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Solid Wood Flooring in the Home

A solid wood floor can add warm tones and a stunning finish to any room. Constructed with pieces of solid wood they have tongue and groove sides so they can be easily connected together. Each piece has a different grain which combines to form a unique look whenever it is used. There is a huge variety of solid wood floors available with many types of wood species, colours and widths available at hardwood flooring suppliers.

The most popular option is oak wood flooring. Europe and America are both the main consumer and producer of this type of hardwood flooring. Oak is available in various types including red, white and European oak, each with their own hardness, grain and colour characteristics.

A cherry wood floor is another popular choice due to its striking grain markings and solid composition. Like other wood floors it is highly resistant to damage. Over time cherry wood flooring darkens from a pale pink colour to warm dark red tone

Exotic hardwoods can give a room a unique look are now readily available at major hardwood flooring suppliers. They can be found for sale alongside other classic real wood flooring such as maple, oak and ash. Real wood flooring can be purchased in pre-finished or unfinished styles. When laying unfinished wood flooring the product can be recoated many times to increase its life and make it last considerably longer than other flooring options.

When laying solid wood floors, begin with a flat, dry and solid sub floor such as concrete, wood or cork. Carpet is not suitable as a sub base and must be removed. Any deviations in level should be rectified with suitable floor filler. A plastic barrier to stop moisture is recommended for floors that are being installed on concrete or in damp areas. Harwood flooring should also be allowed time to acclimatise before it is set down by leaving it the room for several days. For a bathroom wood floor contact you local flooring supplier for suitable product support.

If you are using a wood floor sub base the solid wood floor should be installed at right angles to the original floorboards to aid strength and stability. An expansion area around the perimeter of the room is also recommended to allow for contractions and expansions throughout the winter and summer months. This expansion gap can be covered with skirting boards or a cover strip.

Solid wood floors are tough and hard wearing and by taking care of them their life can be prolonged. Keep gravel, dirt and grit at bay by using a doormat outside and inside the front door. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will take care of any dirt that does settle on the floor and will reduce scratches and everyday wear and tear. Avoid wearing stiletto heels on solid wood floors and if possible only wear indoor shoes or slippers on its surface.

Nothing comes close to the finish that can be achieved with a solid wood floor. By installing solid wood flooring the value of a home often increases and it can give a home the edge over similar property on the market. Solid wood floors are stain resistant and do not trap dust so are especially good for allergy sufferers. There is a wide range of tones, styles and prices on the market so whether you are looking for a cheap wood floor or the ultimate in hardwood flooring, you are sure to find the right match for your room.

Why Engineered Wood Flooring is Best

Wooden floors have been a common preference for many homeowners and interior designers over the years because it presents a warm, beautiful, and sophisticated look to any house that laminate and vinyl are unable to match. Nevertheless, wood flooring is now getting to be much more widely used for the reason that engineered wood flooring has created the choice both more effective and a lot less expensive so that it is an excellent option for every household. Entirely eco-friendly and with several finishes and colours available, engineered wood flooring is one of the top purchases that you could make for your home.

In brief, engineered wood flooring is flooring that are developed by layering solid wood and MDF together and then gluing and pushing the layers to produce a stable fit. Each of the layers is very carefully placed to make sure that a cross grain construction is produced which lends to its durability and good tolerance to water and dampness. This also helps prevent the wood flooring from warping over a period of time, which can be one of the major issues which home owners encounter with real wood floors. In fact, given the distinct characteristics of engineered wood flooring there’s been an influx in creative designs such as edging and radiator roses.

In addition there are a wide selection of widths and thickness to select from, though more often than not 3 and 5 ply flooring is bought with regards to engineered wood flooring. As stated before, its ability to deal with moisture which makes it the most appropriate flooring for many rooms where commonly you wouldn’t consider wood flooring to be a possibility such as cellars, and bath rooms. Mainly because as opposed to its solid wood counterpart, engineered wood is able to bear up to high volumes of traffic in addition to any differences (irrespective of exactly how dramatic) in temperature and moisture.

