Wood flooring: a buyer’s guide
The pros and cons of different types of timber, plus installation tips
Wood flooring is an eco-friendly investment that can last a lifetime. Whether the natural appeal of solid boards, the versatility of engineered planks or the sustainable qualities of reclaimed wood, there are options for almost all spaces and every style of home.
Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about wood flooring, and explain the pros and cons of the different options available.
Why choose wooden flooring?
Wooden flooring is a hugely popular choice all across the home. This is largely because its strong and durable, and while the latter depends on the type of wood you choose, most are highly durable and will withstand wear and tear well. It’s also low maintenance, and easy to clean which is ideal if you have young children or pets in your home.
The timeless design means its always popular, so therefore you’re unlikely to feel the need to switch it up. This also makes it a great investment.
Who can install wooden flooring?
It’s best to get a carpenter or flooring specialist in to install wooden flooring. Whoever you might use make sure they have relevant experience. Be sure to ask the company or tradesperson how long they’ve been doing it to get an idea, it’s also wise to ask to see examples of their most recent work.
You can find plenty of reputable wood flooring fitters using Checkatrade.
Can wooden flooring be installed over tile?
Yes, you can install wood flooring over tile. This is ideal if you’re trying to avoid the mess and expense of removing existing flooring, but you need to keep in mind a few essential factors.
Firstly, the tile underneath needs to be in good shape, without any cracks or loose pieces to provide a solid foundation and prevent damage to the new wood flooring.
You also need to assess the height, as adding wood will raise the floor level. This can affect doors and room transitions so adjustments will need to be made. Finally, check the moisture levels in the sub floor, as issues can compromise both the old tiles and the new flooring. Applying moisture barriers, especially in wet areas such as the bathroom, will help to protect your new flooring.
Certain types of wood flooring will work over tiles better than others. Engineered hardwood flooring stands out as a top choice, as this is stable and thin and allows it to adapt to environmental changes.
Laminate is another type that works well. This is affordable, durable and captures the look of natural wood. It comes in a variety of styles to fit the design of your home.
Another option is luxury vinyl planks, while these aren’t actual wood, they offer a wood-like appearance. They’re ideal for over-tile installation due to their water resistance, making them a good choice for moisture-prone areas of your home.
Which wooden flooring is best?
Whichever wood flooring you choose, make sure any new product is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified. This guarantees it is from a responsible source.
Planks, boards and blocks
Solid wood flooring looks glorious for many decades. Even when wear and tear become noticeable, the surface can be sanded back and refinished to look like new. Hardwood species such as oak, walnut and teak are durable and scratch-resistant options for busy spaces. Softwoods such as Douglas fir, pine and larch are less robust but great for the dining area, upstairs landing and bedrooms.
Rustic oak boards from the Reclaimed Flooring Company
- Rustic oak boards, browse and order here
Design ideas
Both planks and blocks can be supplied pre-finished or delivered untreated to be customised on site with the finish of your choice. Herringbone, chevron and geometric-block wood flooring suit spaces of any size. And timber blocks with square edges create a seamless look. While traditional hand-rolled edges define each block, emphasising the pattern.
Pale oak boards from Russwood
Go for multi-layers
Engineered boards have a top layer of solid wood that is bonded to several layers of softwood. This gives a wooden floor great stability and allows it to cope with a certain amount of heat and humidity. Tongue and groove edges make the boards easy to fit together. There are a variety of species and finishes available.
Sign of quality
The depth of the hardwood top layer is a good indicator of quality. A greater depth allows for sanding back if necessary. It also looks, sounds and feels more like solid timber. Aim for at least a three millimetre-deep top layer.
‘Sanding back is not a good idea with thicknesses less than three millimetres. But at anything between four to eight millimetres, it can be sanded several times over its life span,’ says Peter Keane, director of The Natural Wood Flooring Company. Some engineered floors can be more expensive than solid timber. You can expect to pay from £30 per square metre for budget oak.
Oak boards with grain pattern from Lifestyle Floors
Salvaged wood flooring
Reclaimed flooring, whether solid, engineered or block, has a sense of history and a patina that’s difficult to replicate with new timber. And wood that’s more than a century old is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas, as its tight grain is extremely durable.
‘Choosing this type of floor is about a lot more than simply buying character,’ says Robert Walsh, founder of Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors. ‘Doing so helps to preserve forests by decreasing the need for new timber. It offsets the carbon footprint of producing a new floor.’
Vintage timber flooring from Ted Todd
Installing wood flooring
Engineered floors are more forgiving than solid timber when it comes to tolerating extremes of moisture and temperature. Laying solid wood over underfloor heating or in areas of high humidity is not ideal. Whereas this is not such an issue for engineered boards. Nevertheless, always check with your flooring supplier before buying if you want a floor laid over underfloor heating or in a bathroom.
Before installation, the sub floor must be flat, smooth, stable and completely dry, while new-builds and renovated homes must be given time to allow plastered walls and concrete surfaces to dry out. And make sure the damp proofing of your home is sufficient and effective.
