Hardwood floors are all the rage once again when it comes to interior design. Not only that, they’re more affordable and easier to install than ever before. So much so that many homeowners are choosing to do the installations themselves. The trouble is, how is the average weekend DIYer going to learn enough about all of the wood flooring options out there to truly make an informed decision?
Teak flooring has a long list of advantages over other competing hardwoods, not to mention its exotic and stunning wood grain. However, the shortage of affordable, ethical teak flooring has allowed other hardwoods has left most consumers thinking that teak is not practical for their flooring project. However, that’s not necessarily true.
Plantation teak suppliers are helping to bring a new source of this unique and durable flooring to the marketplace. Plantation teak flooring offers builders an affordable and environmentally friendly source of the coveted hardwood. Teak is an ideal material for flooring due to its striking wood grain and expceptional stability. Much of teak’s legendary status with boatbuilders and woodworkers come from its high level of oils.
These oils, called tectonquinones, help protect the wood from warping, cracking, shrinking etc., so your flooring will lay absolutely smooth and flat, not shifting over time. At the same time, these oils protect the flooring from other common threats like moisture, rot, fungi, and even insects — they repel termites. That’s why teak has long been used for boat decks.
Let’s face it, the most important aspect of flooring is the way it looks… well, that and its ability to continue looking beautiful. Teak flooring boasts both beautiful grain patterns and colors. The contrasts between the golden and brown complexions offer a rich, distinctive look, not seen in any other hardwood.
Here’s another piece of information about plantation teak that may help tip the scales in its favor: Its eco-friendly. Because of its relatively short growth cycle, teak is ideally suited for farming. It takes 75+ years for an oak tree to properly mature, while teak trees grow to maturity in less than 20.
The bottom line is this, materials do matter. Dull-looking wood floors won’t look more interesting over time. Likewise, poorly made flooring materials won’t last any longer than cheap carpeting, so it makes sense to invest a little time when making a decision.
Many of the inexpensive wood laminates available these days will scratch and scuff under minimal wear and tear and many will be ruined with only a brief exposure to water. However, plantation teak flooring will hold up to years of abuse and maintain its beauty in the process.
