Flooring is one of the standout elements of spectacular interior environments, especially in residential spaces. Very importantly, other interior finishes are commonly determined by the choice of flooring. Selecting the right floor, therefore, plays a significant role in the aesthetic of the property; as observed in the Frasers Edmondson Park Case Study, it can determine the value of the property.
In the Edmondson Park project, the additional cost of changing the tiles to timber floors was minimal; however, it increased the desirability factor amongst potential buyers.
Characterised as robust and resilient, timber is one of the most solid and long-lasting types of flooring. Being a renewable material, it also makes for an environment-friendly choice.
While carpet is characterised by a soft underfoot, most carpet fibres don’t bounce back, increasing wear and requiring replacement after 3-5 years. Carpet is also known to attract dirt and stains, requiring much higher maintenance.
Since both materials have their own unique aesthetic and feel appeal, choosing between the two can be a complex task. Read on to find the most suitable type of flooring for your next project.
Durability and resilience
In comparison with carpet flooring, timber is a durable and resilient material that requires minimal care. Timber flooring only needs a brief vacuum or light mop, whereas carpet retains dust and needs deep cleaning far more frequently. In other words, maintaining a carpet floor is more costly and time-consuming than a timber floor.
Carpets not only easily attract dirt and stains, but can also harbour allergens. A carpeted floor is a dust magnet, making it unsuitable for people with allergies, particularly children with asthma.
Carpets are mainly manufactured synthetically, which leads to a shorter lifespan than other flooring choices. Unlike carpet, timber can last multiple generations and also gets better with age. Carpet usually needs to be replaced every 5 years depending on its quality.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important driver when it comes to material selection in a building project. Being organic, timber is a renewable and environment-friendly material. Timber is also hardwearing, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. A timber floor can be easily restored to its original beauty with light re-sanding.
Five star projects
For eco-conscious projects, timber such as the range produced by Cadorin, direct from Italy, is the ideal option. Cadorin timber flooring is produced without formaldehyde and only uses natural oils for finishes, and vinyl glues. All the timber is sustainably sourced; moreover, they retain stewardship from the factory floor, including using scraps for renewable energy in the processing.
Style
Timber flooring is timeless and can be easily refreshed with a new colour or a polish. Carpet, on the other hand, once dated, cannot be rescued. Additionally, scratches on Oak timber floors will not easily be seen due to the veins characteristic of both European and American Oaks. When carpet gets damaged, the entire floor needs to be replaced. On the other hand, timber needs minimal maintenance – in the event of damage, only the affected boards will need replacing.
