Are Timber Floors a Good Choice with Pets?

Timber floors can be a good choice with pets, but there are certain considerations to keep in mind before making a decision. Here are some pros and cons to consider when it comes to having timber floors in a home with pets:

**Pros:**

1. **Durability:** High-quality hardwood timber floors can be quite durable and resistant to scratches and dents. Some wood species are harder than others and can better withstand the wear and tear that comes with pet activities.

2. **Easy to Clean:** Timber floors are relatively easy to clean, and pet hair and dander can be easily swept or vacuumed. Accidents can also be cleaned up more easily than on carpets.

3. **Hypoallergenic:** Timber floors are hypoallergenic compared to carpets, which can trap allergens and pet dander. This can be beneficial for both your pet’s health and your own.

4. **Aesthetic Appeal:** Timber floors can add a warm and timeless aesthetic to your home, potentially increasing its value.

**Cons:**

1. **Scratches:** While hardwood floors can be durable, they can still get scratched by pets’ claws, especially if the wood is softer. Regular trimming of your pet’s nails can help mitigate this issue.

2. **Slippery Surface:** Some pets, especially those with little traction on their paws, may find timber floors to be slippery, leading to potential accidents or difficulty in getting around.

3. **Moisture and Stains:** Timber floors are sensitive to moisture, and pet accidents or spills can lead to staining or warping if not cleaned up promptly. Proper sealing and maintenance are crucial.

4. **Noise:** Pets walking on timber floors can generate more noise compared to carpeted floors, which might be a concern in multi-story homes or apartments.

5. **Maintenance:** Timber floors require regular maintenance, including periodic refinishing to maintain their appearance and protect them from wear and tear.

**Tips for Choosing Timber Floors with Pets:**

1. **Choose Harder Wood Species:** Opt for hardwood species that are known for their hardness and durability, such as oak, maple, or hickory.

2. **Consider Finishes:** Choose a finish that offers good scratch resistance and durability, such as a matte or satin finish.

3. **Use Rugs and Mats:** Place area rugs or mats in high-traffic areas and under your pet’s food and water bowls to provide extra protection for the floor and better traction for your pet.

4. **Keep Nails Trimmed:** Regularly trim your pet’s nails to help prevent scratches on the timber floor.

5. **Wipe Up Accidents Quickly:** Accidents should be cleaned up promptly to prevent staining and warping of the wood.

Timber floors can work well with pets, but it’s important to choose the right type of wood, finishes, and maintenance routines to ensure they remain in good condition. If you’re concerned about potential issues, you could also explore other flooring options like laminate or tile, which can mimic the appearance of timber while offering different benefits.

How to choose the right colour and style of engineered timber flooring for your home

Choosing the right colour and style of engineered timber flooring for your home can be a big decision, as it will have a significant impact on the look and feel of your space. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colour and style of engineered timber flooring for your home:

 

  1. Consider the style of your home: The colour and style of your engineered timber flooring should complement the overall style of your home. For example, a rustic, hand-scraped finish may be a good choice for a traditional home, while a glossy, modern finish may be better suited to a contemporary home.
  2. Think about the size of your space: The colour and style of your engineered timber flooring can also impact the perceived size of your space. For example, light-coloured flooring can make a small space feel larger and airier, while dark-coloured flooring can make a large space feel cosier.
  3. Consider the lighting in your home: The lighting in your home can also affect the appearance of your engineered timber flooring. For example, a flooring colour that looks warm and golden in natural light may appear orange or yellow under artificial light.
  4. Test out samples: Before making a decision, it is a good idea to test out a few different colour and style samples in your home. This will allow you to see how the flooring looks in your space and help you make an informed decision.
  5. Get a professional opinion: If you are still unsure about which colour and style of engineered timber flooring is right for your home, consider consulting with a professional designer or flooring specialist. They can offer valuable advice and guidance based on your specific needs and preferences.

By following these tips, you can find the perfect colour and style of engineered timber flooring for your home.

Engineered timber flooring vs solid wood: which is right for you?

When it comes to choosing wood flooring for your home, you may be wondering whether to go with solid wood or engineered timber. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between engineered timber flooring and solid wood:

  1. Stability: Engineered timber flooring is made from layers of wood that are fused together, making it more stable than solid wood. This means it is less prone to expanding and contracting with changes in temperature and humidity, making it a good choice for homes in areas with fluctuating weather conditions. This is especially beneficial for homes based in Auckland where the temperatures and humidity levels can fluctuate greatly.
  2. Durability: Solid wood is a durable flooring option, but it can be prone to scratches, dents, and other types of damage. Engineered timber flooring is also durable, but it is typically more resistant to wear and tear than solid wood.
  3. Installation: Solid wood flooring must be nailed or glued to a subfloor, which can be a more labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Engineered timber flooring can often be installed using a floating method, which means it can be laid on top of an existing floor without the need for glue or nails.
  4. Cost: Solid wood flooring can be more expensive than engineered timber flooring, especially if you choose a high-quality wood species. However, the lifespan of solid wood flooring is generally longer than that of engineered timber, which means it may be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
  5. Appearance: Both solid wood and engineered timber flooring can have a beautiful, natural appearance.

In summary, both solid wood and engineered timber flooring have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. To determine which is the right choice for you, consider factors such as stability, durability, installation, cost, and appearance.

Floating Timber Floor Installation vs Glue-Down Installation

Choosing between a floating timber floor installation and a glue-down method is a key decision for any flooring project. Each approach has unique benefits and suitability depending on your needs. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which option is right for you.