Engineered wood flooring is usually more favourable as a flooring option in many cases because it comes in pre-finished and finished styles, enabling the individual to easily install the floor in one step and it is instantly functional. In addition, since engineered wood floors are normally only about three-eighths to five-eighths of an inch thick, it makes it possible for them to be fitted on top of already present floor surfaces which makes installation a truly straightforward procedure. Therefore, rather than worrying about finishing, sanding, or removing the existing floor before an area is ready for use, engineered wood flooring could be installed in only one day.

As soon as it is the time to actually install engineered wood flooring into a house there is the selection between lengthier panels for installs that are ‘floating’ in style, or simply opt for the effortless tongue and groove boards, which can make it more realistic to think about installing the flooring without the need of any specialist assistance.

Lastly, there is a demand to take a close look at the veneer of the wood flooring that is being thought about considering that the thickness of the layers will denote how eye-catching the end product comes out to be.

The alternate options to engineered wood flooring are laminate and real wood. Each of which have their pros and cons.

Laminate floors appear to be similar in looks to real wood floors but are normally more cost effective and in some ways being more robust, and with distinctive finishes and beveling options available this kind of flooring can certainly still provide a real wood look at a portion of the cost . Because the laminate is not affixed to the sub floor, leveling is vital to ensuring a top quality finish. If the sub floor is bumpy the laminate floors may have a bouncy feel to it. Because some laminates simply click together without the need of adhesive it is quick to fit. Solid wood floors, as the name suggests, are a type of wood flooring that is solid wood all the way through. With its natural beauty as its principal focus, its drawback is that it might be susceptible to scrapes and dents though this isn’t essentially a serious problem in the long term due to the fact that real wood floors can be sanded down on many occasions.

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Laminate Wood Flooring – Creating Elegance in Any Room

Laminate flooring is an outstanding alternative for any room. It installs easily and is able to stand up to serious traffic. Today, manufacturers are able to imitate the look of real wood.

At first glimpse you might believe you were looking at hardwood flooring. What you are actually looking at is a very thin piece of wood. This wood is glued to high density backing board. Higher quality laminate flooring, such as DuPont laminate flooring will also have a foam padding secured to the flooring planks which will assist in soundproofing and provide a more genuine feel to the floor when walking on it.

With most laminate wood flooring today, no glue is needed. Most companies tha manufacture this flooring have their own special locking technology. Simply snap them together and you are all set. Taking a few simple steps before buying your flooring will save you frustration down the road. Examine the area you plan to install the flooring. Visualizing the traffic flow will help you verify the appropriate product for your room. It will stand up to your kids and pets for years to come.

Laminate flooring also resists staining, fading and moisture. Many manufacturers offer warranties on their flooring for up to 25 years.

Are you putting off installing laminate wood flooring for the reason that you do not want to deal with ripping up your existing flooring? No problem, laminate can be installed directly over wood, tile or vinyl due to its “floating” feature. Floating just means it does not connect to any sub floor.

Over the course of your home ownership, you can anticipate to refinish hardwood 3-4 times. Vinyl and carpet at least twice, if not more. With laminate, it can last you right through all your home ownership years.

You will be amazed at all the assorted types and styles available on the market today. Plus, many manufacturers make all the moldings, end caps and transition strips for your laminate wood flooring.

If you are susceptible to allergies, laminate floors offer a cleaner setting when you compare to carpets. Dust, pet dander and other allergens stay on the surface instead of getting trapped in the fibers of carpeting.

The bottom line is this on laminate flooring, it is very resilient and inexpensive. In general the cost is much lower than any other product on the market. Depending on the magnitude of your project, you can install it in a weekend.

When cutting laminate wood flooring to size, be sure to leave at least a 3/8-inch gap between the wood and the edge of the wall. Create a perfectly fitting wood floor with tips from a licensed remodeling contractor in this free video on home improvements. Expert: Tim Gipson Bio: Tim Gipson is a home repair specialist and remodeling contractor in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Tim Brown

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Why is the Actual Wood Flooring Not So much in Use as the Laminated Wood Flooring?

