Timber floor finish or polished concrete?
When it comes to choosing between a concrete or timber floor, it's a topic that often leads to differing opinions among couples. There are several important factors to consider, including functionality, aesthetic appeal, and the personal preference for your home. So let's break it down further:
Let's assume we're discussing a ground-level floor or something similar. In the past, houses were built using stumps and bearers, with a small crawlspace underneath if you were lucky. The crucial aspect was that the floor was elevated, providing ventilation to keep the timber floor dry. However, nowadays in Melbourne, this method is uncommon due to factors such as building regulations requiring clearances between the bearer and the ground being more than they used to be. As a result, most people opt for a concrete structure especially when on a flat site.
If you have a concrete structure, one simple approach is to polish the structural concrete to create a finished floor. However, a polished structural slab can crack. Therefore, the best practice is to add another topping to your structural slab. This can take various forms, but carpet, timber or a thin coat of concrete are the most common options. By placing a concrete topping slab on top of the structural slab, you gain more control over the finished product compared to polishing the structural slab. Additionally, this method reduces the likelihood of cracking, and you can insulate between the two slabs, improving the thermal efficiency. If desired, you can also incorporate in-floor heating for some added luxury. On the other hand, if you choose timber as the topping for your structural slab, the primary methods of installation are a floating floor or direct stick timber, be it solid or engineered. It's worth noting that heating a timber floor, while possible, is more challenging than a concrete slab. Timber naturally acts as an insulator, providing a softer touch but making it harder to heat and cool. This is true whether you are talking about passive or mechanical heating.
There are nuances here, of course, when considering the various options available for achieving the desired look and finish of your flooring. When it comes to concrete, there are several approaches to consider. One option is to polish the slab in the classic terrazzo style, where it is meticulously ground until it resembles a granite like finish. Alternatively, the slab can be ground and then sealed, providing a similar look but more cost-effective solution. Another possibility is to etch the concrete with acid, which is typically used externally to enhance slip resistance. For timber flooring, there are two key factors to consider. Firstly, the thickness of the timber plays a significant role, typically ranging from 1-25mm. Thicker timber allows for multiple sanding and repolishing processes extending the lifespan of your floor. Secondly, the final appearance of the floor is influenced by your flexibility when choosing the color and style of the boards used. Engineered flooring offers you greater control over achieving the desired color and finish.
Ultimately, the choice between a concrete and timber floor comes down to personal preference regarding its appearance and tactile experience. There's no definitive right or wrong. Should you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask.
