Wood
Wood flooring comes in 2 main types: Engineered and solid. Both have their perks and require almost identical care and treatment. Their costings are also very similar. This is due to the fact that the hardwood component is the most expensive part, the wider and longer the boards the more expensive because suppliers have to locate larger pieces of timber without defects which are rarer. Wood flooring comes in 2 grades A/B and rustic. Grade A/B are planks where all the wood is straight grained and is almost free from knots having a more uniform characteristic, this does however make the flooring more expensive.Â
Rustic is where the planks have a mix of straight/curly grains and a moderate amount of knots, giving the flooring a more natural, farmhouse look. Oak, Ash Cherry and Maple.
If you are considering having a wood floor in the kitchen, please be sure to have the end panels put on after the floor is laid to allow the neatest finish as all wood flooring needs at least a 10mm gap for seasonal expansion.
Solid wood
Solid Wood is as it sounds, Solid. This is where the surface wood goes throughout the plank and usually has a minimum thickness of around 15mm but can go as high as 21mm meaning that you have 5mm-7mm of sanding and refinishing before you reach the tongue and groove and then have to replace the flooring.
Solid wood flooring is slightly less stable than engineered wood and is more likely to twist and bow with time if it is in an area with high temperature and humidity changes like conservatories or kitchens.
Engineered wood
Made up of four layers: a stabilising back layer, a core layer made of three options, HDF, plywood or softwood, the solid wood veneer, and an oil or lacquer finish. Lacquer finished floors offer more protection than oiled finishes.Â
Due to its many layers, engineered wood is highly unlikely to warp. It is an ideal choice for living spaces, conservatories, basements, hallways, and stairs. It also works well over underfloor heating, but make sure you have a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) in between.
Engineered wood
Made up of four layers: a stabilising back layer, a core layer made of three options, HDF, plywood or softwood, the solid wood veneer, and an oil or lacquer finish. Lacquer finished floors offer more protection than oiled finishes.Â
Due to its many layers, engineered wood is highly unlikely to warp. It is an ideal choice for living spaces, conservatories, basements, hallways, and stairs. It also works well over underfloor heating, but make sure you have a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) in between.