There might be times when you would have given wood flooring for your house a thought and then would have given up the idea owing to a variety of reasons. These reasons can vary from the cost of installing wood flooring to the level of maintenance required in case of actual wood flooring. Most of the times we give up the idea to have the wood flooring installed at the mere thought of investing so much time in getting this wood flooring installed. In our busy schedule not many would be willing to take time out and get the concrete floor replaced by wood flooring.

All those for whom the cost of installation of wood matters, there is a substitute for actual wood flooring in the form of wood look tiles (as they are called), which are tiles that look like wood planks. These are a cheaper substitute for actual wood planks and their installation on the floor certainly gives the looks of glazed and polished wood. Such wood flooring also usually requires the replacement of concrete with tiles or at least the installation of these tiles over concrete to give the wood flooring its rich textured looks. But the installation of these tiles requires specialist assistance which adds to the cost of the wood flooring tiles being installed. Then also, the room where these tiles get installed cannot be used till the wood flooring made of wood like tiles, takes shape. This is why many of those who live in apartments and flats and who barely have time to change the regular décor of the flats due to the busy weekdays would not want to invest a weekend in getting the wood flooring installed in the form of actual wood flooring or by using tiles that look like wood planks.

So is there a solution for providing wood flooring but without such a considerable investment of money and time? The answer is yes. There is the form of wood flooring called the laminated wood flooring which is an easy way to change the looks of the floor without much investment of time and money. This is a mode of decorating the interior of the house that is easy to obtain and convenient to use. The laminated wood flooring is like a thin durable carpet that looks like wood on one side. When you lay it out, it seems as though the floor is made of wood planks. The laminated wood flooring is an excellent substitute for actual wood flooring and tiles with wooden plank like looks. This is a mode of floor décor that is so easy to install that even you as a home owner can do it.

The laminated wood flooring requires just a couple of hours and a few calculations to assess the floor area of the room and you can start from the end farthest from the room exit. Just move towards the door while laying down this item from the role of laminated wood flooring.

If you are looking for wood flooring for your premises, then amtico flooring is the perfect choice.

Things To Consider When Buying Beautiful Oak Wood Flooring

If you are allergic to other types of flooring and you want to have some enhancement to your house in regards to flooring, then Oak wooden flooring is considered to be the one of best options. These wooden floorings are very beautiful, durable, and affordable. Their installation is easy and they are easy to maintain with only minimal care needed. Oak flooringis available for use in all rooms, except for the bathroom, as this type of floor is not suitable for areas that have a lot of water and moisture.

These floors are solid and durable, so you don’t have to worry about damage being caused if you drop something. Oak wooden flooring comes in natural colours and there are even some varieties of laminate that have created a similar look.

Here are a few facts that will help you to buy Oak Wooden Flooring:

Decide on the amount that you would be willing to spend. There are laminates that look like flooring, but they are not real wooden floors, so check carefully before buying. There are several colours, species and grain variations in the wood used for flooring. The most popular is red oak natural and this look can really ignite a room. There are many varieties when it comes to colour choice, so consider if you are looking for something dark, or something light. This choice will also depend on the amount of light that you currently have within your house throughout the day. If you have a dark home with minimal sunlight, choosing a light floor tone can make the room look lighter. Darker shades are usually appropriate for formal interiors, while lighter colours look great within casual and contemporary interiors.

Decide upon the rooms that need new flooring, or if you are looking to replace the entire floor of the house. Be careful in areas that gather a lot of traffic, dirt and water. Many people avoid using wood in wet areas of the home, due to the damage that water can have. The installation of a wooden floor is quite easy and when people are laying the boards themselves, many prefer to buy pre finished wooden floorings. This option will save you time and money too. The majority of flooring types should come with a warranty and it is a good idea to choose one that does. There should be adequate protection from direct sunlight, as wood can fade in colour if placed in this constant situation. There are different price ranges and ultimately, the price will depend upon the grade of wood that you choose. Buying engineered wood is also a good option, as it is stronger and will last indefinitely.

