So you are considering having wood flooring put down, but you are not sure what kind, or really where to start. These ten tips should put you on the right path as they are all questions you should be asking yourself before slashing out on something you don't like. It doesn't matter if you plan to buy wood flooring online or get it from a bricks-and-mortar shop these ten tips will see you right...
1. Think about what look you're going for
How will your new flooring fit with the style of your house? The answer to this question will help you to make choices about your wooden floor. Is your décor modern, classic, traditional or maybe contemporary? Make sure your floor fits with your style.
2. Consider how much grain you want to see
If you're a fan of wooden floors then chances are that you'll want to see the individual grain in the wood. If that's the case then choose planks because you will get more grain on show than if you use strips or parquet.
3. How much maintenance do you want?
All wooden flooring will need regular maintenance, like daily sweeping and mopping. In terms of replacements, then wood laminate is the most durable and should last a good few years. They are not subject to the same expansion as solid wood because the bottom layers are made of MDF or ply.
4. How much money do you want to spend?
Think about what your budget is because this will help to dictate what sort of wooden flooring you'll be able to afford. Parquet flooring is the most expensive and wood laminate strips are the cheapest.
5. Are you going to lay it yourself?
DIY-ers can often work with an engineered-wood flooring, like wood strips or laminate, but other types, especially parquet, need specialist floor layers.
6. What kind of wood do you like?
Oak, ash and walnut are darker and tend to feature in period homes. If you want a lighter and more modern look then pine and whitewashed wood will be fresh. You may also want to look into Bamboo wood flooring
7. What finish should you go for?
There are a number of ways that your wood floor can be treated and all will give a slightly different look whilst protecting the flooring from moisture and scuffing. The most common finishes are oiled and lacquered.
8. Think about where the floor is going to go in your home
If your wood flooring is to go in a moist and damp area such as the kitchen or bathroom then laminate flooring is strongly recommended. If it is then finished with a heavy lacquer then the wood is effectively made waterproof.
9. Do you want to buy new or use reclaimed wood?
Reclaimed wood has a great 'lived-in' patina about it and, if you're renovating a period home, then it would be a great choice. However, it is often more expensive than buying new and can also be harder to source in any great quantities.
10. Do you have children in your family?
If the answer is yes, wood flooring is a great choice as long as you pick one for its durability. Waterproofing is a necessity with children growing up in the household and you need to choose something that is going to withstand the inevitable knocks and bumps that come with dropped toys.
Do you have wood flooring in your home? What kind did you go for? Do let us know in the comments below.
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