Introduction
Here at Munster Hardwood Flooring, we offer high quality wood flooring. You can also find out more about different wood flooring types from our ultimate guide, below. If you’ve ever wondered about the different types of wood flooring available for long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing installations, then continue reading for valuable insights.
Understanding Wood Flooring Basics
Although wood flooring is a material that has been used for centuries, it still looks very much in place within modern buildings and design contexts. This is because, compared to carpet, vinyl flooring and tiled floors, for example, it combines a great deal of functionality with a look and feel that is able to enhance the ambience of any home. This is because whether you are talking about solid wood floors – which are made up of whole wood sections – or something like engineered wood flooring – which combine wood with other materials, you get a natural appearance.
Genuine wooden floor installations boast a unique natural grain, making each floor a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Unlike porcelain or concrete floors, wooden flooring provides a warm and inviting sensation underfoot. Additionally, the distinct tonal qualities of wood, ranging from light browns to deep reds and greys, offer a visually pleasing and harmonious ambiance. All wood flooring types share these remarkable properties, they each showcase them in their own distinct ways.
Engineered Wood Flooring
A versatile and robust alternative to solid wood flooring, engineered wood features a top layer of real wood veneer which is then bonded to layers of high-density fibreboard or plywood beneath. This construction method enhances the stability of the floor while affording the look of a solid wood floor, usually for a lower price. The engineered planks also help to overcome warping or shrinking. Consequently, engineered wood flooring is often suited to areas where solid wood may not be possible. It has the natural look of solid wood flooring while offering added resilience that will mean it can stand up to heavy footfalls, pets and other issues that can affect floors, such as minor spillages. Engineered wood flooring is also well-suited for underfloor heating systems, as its construction allows for optimal heat distribution, providing a cozy and comfortable environment with efficient warmth.
Solid Wood Flooring
One of the most popular types of wood flooring is solid wood flooring. This is a high-end option that should only be installed by experts to get the best out of it. As the name implies, a floor of this type is made from solid pieces of wood cut into planks or strips. Harvested from a wide variety of tree species to suit all tastes and interior décor preferences, each piece exhibits unique grain patterns, knots and other one-off variations, all of which add to its natural allure. Solid wood flooring is a strong choice for longevity. This is because it can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Changes in temperature and humidity mean that it requires a careful installation as well as an ongoing maintenance regime. Regular cleaning with a soft, dry mop and periodic refinishing should keep solid wood flooring in mint condition for years. However, it is not ideal for settings with under-floor heating.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Reclaimed wood flooring is salvaged from old buildings where it may have already been fitted as a floor. Schools and factories floors and even old wine barrels have been used for reclaimed wood flooring before. As such, every section has a unique history and appearance that simply cannot be replicated. Because of its weathered texture, nail holes, patina or other marks, this is the option that is best suited to one-off flooring installations. Aside from its aesthetic charm and feel, once it has been sanded down, reclaimed wood flooring is also an environmentally responsible choice. By breathing new life into what would have otherwise been discarded material, you will reduce demand for new wood, contributing to forest conservation and a greener, more sustainable economy.
Comparing Wood Flooring Types
Each type of wood flooring – solid, engineered and reclaimed – has pros and cons. Solid wood is more expensive but constitutes a sound investment thanks to its quality. It requires some maintenance and won’t be suitable for damp areas. By contrast, engineered wood flooring offers superior stability and versatility. It is an excellent choice in most settings including kitchens and bathrooms. There again, reclaimed wood, while being eco-friendly and rich in character, isn’t always easy to source in sufficient quantities for larger installations, unlike solid and engineered wood flooring. The look of reclaimed wood doesn’t always suit certain design aesthetics, either.
Conclusion
Given the many types of wood flooring you can choose for your home, it is important to think about what is most important to you. At Munster Hardwood Flooring, we can provide you with wide range of engineered wooden flooring options that will meet any of your particular priorities, budgetary considerations or fitting restrictions. Once you have established which type of floor to opt for, we can offer tailored advice concerning colour, wood species, grain qualities and so on.