Oak Wooden Flooring has 14mm and 20mm of thickness and is available in narrow or wide planks. They are also available in a matt or satin finished and your choice will depend entirely upon your budget.

How To Fit Solid Wood Flooring

How to fit Solid Wood flooring

It is important to start any flooring installation by firstly planning out the room and deciding where to start. Many rooms offer what at first appear to be very complicated situations to overcome. Don’t worry too much about these, all situations have a solution which are covered in this section, alternatively further information can be found in the handy hints and tips section.

Planning:-

When first presented with a room or area which is to be fitted with Solid wood flooring some key factors will help you to decide where to start your installation. Door ways, shape of room and locations of main window are all factors to take into consideration as well as the subfloor (existing floor which is to be covered with Solid wood floor) here are some rules and suggestions:-

Rules –

When laying Solid wood flooring on top of existing floor boards always lay the planks at 90 degrees to the floor boards

It is important not to end up with a piece of flooring at the end of a row which is less than 5cm in length or to have the last row less than 5cm in width. To avoid this measure the room’s width and length and divide the results by the dimensions of the flooring being installed. It may then be necessary to start the first row with a half plank or even to cut the width down to accommodate the area

An expansion joint will need to be inserted into any floor area which is larger than 8m in length or in width, in effect creating two floor areas

Acclimatise the boards in the room they are to be laid in for a minimum of 48 hours. The room should have a relative humidity of between 45% – 65% and a temperature of between 18C – 20C

Suggestions –

It is generally accepted that the best visual effect when installing Solid wood flooring is to lay the boards in the direction of the light source; so towards the main window (not forgetting rule 1 above)

It is also suggested that the floor should run along the longest wall of the room giving the best overall effect. (again take note of rule 1 above)

When laying a floor across a door way it is best practise to start at this point and work back into the room

Installation guide:-

Once your planning stage is complete it is time to prepare the room starting with the subfloor. It is vital that the subfloor is in optimal condition to allow the new floor to perform as expected and help to maintain its longevity

Subfloor preparation –

The main factors to consider are the smoothness, dryness and overall levelness of the floor. If the subfloor is uneven then the new floor will not last long as the pressure on the joints will cause the boards to separate

For concrete floors make sure that they are dry (it takes approx. 1 day per 1mm of wet concrete to be considered dry enough for a Solid wood floor to be installed). The relative humidity of the floor is also vital it should not exceed 85%

For wooden subfloors, ensure there is no movement in the floor. Any loose floor boards should be nailed or screwed securely in place. WBP (water and boil proof) ply can be used over existing floorboards to provide a suitable subfloor surface

All floors must be smooth and level

Finally all debris must be cleaned and the surface of the subfloor must be free from dust and other contaminants

Installation Techniques:-

There are three main ways to install a Solid Wood floor,

Secret nailing

Gluing directly to the subfloor

Installing the Solid wood onto a self adhesive underlay

All of these methods are perfectly acceptable methods of installation for a domestic application, each method has its benefits and draw backs. It is often the subfloor which will help to determine which installation is best suitable.

Installing the floor planks – Secret nailing –

Secret nailing a wooden floor is a method usually chosen when the existing subfloor is wood or when installing directly to joists. Solid wood flooring should have a minimum thickness of 21mm if it is to be fitted directly to joists.

It is possible to use the secret nail technique when the subfloor is concrete or screed. A damp proof membrane (DPM) needs to be placed over the concrete followed by an 18 – 24mm WBP plywood sheet.

