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Wood Flooring Buying Guide

When looking for a hardwearing floor, this wood flooring buying guide compares the features and benefits of wooden floorboard types to help homeowners make an informed decision for rooms throughout a living space. A staple of heritage and boutique interiors, timber can bring natural character and high-end luxury to a design. These durable planks are tough enough to withstand modern life and provide many years of style, thanks to a robust construction that can be easily customised to reflect changing trends or simply refreshed over time.

What types of wood flooring are available?

Engineered wood

Enjoy a wooden floor for less thanks to engineered boards, which feature a thin layer of hardwood that is bonded to a plywood core –offering an affordable alternative to solid timber.

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1.Engineered wood

The MDF centre gives these panels strength, while the surface has a distinctive tone and grained pattern thanks to the authentic timber top layer. This durable design suits a busy living space and provides natural warmth and character on a smaller budget. These floors are also easy to fit and can be glued directly onto concrete if required. In addition, these boards can be sanded up to five times, allowing you to renew tired floors over time for a longer life.

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Solid wood

Invest in solid wood floors for durability and luxury that can last a lifetime. These natural timber boards can be sanded and refinished multiple times for a fresh look that renews a space.

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2. Solid wood

Each plank is sawn from a single piece of hardwood, creating a premium product which is tough enough to withstand life in a modern home. Through sanding and refinishing, these robust floorboards can be updated to match changing styles over the years or simply renewed when the appearance looks weathered. This extends the lifespan of the surface and provides ongoing value for money while being a sustainable option too.

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What are the benefits of wood flooring?

Premium finish

Introduce a luxe feature to any living space thanks to the organic texture, rich colour, and unique pattern of timber, which is a staple of boutique interiors.

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A premium finish

An essential element in high-end design, wood is the go-to material for discerning homeowners who are seeking quality and luxury. The appearance of woodgrain creates visual interest, while the natural hues and patterns of timber make each board one of a kind. The result is a statement floor that cannot be recreated, making it completely bespoke to a home.
Inspired by nature

Take inspiration from the outside world with a wooden floor. Made from organic materials, they promote positive wellbeing in a home.

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Inspired by nature

Introducing wooden elements to a room enhances the warm, welcoming ambience of a space thanks to the rich colour and tactile nature of timber. It also promotes positive wellbeing, as it reduces manmade materials, allowing us to reconnect with the world outside. Used for centuries to craft long-lasting surfaces, wood continues to be a popular choice due to its durability and sustainability that improves with age.

A long term investment

With a little care, wooden floors can remain in great condition for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for the long term.

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A long term investment

The durable nature of timber means it can be fitted in even the busiest of rooms. It is also easy to maintain with careful cleaning and by protecting the surface from wear and tear. Investing in wood can also add value to a property, as its hardwearing qualities and enduring style are always popular with prospective buyers.
Style that will last

From rustic retreats to Scandi-inspired homes - wood offers a timeless look that transcends trends, which can be styled up or down to suit any scheme.

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4. Style that will last

With a wide variety of shades to choose from, wood is found in many different designs. Whether used as a natural accent in a contemporary interior or to complement a home with heritage style, it is an adaptable material that is always in fashion. This versatility means a room can be updated without replacing the floorboards, keeping renovation costs low and lifestyle impacts to a minimum.

What rooms is it suitable for?

What colours are available?

Bamboo

Utilise the rich tones of bamboo to create a warm area in the home. As a fast-growing wood, this is a great option for those wanting a sustainable material.

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Bamboo

The rich tones of bamboo will instantly make any room feel more inviting. Its deep shade minimises the appearance of marks and scuffs too, which is useful in high-traffic areas, like hallways. Faster growing than other timbers, this material is more sustainable too – a key consideration for eco-conscious homeowners.

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- Grey
  
  Ensure you flooring is always in style with a classic grey shade that offers a cool palette for any decor.
  
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  Grey
  
  Fashion-forward grey is a versatile colour that comes in a variety of shades, including soft hues that suit serene spaces like the bedroom. An on-trend choice, it gives classic timber an up-to-date twist, making it easy to accommodate in a modern home. As a neutral tone, it can be paired with any decor, offering the flexibility to refresh a room in future without changing the floor.
  
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- Oak
  
  Go with the timeless shade of oak for a versatile option that will transcend trends in any interior.
  
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  Oak
  
  A classic option that is always in style, oak is considered the most authentic timber colour for home decor. It has a warm tone which brings out the unique grain and texture in each floorboard, highlighting the natural appeal of the wood. Its timeless popularity makes it suitable for both traditional designs and trend-led interiors. With woodwork available in matching hues, it is easy to achieve a coordinated finish.
  
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Planning considerations

Underlay

For a professional result, install a suitable underlay before fitting an engineered or solid wood floor, which will help improve stability, noise reduction, and heat retention.

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Underlay

Underlay can make a hardwood surface more comfortable underfoot while adding an extra layer of insulation, keeping a living space warm and cosy. In turn, this could reduce energy bills over time by retaining heat. It can also help with sound dampening thanks to the cushioning effect, which is great for apartments, shared rental properties, or homes with young children and elderly family members.

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Accessories

Achieve a seamless finish when fitting a new wooden floor with matching accessories. This includes trims to conceal any gaps after floorboards have been installed.

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Accessories

Threshold strips are used to join different floorboard materials or the floors between two rooms together, creating a smooth join across separate living areas. Where boards meet a fireplace or a wall, profiles can be fitted to hide the gap. Meanwhile, quadrants and scotia cover the space between the floor and skirting board for a professional finish. To enhance the premium aesthetic of timber, choose accessories in matching colours for a cohesive look.

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Installation

For a simple and hassle-free fit, ensure the subfloor is even. We also recommend that you measure the space accurately, and let the boards acclimatise to the room prior to installation.

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Installation

A level subfloor is essential when fitting wooden boards as an uneven surface could cause the panels to separate over time. When measuring the floor, allow for 10 to 15 per cent extra material, which will ensure there is enough to lay a popular brickwork style. Wood needs to be acclimatised to the space before installation as it could expand or contract in changing temperatures, so we recommend leaving the boards in the area where they will be fitted for at least three days. An expansion gap of 5mm is also required around the edge of the room, so floorboards have space to settle.
Cleaning and aftercare

A broom is a homeowner’s best friend when taking care of a wood floor, so be sure to sweep up any dust or debris regularly. This is gentler on the surface than using a vacuum.

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Cleaning and aftercare

If stubborn dirt or spills occur, a damp cloth will usually clean wooden boards. Specialist treatments are also available to preserve the floor over time, including oils and wax that can be used to enhance its natural colour and sheen. With solid-timber planks, it is easy to sand and re-finish the surface multiple times, restoring the floor to its original condition. Look for products that cater for the specific type of wood a floor is made of to achieve the best results.

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