10 Things to consider when buying hardwood flooring

Purchasing a hardwood floor is an investment that will last a lifetime. Choosing the proper one for your house is important. Buying hardwood flooring? Here are our top ten points to keep in mind:

The floor's direction isn't clear.

Considering the color and design of the space in which you'll be installing your new floor is critical. Hardwood floors may be installed in almost any area of your house because of their adaptability. However, engineered hardwood flooring is the best choice for a conservatory or other area with a lot of glass. For this reason, it is more tolerant of variations in humidity and temperature.

Engineered wood floor cross section

Is there a subfloor under your current flooring?

Depending on the subfloor, you may require a certain kind of wood flooring. Installing any sort of floor on most subfloors is usually possible. If you want to install above joists, be cautious. The thickness of your floor must be at least 18 mm. For further information, check out the following article: Wood flooring installation on various subfloors.

Do you have underfloor heating in your home?

Engineered wood flooring is required if you have underfloor heating. Because of the numerous layers of engineered wood flooring boards, they are dimensionally stable. Temperature swings aren't a problem because of this.

How crowded is the location?

This is a very important issue to consider. The volume of foot traffic in the room should be taken into account completely. Oak or Strand Woven Bamboo would be a good choice for an area that sees a lot of foot traffic, such as a hallway or living room.

Bamboo Strand Weave (Natural in colour)

Yes, I'm on a budget.

If you're on a budget, here are a few ideas to get you started:

According on the size of the plank, species of wood, and engineered or solid wood, hardwood flooring pricing might vary substantially.

Broader and longer hardwood flooring planks are often more costly than shorter and wider planks.

Costs may be affected by plank thickness since thicker boards are more costly.

Engineered wood is normally less costly, while solid wood is usually more expensive. Increasing the amount of hardwood utilized in the construction of the planks of flooring is to blame for this.

There is also a need to think about the kind of wood used. The price of a piece of wood fluctuates based on the species' scarcity. If you compare the price of Walnut flooring with that of Oak, you'll see that it is somewhat more costly since Oak is a more prevalent hardwood for flooring.

When it comes to flooring, what color do you want?

It's typically a matter of personal taste when it comes to the color of your floor. It's important to keep an eye on the surroundings, however. For example, consider the color palette and any existing furnishings. Small or gloomy areas may benefit from the use of light colored floors. Traditional houses with a lot of room and high ceilings look great with dark timber flooring. A grey hardwood floor, on the other hand, will provide a sense of freshness and minimalism to almost any room.

What kind of flooring appeals to you the most?

Plank flooring and parquet block flooring are the two most common types of wood flooring. The traditional hardwood floor boards are known as "plank flooring." Depending on your needs, you may choose from a variety of board widths and lengths. Parquet block flooring is an alternative. The smaller chunks of wood enable you to construct stunning geometric designs.

Oak Parquet Block Flooring, Unfinished

Exactly what kind of floor finish do you desire? 8.

Surface treatments for hardwood floors are offered in a variety of options. Again, this is all up to you.

Smoothness is achieved with a lacquered finish, which is offered in a matte or semimatt finish.

A more rustic look may be achieved with an oiled finish, which has a somewhat rough feel to it.

In order to provide the look of an old-fashioned finish, a brushed and oil-coated surface is used.

A hand-scraped finish lends itself to a more rustic and textured look. Hand scraping has been used to enhance the definition of the boards.

Raw wood is found in an unfinished floor. To keep it clean and free of dirt and water, it has to be lacquered or oiled.

Is there anything else I should know about flooring?

To complete the room's decor, most newly installed hardwood floors may need a few flooring accessories. Pipe covers, door bars, and beading are just a few of the supplies we have on hand.

Bar for Doors Made of Solid Oak

What maintenance plans do you have for your new flooring?

Taking proper care of your hardwood floor is an essential aspect of owning one. Using our felt protective pads, you can keep it scratch-free. Every day, we suggest that you sweep your floor to eliminate any dust or grime that may have accumulated. After that, use a Bona Spray Mop to get rid of tough stains and revitalize your floor. For additional information on how to take care of your floor, see our Wood Floor Maintenance & Care Guide.