Start the first row by loose laying the boards parallel to the wall allowing a 15mm expansion gap. Begin by resting the fitting wedges up against the wall to give you a 15mm gap. This is vital as the Solid boards will expand and contract after installation and if this gap is not present the floor will lift and buckle in the room. The wedges are removed after installation is complete and the gap is covered with either skirting or beading

At the end of the first row you will undoubtedly need to cut a board to length. A good way to measure the length of the board required is to rotate the loose board by 180 degree (facing upwards) so that the tongue is facing the tongue of the previous row. Rest the board next to the first row then mark and cut the boards to size.

(NB. When cutting Solid flooring ensure that a new blade is used)

Once you are happy with the alignment, ‘face nail’ the boards into the subfloor at intervals of 250-300mm or onto every joist. Face nailing is nailing through the top of the planks into the subfloor, counter sink the nails and fill in the dimples with wood filler.

Depending on the tools used and the width of the flooring installed, it may be necessary to face nail two or three rows before secret nailing can begin.

Continue laying rows of planks down ensuring that you keep the 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Stagger the boards so that the end joint of each row is further than 150mm apart (brick bond)

Keeping the nails at a distance of 250 – 300mm, secret nail the planks into the subfloor. Secret nailing is a method where planks are secured through the tongue of the boards at a 45 degree angle and counter sunk to allow the groove of the next board to fit tightly. Mechanical nail guns are the best way to achieve professional results and make installation a lot easier.

The final row can be measured and marked to size using the following technique; firstly place the board to be marked directly on top of the last row laid. Place another plank on top of the loose plank but this time have the top plank pushed up against 15mm wedges against the wall to give you the correct measurement allowing for expansion. (be careful not to move the board to be marked) now draw a line along the edge of the top plank marking the board underneath.

The last few rows will also have to be face nailed as there will not be enough room for secret nailing.

Installing the floor planks – Direct gluing –

Direct gluing is a suitable method of installation when fixing on top of a concrete or screed subfloor. One benefit is that the overall height of the new floor is kep to a minimum as there is no need to install an 18mm WBP plywood base. It is also suitable over existing wood floors which are suitably flat and firm.

The subfloor must be flat, firm and level; if necessary a levelling compound may be used. It is important to remember that all subfloors must be dry.

A liquid damp proof membrane must be laid first and allowed to dry.

Using a suitable wood flooring adhesive apply an even coat to the subfloor. A notched trowel held at between 450 and 900 is the best method for this.

Start the first row by laying the boards parallel to the wall allowing a 15mm expansion gap. Begin by resting the fitting wedges up against the wall to give you a 15mm gap. This is vital as the Solid boards will expand and contract after installation and if this gap is not present the floor will lift and buckle in the room. The wedges are removed after installation is complete and the gap is covered with either skirting or beading

At the end of the first row you will undoubtedly need to cut a board to length. A good way to measure the length of the board required is to rotate the loose board by 180 degree (facing upwards) so that the tongue is facing the tongue of the previous row. Rest the board next to the first row then mark and cut the boards to size.

(NB. When cutting Solid flooring ensure that a new blade is used)

After two rows have been successfully installed weigh them down while the glue sets. Any glue which has seeped through to the surface should be removed immediately.

Continue laying rows of planks down ensuring that you keep the 15mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Stagger the boards so that the end joint of each row is further than 150mm apart (brick bond)

Tension straps may be used to hold rows tightly together whilst the glue sets.

The final row can be measured and marked to size using the following technique; firstly place the board to be marked directly on top of the last row laid. Place another plank on top of the loose plank but this time have the top plank pushed up against 15mm wedges against the wall to give you the correct measurement allowing for expansion. (be careful not to move the board to be marked) now draw a line along the edge of the top plank marking the board underneath.

Installing the floor planks – Self adhesive underlay –

Solid flooring can also be laid as a floating floor using a self adhesive underlay. The boards are adhered directly to the underlay which holds the floor together. This method can be used for all subfloor types (following the rules set out above that subfloors be flat, firm and dry) the benefits of the self adhesive underlay is that the room can be used immediately with no drying time required for glue to set.

