I am often asked about the use of wooden flooring in a house. There are various different types with options to replicate antique oak to modern finishes for a modern property. I asked my friends at Wood and Beyond Ltd www.woodandbeyond.com to write a short blog to explain the different types:
If you are considering fitting wood flooring, or replacing an existing wood flooring, you will likely come across various options. In this guide to wood flooring, we look to simply the choice by explaining types, finishes and grades of wood flooring.
Wood Flooring Types:
1. Solid wood flooring – These are the most common wood floors, which are made from complete wood. They benefit from having a reputation of been very durable, however may react to temperature changes by expanding or shrinking in hot or cold conditions.
2. Engineered wood flooring – Made from a core of wood together with Plywood or MDF and a top layer of hardwood veneer, engineered floors benefit from better suitability in areas where solid floors may be unsuitable.
For most areas, either type will work well.
Wood Flooring Finish:
1. Oiled – This finish is the most popular for engineered and solid flooring. It gives the floor extra protection from minor damage and a nice shine.
2. Brushed – Similar to the benefits of oiled finish in terms of protection, the brush affect makes the floor seem more mature.
3. UV Lacquered – The finish of the floor is almost glowing.
4. Smoked – The floorboards are baked in an oven to give the floor a smoked visual affect.
5. Combinations – Two or more finishes mixed together such as brushed and oiled board of Walnut flooring.
Solid flooring and some types of engineered flooring (depending on the thickness of the hardwood veneer) will react well to staining. This process will rejuvenate the floor and allow you to coat the flooring again in the same shade or a completely different shade.
Wood Flooring Grade:
1. Prime Grade – The highest grade for wood flooring, prime has only minimal variation of colour between the different boards and limited infrequent small knots and character marks.
2. Select Grade – The middle range grade, select is the most popular grade. It displays the odd infrequent knots, colour variations and mineral streaking together with grain pattern.
3. Rustic Grade – The most basic grade, rustic displays heavy grain markings and figuring, wider colour variations and frequent knots of varying sizes.
Rather than looking at grade as an indication of quality, it is an indication of the visual aspect of the wood board. The different grade will mean more or fewer knots and colour variations.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
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Article written by the team at wood flooring vendors, wood and beyond. An online company offering woods, from solid to engineered wood flooring.
Brushed and Oiled Oak
Engineered Flooring
Prime Grade Oak