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For an elegant look, try wood flooring
Before installing the wood, make sure the surface is flat so that the new flooring will be flat as well. Shutter Photo
What you need to know:
- Your choice of floor can make or break your home’s ambiance. There are many interesting options to choose from but if are looking for an elegant old-fashioned look, the wooden flooring could be it
There was a time when there were limited flooring options in Uganda. The problem was either because of lack materials or experts in the field.
Times have since changed; a range of options remain available on the market to explore. Some of the popular options include, tiles, natural stone, Terrazzo, Mosaic, rubber, mud, PVC, glass and wood flooring.
Wooden floors are increasingly attracting the attention of home owners.
Jackson Obbo who has been in the business of wood flooring for the last 20 years says wood flooring is one of the most beautiful flooring types.
Obbo notes that hardwood tree species such as Mahogany and Elgon tick are recommended for this kind of flooring because they are long lasting.
Different types and uses
Obbo explains that wooden flooring comes in different types depending on the function.
“There are indoor and outdoor floors. The treatment is different for each of these. Indoor wood has different designs, textures and finishes depending on whether it is for a play area, kitchen or living room,” Obbo adds
Indoor wood
Indoor wooden floors are mainly to enhance beauty and therefore must be highlighted. So, these are treated differently.
“In a kitchen, for example, one is required to install wood that does not catch fire quickly,” Obbo says.
Outdoor wood
For an outdoor wooden floor, weather changes such as rainfall and sunshine must be put into consideration so this dictates how the floor is installed.
“Outdoor wood flooring requires joints and gaps to for water to move easily”, Obbo advises.
Process of installation
Installing a wooden floor should be given utmost priority as any mistakes could have far reaching consequences and the desired goal may not be reached.
Obbo outlines a few considerations when installing a wooden floor.
“Be keen on using the right wood. Hardwood such as Mahogany is the best option. Take caution of where it will be applied.
The building must be water resistant with no likely cases of seepage during heavy rain,” he says.
Obbo adds that the wood must go through several treatments such as making sure it is 100 per cent dry. Different chemicals are then applied, for example anti-termite chemical, anti-insects, water proofing treatment, and fire-resistant treatment. All those make the timber unique.
Planks
In wood flooring, planks are used. These are small pieces of timbers and wood with different designs. Sometimes, they are known as strips.
For a nice wood flooring installation, it is important that the first and last wooden planks have the same width or are approximately equal in size, and the length of the first and last planks should be approximately equal, as well.
To have end planks with the same width, measure the room wall to wall and divide by the width of one plank. Before starting, make sure that the flat so that the new flooring will be flat as well. Be sure that the floors are clean, dry and that all glue or debris has been removed. If you are installing over a concrete subfloor or over concrete covered by tiles, place a hard polythene barrier should be used and verify that all seams are sealed.
It is important you get an expert to do the installation which involves sealing any gaps and edges with waterproofing compound. Failure to will allow water to seep in, a factor that will damage the floor over time.
Cleaning and maintenance
As with many other flooring types, a certain amount of regular maintenance is required to keep the wood in good condition. With proper maintenance, your hardwood floor will retain its beauty for years to come.
Mahad Bweyongera, who works with CFC Manufactures, a furniture company ,says one can use a mild damp piece of cloth. However, it is important to sweep first before using the wet cloth. Some special applicable chemicals are required when cleaning.
Bweyongera also says if you have light wood floors, you’ll need to clean them a little more often because they are more prone to wear.
“Other precautions to take for your wood floor is to get a good doormat to clean and dry shoes before stepping on the floor. Put soft pads at the bottom of table and chair stands and always check to see that they have not moved. Do not use protectors made of metal as they can create patches and scratch the floor,” he notes.
Obbo says oiled floors should be treated directly after installation and once a year thereafter. Such floors can be freshened up when the floor becomes difficult to clean or if the surface gets scratched or dull.
It’s important to keep in mind that wooden floors are natural and will, therefore, be affected by the environment. While there’s no need to panic if you see some gaps develop between boards during dry seasons, if the wood doesn’t shrink back into place during humid seasons, then you should bring in a certified wood flooring professional to assess the separation.
Beauty and benefits
Wooden floors can be painted with any colour and pattern to give them maximum beauty. They can last for 10 to 30 years depending on the wood used.
Ananias Atuhumurize says, a wooden floor is also temperature friendly because it is a bad conductor of heat, so cold or hot weather doesn’t affect it. It maintains its natural temperature. It also doesn’t transmit sound that’s why they are used in theatres.
“It is less slippery but it does not hurt in case of an accident. It’s also eco-friendly. Some floors for example marble floors can not be installed in kitchens because they can easily react to other household chemicals and food,” Atuhumurize says.