Lay the underlay at 90 degrees to the direction of the boards ensuring that there are no gaps between sheets but equally important is that the underlay does not overlap. When using the underlay over concrete, first lay a DPM with the edges overlapped by 20cm.

Peel back the foil from the underlay by the width of 2 ½ planks and fold over.

Using the supplied spare foil, lay this over the exposed adhesive surface of the underlay with enough surplus foil facing the wall to fold back over the top of the underlay

Place the fitting wedges up against the wall to give you a 15mm gap. This is vital as the Solid boards will expand and contract after installation and if this gap is not present the floor will lift and buckle in the room. The wedges are removed after installation is complete and the gap is covered with either skirting or beading

Position the first row along the wall and wedges allowing for the expansion gap and ensure that this is perfectly straight. (if the first row is not perfectly straight the entire floor will be ruined) At the end of the first row you will undoubtedly need to cut a board to length. A good way to measure the length of the board required is to rotate the loose board by 180 degree (facing upwards) so that the tongue is facing the tongue of the previous row. Rest the board next to the first row then mark and cut the boards to size

(NB. When cutting Solid flooring ensure that a new blade is used)

Now lay a second row, this will help to stabilise the two rows whilst the foil is removed as well as help to provide a straight line

Once you are satisfied the rows are straight and tightly fitted, peel back the loose foil sheet which will expose the adhesive underlay to the solid wood flooring thus holding the boars in place.

The loose foil may now be discarded. The remaining attached foil will be your work area where new rows will be rested on until you are happy that they are tightly fitted.

Continue to fit the rows down and peel away the foil to fix the boards into place.

The final row can be measured and marked to size using the following technique; firstly place the board to be marked directly on top of the last row laid. Place another plank on top of the loose plank but this time have the top plank pushed up against 15mm wedges against the wall to give you the correct measurement allowing for expansion. (be careful not to move the board to be marked) now draw a line along the edge of the top plank marking the board underneath.

Obstacles –

There are various obstacles you will come across when installing any flooring. The trick is to identify these at the beginning and plan when to tackle them. You do not want to end up at an obstacle where you may need to remove some flooring you have already installed to enable you to deal with the situation.

Door frames are inevitable as almost all rooms will have these. It is necessary to remove a section of architrave and door jam to allow the Solid to be fitted under them, thus hiding the expansion gap away from sight. To do this you will need to place a piece of underlay and an upturned board against the door frame. Using a long saw pressed against the Solid floor begin to cut into the door frame. Make your cut until you reach the wall behind the door frame. Do not worry about cutting into the skirting as the beading will cover this. Remove as much of the door frame as possible so as to allow the right expansion room for the Engineered.

Measure and mark the Solid to fit and then install. When faced with a room where there are doors on both sides of a room and the Solid is installed across the door way it may be necessary to use glue to fit a board at one of these doors. As it is impossible to install the board at 30 degrees and still slide it under the architrave you will need to remove some of the locking joint on the previous row.

Remove the lip along the tongue of the long edge using a sharp chisel. Apply glue to this edge. Slide the board to be fitted under the door architrave and then pull it back into place along the previous row.

Radiator pipe covers can either protrude through the floor or from the wall. If they are floor mounted then the Solid will need to be cut around the pipes with an expansion gap. Measure and mark the position of the pipes on the Solid board and cut the holes out using a 32mm spade drill bit. This should allow for the 15mm pipe and an expansion gap. Then remove the excess Solid to allow the board to be placed against the pipes. The area of Solid removed should represent a keyhole shape. Keep the off cuts of the Solid as these can be glued back into place once the plank is installed.

Beginner’s Guide to Wood Flooring

Wood flooring is the most popular flooring option. You can select from the several stunning wood flooring options to beautify your home interior. If you are uninformed about the many benefits of wood flooring, this article will provide you with a crucial insight on wood flooring.

