Wood Flooring FAQ
Wood Flooring FAQ: Answers to Your Most Common Questions
We are a one stop solution for all your Wooden flooring needs. If you want to purchase wood flooring from our shop and fit it yourself, you find us very competitive on our prices. If you would prefer we can supply and fit your project as a one stop shop. If you would you like a restoration quote of your existing wooden floor we can supply a sanding and refinishing quote.
We provide a full & bespoke personal service from planning to finish and all the stages in-between. We visit your property at a time to suit you, with a wide variety of samples; we listen to your needs and advice. We Supply / Fit & Restore your wooden floor with 99% dust free floor sanding.
With so many different designs, textures, widths and colours, you will be sure to find something which suits your specific tastes, preferences and budgets.
For any wood flooring queries please contact us on 07891 268265 or by visiting our Contact Page
Will vary from £25 – £50sqm
99% dust free, micro dust is produced but cleaned up.
89 decibels, same as a idle motorbike.
You can have 1 of 15 different colour samples that can be applied to your floor for you to choose.
Floor sanding on average will be a day per room for one person.
1 – 4 hours depending on chosen finish between oil or lacquer.
Oils look better than lacquers but require more maintenance.
Yes you can, however it is often best to get a professional to ensure you get the best result.
Oak is the most popular choice for floors and furniture because of its durability, timeless aesthetic appeal, versatility, and ease of use. Its natural strength and beauty, combined with the ability to customize it to various finishes and styles, make it a top material in both traditional and modern design. Oak also offers excellent value over the long term, as it not only lasts for decades but also develops a rich patina that enhances its appearance with age. Whether you’re installing oak flooring or investing in oak furniture, it is a reliable and elegant choice that will serve your home or business well for years to come.
It is particularly resistant to insect and fungal attack. Moreover, oak trees live for hundreds of years, thereby associating the wood with strength and longevity.
Oak flooring offers a diverse range of colors, from natural light browns to deep, rich hues. Whether you prefer light, bright, and modern or dark, dramatic, and traditional, oak can be stained or treated to match almost any interior design style. Its ability to take on different finishes while maintaining its distinctive grain and durability makes oak a versatile and timeless choice for flooring.
Both European and American oak are excellent choices for flooring and furniture, but they each have unique qualities that suit different needs. European oak offers a more rustic, characterful appearance with a warm golden tone and higher tannin content, making it ideal for traditional or historic designs. American oak, particularly white oak, is more affordable, easier to work with, and offers a cleaner, more uniform look, which suits modern or contemporary interiors. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific application.
Summary of Differences
Aspect | European Oak | American Oak |
---|---|---|
Species | Quercus robur, Quercus petraea | Quercus alba (White Oak), Quercus rubra (Red Oak) |
Color | Warm honey/golden tones | White Oak: Pale brown, slight grey; Red Oak: Reddish-brown |
Grain | Irregular, characterful, with knots | White Oak: Straight, tight; Red Oak: Coarser, wide grain |
Hardness | Janka rating around 1,120 | White Oak: 1,360; Red Oak: 1,290 |
Tannin Content | Higher, more resistant to pests | Lower tannin, but white oak is more water-resistant |
Workability | Denser, harder to work with | Easier to work with, especially red oak |
Cost | Generally more expensive | More affordable in North America, especially red oak |
Availability | Widely available in Europe, less in other regions | Readily available in North America |
Environmental Impact | Often sourced from well-managed European forests | Often harvested from second-growth forests in the U.S. |
Beech wood flooring is a fantastic option for homeowners looking for a durable, versatile, and visually appealing hardwood floor. Its light, warm tones and smooth, subtle grain make it a great choice for contemporary and traditional interiors alike.
No, beech wood is generally not stronger than oak. While beech is a hard and durable wood, oak (especially white oak) tends to have higher density and strength, making it more suitable for heavy-duty applications like flooring and furniture. Oak is also more resistant to moisture, which contributes to its overall durability.
Beech wood is generally considered to be moderately priced. It’s more affordable than premium hardwoods like oak or walnut but can be slightly more expensive than softwoods. The cost may vary depending on availability and region.
Pros of Beech Wood:
- Durable and strong: Hard and resilient, making it suitable for furniture and flooring.
- Smooth, fine grain: Ideal for a polished, modern appearance.
- Workable: Easy to machine, bend, and finish.
- Affordable: Generally more affordable than oak and other premium hardwoods.
Cons of Beech Wood:
- Sensitive to moisture: Prone to warping or swelling in humid conditions.
- Less resistant to decay: Not as durable as oak when exposed to outdoor elements.
- Limited color variation: Typically light, uniform, which may lack the character of other woods.
Yes, maple is a good wood for flooring. It is hard, durable, and has a smooth, uniform grain that offers a clean, modern look. Its natural resistance to wear makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, though it can be prone to scratching and denting if not properly maintained.
Maple flooring is generally moderately priced, though it can be more expensive than some other hardwoods like oak. Its cost depends on factors like grade, type (solid or engineered), and finish.
Pros of Maple Flooring:
- Durable and hard: Resists wear and tear, ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Smooth, uniform grain: Offers a clean, contemporary look.
- Light color: Brightens rooms and can be stained to match various decor styles.
Cons of Maple Flooring:
- Prone to scratches and dents: Despite its hardness, it can show wear without proper care.
- Difficult to stain: The dense grain makes it harder to accept stains evenly.
- Sensitive to humidity: Can expand or contract in extreme moisture conditions.
Yes, despite being a hard wood, maple flooring can scratch more easily than some other hardwoods due to its tight grain structure, which makes surface scratches more visible. Proper care and maintenance, like using protective pads and rugs, can help minimize scratching.
Negatives of Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Less durable: The thinner top layer of real wood can be sanded and refinished fewer times compared to solid wood.
- Moisture sensitivity: While more resistant to moisture than solid wood, it can still warp or swell in high humidity if not properly installed or maintained.
- Cost: Can be more expensive than some other flooring options like laminate or vinyl.
- Inconsistent quality: Cheaper versions may have weaker cores or thinner wear layers, reducing longevity.
Jatoba wood, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is special for its exceptional hardness and rich, reddish-brown color. It is highly durable, making it ideal for flooring and furniture in high-traffic areas. Jatoba is also resistant to wear, scratches, and dents, and its distinctive color deepens over time, adding to its appeal.
The toughest engineered wood flooring typically comes from species like Hickory, Oak, or Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba). These woods are known for their hardness and durability, and when used as the top layer of engineered flooring, they provide excellent resistance to wear, dents, and scratches. Hickory is particularly noted for its toughness, making it one of the hardest options available.
While some eco-friendly options may have a higher upfront cost, they often provide better long-term value due to their durability and the potential for refinishing.
Certain types, like engineered wood or bamboo, are more stable and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for areas with higher humidity. However, it’s important to follow manufacturer recommendations.
Cork is moderately durable and can be used in high-traffic areas if properly maintained. Its resilience allows it to bounce back from minor impacts.
Engineered wood offers greater stability, is less prone to warping, and uses less solid wood, making it a more sustainable choice.