Last updated on April 25th, 2023
Natural wood has unbeatable charm and beauty. The unique grains and richness of this material make it a desirable option for home decor. It’s easy to assume that this hardy material will make the perfect flooring for your home. After all, umpteen images of wooden floors in gorgeous interiors bear witness to their suitability.
This brings us to the crux of the issue; with the high levels of moisture and humidity in our country, are natural wood flooring materials feasible in this scenario? Or will faux wood do a better job? Let’s find out.
How Practical are Solid Wood Floors in India?
Contrary to popular belief, natural wood doesn’t wear well in the Indian scenario. Sure, it is a tough, natural material that lasts forever. But let’s face it; the rains in India mean business when they unleash their fury come the monsoon season. The moisture and the high levels of humidity not to mention sudden spurts of heat are a deadly foe where wood is concerned.
While it’s ok to have the odd wooden furniture pieces in your home, flooring is another matter. With fluctuating temperatures, you can expect a lot of expansion and contraction that can be disastrous. And hey, the gorgeous wood flooring you see in high-end homes and hotels is probably faux wood. Yup, you often can’t tell the difference.
Is Natural Wood Flooring Out of the Question?
Not really. Certain types of wood wear well in our climate and are not difficult to maintain. So, what are your options?
Solid Pure Hardwood
This is a very durable species and easy to maintain. What’s more, it remains unaffected by climatic changes; it doesn’t swell during the monsoons, nor does it shrink come winter. A word of warning; before you install it, make sure there is no moisture on the floor.
Bamboo wood
Bamboo wood is an excellent option as it’s very durable. It is aesthetically appealing and eco-friendly, so you are doing your bit for the planet while you enjoy the flooring.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is a mix of layers from cheaper wood species with an expensive top surface. This compressed sheet of wood is durable and insect and moisture-resistant. However, this material is dicey in very moist regions.
How Does Natural Wood Rate as a Product?
When push comes to shove, it’s all about durability and cost. Let’s take a look at the pros of natural wood.
-
It’s Durable– Your bamboo or hardwood flooring can last a lifetime.
-
Excellent Design Appeal– You get your boasting rights with this exemplary flooring, as your décor gets an extra edge.
-
Easy to maintain-This flooring doesn’t require special care. However, it all depends on the wood you choose. Before you make your purchase, talk to the vendor for tips.
What about Laminate Flooring?
By far an easier and cheaper option, laminate flooring comes in a variety of natural patterns and is easy to maintain. Let’s look at the pros:
-
It’s durable and doesn’t need any special care
-
Very easy to install
-
A vast variety of shades to choose from
-
Cost-effective
-
It’s resistant to moisture, so it is perfectly safe in the wet season
The Downside?
Hey, it’s not natural wood, is it? Let’s check the negatives:
-
The grains don’t look natural
-
The flooring can get slippery
-
Can’t be recycled
-
You will need to replace your flooring once the top layer wears off
-
Toxicity is a possibility as it contains formaldehyde
So, What’s the Verdict?
For a fast-paced life, laminated flooring offers versatility and a vast choice. They are easy to install and maintain. On the other hand, solid wood such as bamboo or pure hardwood is an attractive option as it can be recycled and last for decades. So, even with the extra cost, it’s a win-win as you won’t have to replace it often. What’s more, it’s natural!
Summing Up
Armed with these tips, you will have no problem picking the right material for your home. In case you have niggling doubts about your flooring, feel free to contact us, or check out our website homebliss.in for some fascinating takes on home décor.