 

Nowadays, different types of materials are used to produce flooring. The material selection depends upon important factors like cost, comfort, moisture, noise, durability, and maintenance. Carpeted floors or marble, granite and limestone flooring have been used since ancient times. Vinyl flooring and laminates have also gained popularity in last few decades. The most significant change is visible in wood flooring. More and more people are now experimenting with different wood flooring options.

 

Wood Flooring Benefits

Wood flooring offers several benefits. It is among the most durable flooring options. Unlike carpets, you don’t need to replace a wood floor after a few years. Even the maintenance of wood floors is easier by comparison. Wood floors are a better flooring option than regular tile flooring since wood flooring provides warmth. For people who are allergic to dust, wood floors are far better than carpeting. Even after regular vacuum cleaning, carpets can become host to allergy aggravating bacteria, parasites or dust mites. But with wood floors, you can have peace of mind. In order to keep wood floors shining like new, you just need a little polish. To restore the original glory of your wood flooring after years of use, a simple sand and seal is enough.

 

Wood Flooring Options

You have a variety of wood flooring options. You can select from classic wood floors, exotic hardwood floors, hand-scraped wood floors, and wire brush hardwood floors. Experienced wood flooring contractors also offer numerous shades and wood selections. Some popular wood options nowadays are ash, beech, birch, cherry, elm, hickory, maple, oak, mahogany, pine, walnut, and more.

 

Wood Flooring – Look and Feel

Wood flooring complements your homes ambiance with a sophisticated look. In terms of beauty, nothing can beat wood floors. The elegant look of a hardwood floor can add warmth and character to any room. In fact, the natural characteristics of wood add depth and a visual appearance that many other types of flooring can’t duplicate.

 

In addition to the several benefits and exclusive look and feel; wood floors also add value to homes. A home with elegant hardwood flooring always fetches a higher resale price in comparison to similar homes with traditional flooring. That means choosing wood flooring is always a win-win situation.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Interior Trend. Oak Wood Flooring

People spend so much time worrying about colour schemes, wall coverings and lighting that they forget one of the most important things. The floor. Many people will be so exhausted by the whole organisation of redesigning a room that they usually pick the first flooring that they see.

The key to designing a fantastic room is to start from the bottom and work your way up. By leaving the lighting till last you can decide which parts of the room you would like to focus on and light up. You can also gauge the feel of the room so if you have designed a comfy room you can use soft lighting to create a mood or if you have designed a functional room you can use spotlights to light up work spaces. When it comes to wood flooring many people choose oak.

Oak is a great wood that is versatile yet strong. It will last for as long as you room scheme (and for many years more). The beauty of real wood floors is that they age with the house or the room. Each stage of aging brings new colours to a real wood floor which will give you an ever changing scheme. Of course there are several ways you can finish your real wood floor. With real oak flooring many people like to protect it from scratches and dents and so have the floor lacquered. This lacquer finish will protect the floor for many years but you should be prepared to re-lacquer the floor when required. Real wood floors do take some looking after but in return you get a beautiful floor that will last a lifetime. In order to maintain your wood flooring you should sweep and mop your floor frequently. You should also check for any problems or damages that may have occurred, especially under furniture or high traffic areas as these are the most likely places for problems. If a crack or scratch isn’t dealt with then it will only get worse and may even be cause for replacement. It can be difficult to decide which wood floor you would like which is where a mood board comes in handy. A mood board is a collection of all of the items you want in your room displayed together so you can see how they go together. Samples of wood floors are great for mood boards and will show you how well everything fits together.

If you are designing your new room or are just looking for inspiration, the easiest and quickest way to find what you want is to browse on the internet. You can find a whole multitude of items and pictures on the internet so why not get looking today and get designing your perfect room.

This film is to show how www.canterburyflooring.co.uk fit solid Oak floors to a concrete sub floor then stain and varnish.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Why is Real Wood Flooring Graded?

