Wood flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring, and one which is often used in commercial and domestic properties. Been a natural material, wood is able to contribute to sense of inviting coziness, which is the reason why you will often see wood used in reception areas, bars, entrance halls and so on. During your decorating or refurbishment stage you may very well consider changing or renewing your current floor, and wood often comes up as a consideration for a possible material. If you are unfamiliar with wood flooring, and no one will blame you if you are, the sheer choice and various technical terms might seem confusing. In this guide to wood flooring, you will find all the information you need together with examples of each floors.

When sourcing wood flooring, there are three aspects which you should be familiar with. These are, the type of wood used, the wood species used and the coating which acts to protect the wood. Once you understand the three aspects of wood flooring, you will be able to find the best one for your particular property.

Wood Types – Solid Vs Engineered Flooring:

In might surprise you to learn, but not all wood floors are made from hardwood. In fact, there are two types of floors. Your traditional floor which is called solid wood flooring and the newer called engineered wood flooring.

Why two you ask?

Solid wood flooring has been around for many years and is made from a core of complete 100% wood. While this makes the floor very strong, it inherits a natural property of wood to react to temperature changes. In winter the floor might shrink and in summer, the floor might expand. Engineered flooring was created to tackle this weakness by mixing Plywood and MDF together with a core of real wood. The result is a type of wood flooring which looks identical to the traditional floor, but is impervious to changes in temperature.

Solid wood floors – made from complete wood and very strong:

Engineered wood floors – made from wood, plywood and MDF, and looks identical to solid wood:

Wood Species and The Environment:

The next aspect to consider is the type of wood used as the basis for the floor. As you know now, both types carry wood, just in different densities. Wood flooring which is well maintained will last for 30 years, so the wood species which is used has to be durable, and it also helps if the wood is affordable. Two species which are durable and affordable are Oak and Walnut woods, together with their sub-species.

Oak wood:

Walnut wood:

Another concern consumers often have is their affect on the environment and whether there are any means to ensure that the wood is sourced from sustainable habitats. An international organisation called the FSC helps consumers by accrediting companies who source their woods from sustainable and managed forests. To address possible concerns, look for sellers who are FSC accredited.

Wood Flooring Coating:

The last aspect of sourcing wood flooring is the coat which is used. The coat is responsible for giving the floor a basic layer of protection, from minor scuffs to the elements (for example UV lacquered coating). It is also used nowadays by interior designers and decorators to give the wood a unique colour, so it will match the room’s design theme.

Enjoy your new floor. If you have any questions about wood flooring, leave us a comment below or contact us.

Guide by wood flooring FSC accredited vendor Wood and Beyond. London based vendor of solid flooring and engineered flooring.