An Intro To Home Renovation Wood Flooring

During the planning stage of interior design and home renovation, wood flooring is often one of the main considerations. The ability of wood to create an inviting and warm appearance is the reason why it often appears in reception and entrance hall in many homes . If you are not in the flooring trade, you may be unaware of the recent changes in wood flooring technology. Here is a comprehensive guide to today’s wood flooring trends.

Which types of wood flooring are available?

Unlike a few years ago, today there are two types of wood flooring available in the market. Each is made from slightly different materials and each has its own strength. The first type of flooring is made from 100% timber wood and is called, solid wood flooring, while the second type of flooring is made from plywood, hardwood veneer and wood, and is called engineered wood flooring. Both wood floors look the same and the only key difference is the ability of engineered wood to deal better with temperature changes. It is natural for wood to shrink or expand due to temperature changes, so solid wood flooring because it is made from complete wood might react in such a way. On the other hand engineered wood flooring will not react to temperature fluctuations. However, some regard solid floors as slightly stronger which is handy when designers and architects are looking to add more reinforcement to a structure.

Solid wood floors – made from complete timber and considered by some to be the strongest of the two floors.

Engineered wood floors – made from wood, plywood and hardwood veneer, a combination which makes the floor immune to temperature fluctuations.

Which wood species are used for wood?

For wood species to become suitable for flooring, a few conditions have to be met. The wood should be durable, thereby allowing years of foot traffic to walk on the floor and plentiful so their price is made affordable. The two most common species are Oak and Walnut which tick all the necessary conditions.

Walnut Flooring:

Oak Flooring:

How to protect the floor?

Wood flooring is normally covered in a top layer of protective coat called coating. The coating is a top layer which seals the floor and is used to prolong the lifespan of the floor by enhancing the weak points of the floor. A well maintained floor with the right coating will serve its owner well for 30 years. For example, if the floor is subjected to direct sunlight, a UV coating can be ordered. Another function of the coating is to color match the floor to an interior design style. While the wood spices plays some part in the color of the floor, it is possible today to color the floor is many delicious colors.

Red Oak Coating:

Chocolate Oak Coating:

Sand Oak Coating:

Sunny Oak Coating:

Light Oak Coating:

Enjoy your new floor.

About the Author: Flooring guide by the team at oak flooring supplier Wood and Beyond. Online vendor offering wood floors, from engineered wood flooring to solid wood flooring.