Real wood flooring is an incredibly rewarding product to use in the home, and if well-maintained will improve with age and add value to your home. It can be a bit daunting choosing real wood flooring for the first time if you’ve never done it before since there are so many decisions to make! These include, the type of wood (e.g. oak, walnut etc.), the finish (e.g.. solid, laquer, stained, oiled etc.), the board size, and also the fitting profile (e.g. tongue and groove). Another aspect often overlooked or misunderstood for its mystery is the wood grade.

 

Acknowledging the grade of your real wood flooring is important, as it will help you understand the product you’re purchasing better, and also inform you of the quality of the product and how long it’s likely to last. Real wood flooring is graded because wood is a natural material, and therefore no two planks will be exactly the same. Wood, like other natural material will vary immensely in colour, density, and strength. Some types of wood may also have more or less imperfections and natural weakness in their composition, and therefore may be either more or less suitable for application as flooring. Largely speaking, the grading system is in place to distinguish between what are considered more, and less aesthetically pleasing natural appearances.

 

There are a number of different types of grading used to distinguish between real wood flooring, but let’s start with the Classic Grade. This title is used to define wood that is generally speaking, considered to be the highest grade, and most aesthetically pleasing. Woods in this category are characterised by the least variation in colour, grain and knots. In other words, a wood with a consistent colour tone, with the straightest grain and fewest knots. Such types of wood awarded the classic grade include Walnut, Ash and Elm.

 

One of the next most notable grades for distinguishing between types of real wood flooring is the Character Grade. This grade is awarded to wood that may feature more variation with regard to colour tones (such as Oak), and less standard grain and knot prevalence. Character grade real wood flooring often features wood with knots that react more dramatically to kiln drying, often cracking. This is quite common, and these knots are sanded and filled with a special resin and then sanded down again.

 

The last of the more common wood grades used in categorising real wood flooring is Rustic Grade wood. This grade is awarded to wood that features significantly more variation with regard to colour tones, and in particular in knot size and grain direction and spacing. Generally speaking this grade can include wood that features almost and unlimited amount of variation, whether natural or through defect. Again, many of the features of rustic wood are filled and sanded before it is sold to ensure it is structurally sound.

 

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Importance of Solid Wood Flooring

Experience a new classy touch and elegant looks with the solid wood flooring. The solid wood flooring really adds aesthetics and elegance to a room. Let the attractive Solid Wood Floors bring beauty to the every corner of home.  Solid Wood floorings are costly but it increases the ambience of the house, making it worthwhile. They bring warmth, comfort and liveliness to every room, and are lasting for long periods of time. You can buy solid Wood Flooring from any Wood Flooring company in UK.

Wood Flooring Company in UK offers Solid Wood flooring in different appearances and a lot of choices to meet your flooring needs. Wood Flooring Company in UK offers a fantastic range of top quality Solid Wood Flooring across a varied price range. You can also buy Solid Wood Flooring online. Solid Wood flooring companies in UK makes it easier for you to purchase Solid Wood Floors. Solid Wood Floors are wonderful flooring option for the bedrooms and the living rooms.

Go for the Solid Wood Flooring and experience a whole new look of class and sophistication at an affordable price. You will love walking bare feet on the Solid Wood Floors. Solid Wood Floor ensures warmth and everlasting natural beauty. Another benefit of Solid Wood flooring is that they make room more spacious.

Solid Wood Floor gives a brilliant chance for customization. You can find Solid wood floorings at almost all places. Once you install a Solid Wood Flooring, you will automatically feel the supreme beauty. These days parquet, plank boards and strip flooring are popular choices in Solid Wood Flooring category. Solid Wood Floors are best and at the same time simple to maintain. Whether you choose dark coloured or light shade, the Solid Wood Flooring lasts forever. Solid Wood Floor promises a real investment into your home. Select from wide range of the superior quality Solid Wood Flooring for your home from Wood flooring companies in UK.

We offer a range of wood flooring, bamboo flooring, engineered flooring, flooring installation services at Forest Floors UK at best affordable prices. For more information on wood flooring Products and accessories visit us at www.forestfloorsuk.co.uk.

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