and the other materials required to get the job done, including underlay, sealant and primer. Browse our range online, pop into one of our branches or contact us for more information.