4 choices you’ll have to make when installing Hardwood flooring in UK.

Thinking of installing Hardwood flooring in the UK? That’s a brilliant idea; wood is bound to add a luxurious, opulent and elegant look to the interior design of your home. However, the decision to go with hardwood flooring will bring with it a number of other important decisions that need to be made. Getting these decisions right is essential to ensure a good looking floor, a cost-effective project and smooth installation process. Keeping this in mind, the following article will highlight 4 of these choices and help you choose wisely.

1. Solid hardwood flooring or engineered wood flooring?

You can opt for two types of Hardwood flooring in UK – Solid and Engineered. Solid wood floors are made completely from wood and usually sourced from a single piece of timber. Engineered floors, on the other hand, are made by placing a layer of real wood on top of multiple layers of plywood. By virtue of its construct, engineered wood floors are generally more affordable than solid floors are they do not require as much real wood.

However, since solid wood floors are real wood from top to bottom, they can be re-sanded and finished multiple times whereas the number of times you can re-send an engineered floor depends on the thickness of the top layer (of real wood). There are numerous other differences between solid and engineered wood floors, so before you make a choice, you should do a thorough research to see which is best suited for your needs.

2. Choose the look of the floor.

You’ll have to choose from a range of finishes, colors, types of wood, thicknesses, plank sizes, grain, etc. Every different combination will have a different look. This is why it’s very important to have a rough idea of what you are looking for before you sit down to select the right finish for your floor.

3. Who will you choose to install hardwood flooring in the UK?

Next up, you will have to choose a flooring company to install the hardwood flooring. It’s best you look for a one-stop shop company that takes care of sourcing the materials, installs the floor and even offers maintenance solutions. Not only will work out to be more cost-effective, but it will also be much more convenient for you. When choosing a flooring company, remember to look for one that provides benefits such as warranty, free estimates, a wide range of finishes and cost-effective solutions. Above all, make sure the flooring company you choose has a wealth of experience installing wood floors.

4. To install acoustic wood floor underlay or not?

A lot of people who install Hardwood flooring in UK opt to install acoustic underlays with the flooring. These underlays provide a peaceful living/work environments, better the underfoot comfort of your floor, reduce your power consumption by acting as heat insulators and decrease decay by acting as a resistance to moisture. All this for a minimal extra amount – we think it’s worth it, but ultimately, you will have to decide.

These were 4 choices you’ll have to make after choosing to install hardwood flooring in the UK. We hope the information in this article will help you take the right decision and ensure you end up with the flooring you envisioned at the least possible cost and in a convenient manner. Good luck and all the best. 

4 choices you’ll have to make when installing Hardwood flooring in UK.

Thinking of installing Hardwood flooring in the UK? That’s a brilliant idea; wood is bound to add a luxurious, opulent and elegant look to the interior design of your home. However, the decision to go with hardwood flooring will bring with it a number of other important decisions that need to be made. Getting these decisions right is essential to ensure a good looking floor, a cost-effective project and smooth installation process. Keeping this in mind, the following article will highlight 4 of these choices and help you choose wisely.

1. Solid hardwood flooring or engineered wood flooring?

You can opt for two types of Hardwood flooring in UK– Solid and Engineered. Solid wood floors are made completely from wood and usually sourced from a single piece of timber. Engineered floors, on the other hand, are made by placing a layer of real wood on top of multiple layers of plywood. By virtue of its construct, engineered wood floors are generally more affordable than solid floors are they do not require as much real wood.

However, since solid wood floors are real wood from top to bottom, they can be re-sanded and finished multiple times whereas the number of times you can re-sand an engineered floor depends on the thickness of the top layer (of real wood). There are numerous other differences between solid and engineered wood floors, so before you make a choice, you should do a thorough research to see which is best suited for your needs.

2. Choose the look of the floor.

You’ll have to choose from a range of finishes, colors, types of wood, thicknesses, plank sizes, grain, etc. Every different combination will have a different look. This is why it’s very important to have a rough idea of what you are looking for before you sit down to select the right finish for your floor.

3. Who will you choose to install hardwood flooring in UK?

Next up, you will have to choose a flooring company to install the Hardwood flooring. It’s best you look for a one-stop shop company that takes care of sourcing the materials, installs the floor and even offers maintenance solutions. Not only will work out to be more cost-effective, it will also be much more convenient for you. When choosing a flooring company, remember to look for one that provides benefits such as warranty, free estimates, a wide range of finishes and cost-effective solutions. Above all, make sure the flooring company you choose has a wealth of experience installing wood floors.

