When it comes to a traditional feel, wood flooring is often the best option. With a range of materials and styles, it is worth considering what is best suited to your room. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best wooden flooring.
Engineered wood flooring combines the beauty of natural wood with enhanced durability, making it an excellent choice for various environments. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood consists of multiple layers of plywood topped with a solid wood veneer, providing stability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
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Oak is one of the most commonly used because of its durability. Walnut is an effective alternative if you want a darker base tone, while harder wearing teak is ideal for outdoor surfaces. There are different types in terms of colour and shade as well, so there should be a type of wood to suit your interior décor.
One major advantage with wood flooring is that it can be cut and measured with minimal wastage (a professional fitter can ensure as little as 2 per cent wastage). To get the best chance of reduced wastage, measure the room to the nearest square metre. Typically, each pack of wooden flooring will cover around two square metres.
Tongue and groove is one of two ways that wood flooring fits together. It is so called because one end has a “tongue” that protrudes out. This then fits into the “groove” on another plank. This can be quite complicated, as after the planks are knocked into place if you get the wrong angle it can result in dislodged planks.
You also need to make sure the planks are glued in place. If you do not use enough glue it can create gaps, so it helps to use a professional to get the surface down.
The other kind of floorings are click-lock. The shape allows you to click them into place, meaning they can’t be dislodged once they are put together. There is also the advantage that you do not need to use glue or other adhesive to keep it together.
Furthermore, if you need to go under the surface for any reason, it is possible to unclick the flooring and lift it up.
Real wood floorboards are popular due to their natural look. They can be maintained by re-staining and sanding. One potential issue is that they can warp in humid environments, which is something to consider depending on where you live
Choosing finished flooring can significantly streamline the installation process and ensure a consistent, high-quality appearance right from the start. Finished flooring comes pre-treated with various finishes such as polyurethane, aluminium oxide, oil, lacquer, and wax. These finishes provide a durable and protective layer that can withstand heavy traffic and everyday wear and tear. Oil finishes offer a natural look, lacquer provides a glossy, hard surface, and wax adds a subtle sheen with a vintage appeal. With these pre-applied treatments, finished flooring offers enhanced durability, aesthetic versatility, and hassle-free installation, making it an excellent choice for both practicality and style.
An unfinished board can be particularly advantageous if you desire greater control over the final colour and finish of the boards. By starting with an unfinished surface, you have the flexibility to select and apply your choice of stains, oils, or varnishes, allowing you to achieve a customized look that matches your specific aesthetic preferences
It can seem overwhelming choosing between the different materials and style available. At Dave Judge Flooring, we can discuss all the options available to you, allowing you to gauge what is best suited to each individual room. For more information or to discuss our services in more detail please contact Dave Judge Flooring today.
We also fit wood flooring in Chelmsford, Braintree, Harlow and Bishops Stortford.