What is a Floating Timber Floor Installation?

A floating timber floor rests on an underlay rather than being fixed directly to the subfloor. The planks click together, creating a stable, secure surface that “floats” above the base.

Benefits of Floating Floors:

  • Ease of Installation: Ideal for DIY projects, thanks to the click-lock mechanism.
  • Cost-Effective: No adhesives or nails are required, reducing materials and labour costs.
  • Subfloor Flexibility: Can be installed over various surfaces, including concrete or tiles.
  • Movability: Easily removed or replaced, making it perfect for renters or those planning future renovations.

Limitations of Floating Floors:

  • Less Soundproof: Without adhesive, sound can transmit through the layers.
  • Not Ideal for Wet Areas: Floating floors may not be suitable for high-moisture spaces like bathrooms.

What is Glue-Down Installation?

Glue-down timber floors are fixed directly to the subfloor with a high-quality adhesive. This creates a seamless bond, enhancing the floor’s stability and longevity.

Benefits of Glue-Down Floors:

  • Superior Stability: The adhesive bond minimises movement and provides a solid feel underfoot.
  • Enhanced Acoustics: The glued surface reduces noise transmission and echoing.
  • Durable and Long-Lasting: Ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces.
  • Better for Wet Areas: With the right sealant, glue-down floors can handle moisture better than floating options.

Limitations of Glue-Down Floors:

  • Complex Installation: Requires professional expertise, especially on uneven subfloors.
  • Higher Costs: Adhesives and skilled labour add to the expense.
  • Permanent Fix: Removing glue-down floors can be difficult and time-consuming.

Which Installation Method is Right for You?

Choose Floating Floors If:

  • You want a quick, cost-effective installation.
  • Your subfloor is even and dry.
  • You need flexibility for future changes or renovations.

Choose Glue-Down Floors If:

  • You require maximum stability and soundproofing.
  • The area experiences heavy foot traffic.
  • You are installing flooring in wet or commercial spaces.

Both floating timber floor installation and glue-down methods have their place in modern flooring. Your choice depends on your project’s requirements, your budget, and the conditions of your subfloor.

When in doubt, consult a flooring expert to ensure the best outcome for your space. No matter the method, high-quality timber floors add beauty, warmth, and value to your home.

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Gaps Between Floorboards

Hardwood floors are renowned for their enduring allure, yet the issue of noticeable gaps between floorboards, especially in older urban villas, is a common challenge. Despite advancements in engineered wood flooring, these gaps persist due to the intrinsic qualities of real wood. This piece delves into the origins of these gaps, their impact on aesthetics, and practical remedies for homeowners.

1. Grasping the Inherent Traits of Wood:
Real wood, the primary material in engineered boards, has a distinctive property of expanding and contracting with shifts in humidity. Analogous to a sponge, wood expands when saturated with water and contracts as it dries. Moreover, the organic nature of wood may result in slight bending of floorboards, deemed normal.

2. Aesthetic Contemplations:
While engineered wood flooring mitigates gap occurrence, it doesn’t eradicate them entirely. Homeowners hold diverse views on these gaps; some embrace them as part of the genuine charm of real wood floors, while others lean towards a more seamless appearance. The choice between click-lock systems and traditional tongue and groove joining systems influences gap likelihood.

3. Click-Lock Systems vs. Tongue and Groove Joining:
Click-lock systems, prevalent in laminate flooring, provide a seamless look by securely binding floorboards, accommodating collective expansion and contraction. In contrast, tongue and groove joining systems may exhibit gaps between boards and other design elements, such as stair nosings. Both systems find widespread acceptance in the architectural and design community.

4. Tackling Gaps:
Homeowners averse to visible gaps have options to minimize their impact. Click-lock systems, especially when installed floating over underlay, diminish gap visibility. Alternatively, larger gaps can be addressed with colored fillers, preserving the authenticity of real wood while addressing aesthetic concerns.

5. Climate Conditions and Seasonal Fluctuations:
Gaps in wood floorboards may become more apparent during or after installation, but it’s crucial not to panic. Immediate post-installation gaps can be lessened with colored filler, while those developing over time may naturally close up with changes in climatic conditions and seasons. Manufacturers recommend maintaining interior humidity levels between 40-60% to minimize floorboard movement.

Understanding the nature of gaps between wood floorboards, appreciating the available aesthetic choices, and knowing how to address and minimize these gaps contribute to a comprehensive approach for homeowners seeking the perfect balance between the allure of real wood and a visually appealing floor.

Using Complementing Woods on Walls, Ceilings and Cabinetry

The use of complementing woods on walls, ceilings and cabinetry is for the individualist who appreciates the beauty intrinsic to wood.

With Admonter’s range of wall cladding and panels, you can easily lift your interior to an inspiring level. You may choose to use either matching wood colours (the same as your Admonter natural wood floorboards), or complementing colours combined with unique textures to encourage an organic, natural ambience.

Panels: Natural wood panels from Admonter let you give full rein to your creativity in all manner of different situations, whether you chose a classic hardwood or reclaimed and aged wood panel, Admonter wood panels have earned a name for themselves.

Cladding: A range of wall elements are available such as Galleria or CUBE. These are interlocking engineered wood panels that work in a similar way to floorboards (installed in a random/brick pattern). This special range of cladding features textures and designs not possible to achieve with floorboards.

Admonter Galleria Reclaimed Wood H2 Hacked

Admonter Cube

Of course you may also use our floorboards on walls and ceilings and many of our clients choose to do so.