With so many choices of flooring available on the market, you are definitely spoilt for choice. But how do you make that choice and how do you determine what is best for you. Originally, solid wood flooring was the only option available until advances in technology brought us laminate and engineered flooring. For some of our customers, there really is only one option available and this is real wood flooring.
Solid wood flooring or hardwood flooring as it is also known as, is simply made 100% from a single piece of wood. It can sometimes be confused with engineered flooring which is made of multiple layers of pieces of wood, bonded together, with a real wood top layer.
Wooden flooring is available in multiple widths, thicknesses and length with 100’s of variations in colour, texture and species of wood. The planks can vary in length from 300mm up to a whopping 2000mm.
Choosing the species of wood will also have dramatic effect on the durability, look and feel of your floor.
The finished flooring planks are milled directly from tree trunks, cut to shape and sanded. This is where the tongue and groove fitting system on most flooring is created. The tongue and groove system makes fitting easier, as each plank fits together like a jigsaw.
You will find that laminate flooring and engineered flooring, generally has a click system which joins and seals the flooring, whereas wooden flooring usually has to be fixed to the subfloor.
On completion of the boards, they are then either left unfinished or finish is added to them for protection. This can be oil, mat or lacquer, depending on the finish required.
Wooden Flooring Benefits
- If professionally fitted, will add value to your home
- If maintained correctly, it can last a lifetime
- If marked or damaged, it can be sanded and refinished back to its original state
- Unlimited possibilities with colours, textures and sizes
- Easy to clean and more hygienic than carpet.
- Creates an authentic look and feel in your home
What to consider before installing wood flooring
- Can fluctuate in areas of high moisture
- Not suitable for underfloor heating
- More expensive than laminate and engineered flooring
- Requires a professional floor fitter to install
If you have a query that needs answering before you choose a wooden flooring for your home then please contact JG Flooring and we will only be too happy to offer advice.
