Finding your desired floor covering for your house or flat could be a daunting task at first, but simply it’s all dependant on having the information, weighing up the pros and cons of each flooring type and then getting somebody with the required knowledge to fit it.
The first question you’re most likely to ask is ‘which kind of wooden floor is best’. The solution depends on a number of considerations like which room you are looking to install it in, your lifestyle and the budget you have available.
There are three categories of wood flooring; solid wood, engineered wood and laminate. There are advantages and disadvantages of each and it’s very important to completely understand what each kind will offer before committing to a final decision. Real wood flooring is frequently viewed as the preferred type of wood flooring. However, small budgets and an involved maintenance and installment process have meant that a number of people are beginning to turn to other types of wood flooring to satisfy their needs.
Solid wood floors, are made entirely from one piece of wood. It is certainly the most common type of wood flooring used in homes nowadays.
Solid wood flooring has several advantages. With its natural splendor being the main focus, it’s essential not to forget the more practical benefits which include strength, stain resistance (which includes wine and food), simple to clean, warm to the touch, hygienic and dust free making it especially good for allergy sufferers.
This flooring option can be vulnerable to scratches and blemishes however this is no issue in the long terms since solid wood floors can be re-sanded several times, increasing it’s life for decades. It should be appreciated however, that solid wood might not be the best choice for moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms since it can have the characteristics to expand or contract if encountered with varying temperatures or a damp environment.
It is generally recommended that fitting be performed by an expert, since solid wood flooring cannot be installed straight on concrete or on top of your existing floor, instead it must be nailed to a wooden sub-floor.
Engineered wood flooring is a hybrid of of laminate and solid wood flooring, as its manufactured by laminating a real wood layer onto a base of wood. Engineered flooring has a top layer of solid wood above several criss-crossed layers of hardwood or softwood boards, on a plywood or veneered base.
Engineered flooring is a wonderful choice for rooms including kitchens and bathrooms as it has limited typical expansion and greater dimensional stability. The shortcomings of engineered flooring are that it doesn’t have the same life span as hardwood floor, and if any extreme damage is caused to the wood it cannot be restored as simply and can possibly only be sanded a maximum of twice.
The final type of wood flooring is laminate. It provides a similar appearance to a solid wood floor however is often more cost-effective and in many ways more sturdy. Laminate flooring is made by generating an image of wood on a layer of plastic, which is laminated to a board backing.
Laminate flooring can be of remarkable good quality, making it at times really hard to tell apart from its costlier alternatives. With textured finishes and bevelling choices available this kind of flooring can still give a real wood look at a much cheaper price.
Installation is easy in comparison to the solid wood floor which is why many individuals decide to install it themselves. Because the laminate isn’t connected to the sub floor, levelling is necessary to making certain a top quality finish. If the sub floor is bumpy then the laminate may have a spongy feel.
Laminate is highly tough and tolerant to general wear and tear which includes scratch resistant and is simple to uphold, making it perfect for busy homes and lifestyles. It is effective in damp environments for example bathrooms and kitchens and price wise it’s viewed as a fantastic option.
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Tags: engineered wood flooring, home improvement, interior design, laminate flooring, wood flooring