Timber Floors

If you are building a new home or renovating and are considering having timber floors, you need to consider site conditions before making your final decision. Many people think you can just lay timber flooring wherever you please, but unfortunately, this is not the case. Some site conditions are suitable while others are not. Timber is a natural wood and therefore will shrink and expand under certain moisture levels. Sometimes different wood needs to be used in different climates. Some woods are better for humid climates while others are better for dry climates.

So before you decide to use timber flooring, you need to determine whether you live in a humid area or not. Areas that are around large rivers or lakes or close to the ocean can create humidity and ultimately affect timber floors.  To minimise the amount of shrinking and expanding with your timber floors, you need to ensure there is ventilation underneath the timber floor boards and above the timber floor boards. The key is really to make sure there is plenty of ventilation from underneath, this can be achieved by using air bricks. The air bricks allow air flow from underneath.

Another consideration before going ahead with timber floors is whether the ground is level. The ground needs to be as level as possible, if it is not then consider the cost associated to getting the ground levelled.

If you are unsure as to whether timber floors will be suitable for where you would like them placed, get advice from a professional. A professional will be able to advise whether it is appropriate or not to use timber floors and if not what would be suitable. People love timber floors because they give that old world charm, elegance, style and class.