4. To install acoustic wood floor underlay or not?

A lot of people who install hardwood flooring in the UK opt to install acoustic underlays with the flooring. These underlays provide a peaceful living/work environments, better the underfoot comfort of your floor, reduce your power consumption by acting as heat insulators and decrease decay by acting as a resistance to moisture. All this for a minimal extra amount – we think it’s worth it, but ultimately, you will have to decide.

These were 4 choices you’ll have to make after choosing to install Hardwood flooring in the UK. We hope the information in this article will help you take the right decision and ensure you end up with the flooring you envisioned at the least possible cost and in a convenient manner. Good luck and all the best. 

Engineered wooden flooring

Hardwood Flooring Vs Carpet: The Pros and Cons

As a homeowner, choosing the right flooring for your home is one of the most challenging decisions you can make. There are several flooring materials to choose from such as tiles, cork, bamboo, carpet, engineered wood, vinyl, hardwood, and more. In this post, we’ll focus on two of the popular choices – Engineered wooden flooring

Depending on individual aesthetic and functional preferences, some people prefer hardwood flooring for its long-lasting beauty while others are inclined to installing carpet for the comfort and softness underfoot. Certain practical factors such as climatic conditions, the purpose of a room, cleaning and maintenance, presence of kids or pets, etc. should also be considered when making a purchase decision.

In today’s post, we’ll discuss a comparative study of hardwood flooring and carpet to help you make an informed buying decision.

Hardwood Flooring Vs. Carpet

Hardwood has been used in residential spaces for centuries and has only gained more popularity over the years. Carpet, on the other hand, has been a cost-effective favourite for many homeowners. However, both come with distinct pros and cons which we’ve put together below.

        Durability:

A standard quality hardwood product can last for decades if maintained properly while top-grade materials can last for generations. When it gets damaged due to rough treatment, wear and tear, or stains, hardwood can be refinished to make it look like new. The process involves sanding, and reapplication of the floor finish on the surface to revitalize the old appearance. You may require performing this process periodically depending on the thickness of your hardwood flooring and the damage suffered.

On the other hand, carpet needs to be replaced every few years. It can’t be refinished to get back the shine and lustre of a new one.

            Ease Of Cleaning:

The smooth surface of Engineered wooden flooring doesn’t allow dust particles, dirt, grime or stains to settle. It can be easily swept or wiped off clean. But with carpet, it’s exactly the opposite. The fibres attract and trap dust and air-borne particles which are almost impossible to get rid of as they settle permanently. Removing stains from carpet is also not possible as they soak into the fibres.

            Allergy Potential:

When you keep the hardwood floor surface clean, there’s little possibility of accumulation of dust and micro-organisms that can cause allergies. But every time you clean or walk across a carpet, a huge amount of dust and bacteria are cast into the air. This deteriorates the air quality of your indoors increasing the risk of getting affected by allergens.

            Resale Value:

Since wood is expensive and high-end in appearance, it’s considered a luxury flooring option based on the type of wood and the quality of the finish. If you wish to sell your home in the future, it’s easier and faster to sell with hardwood installed and that too at a greater resale value.

            Visual Appeal:

Hardwood comes with a timeless appeal. With technological advancements, there have been various shifts in design and trends to match a wide variety of colours, textures, accessories, and decor styles. Carpet, though available in many colours, patterns, textures, and designs, it lacks versatility.

            Comfort:

Carpet is both softer and warmer than Engineered wooden flooring. Unlike wood, it doesn’t cause pain in knees, ankles or feet when standing on its surface for long periods of time. Also, it helps to insulate the room ensuring that the warmth doesn’t escape outside. When installed with a dense foam underlayment, carpet is much more comfortable than hardwood.

Safety:

The softness of carpet makes it a safer choice when it comes to accidental falling of humans, pets or objects. Its cushioning effect decreases the impact of the fall, which is why the chances of injuries and breakage are minimized.

Now that you know the basic pros and cons of Engineered wooden flooring and carpet, we hope you can make a better decision when choosing one for your home. If you have small children or senior members in your family, the safety aspect of carpet can be a strong consideration. However, if you’re still indecisive, discuss your needs and lifestyle with a flooring expert. An experienced professional can help you choose the right material for your space.