Wood flooring is often seen by home owners as a confusing issue. In this article we look to simplify the the various terms.
Choosing wood flooring can be a confusing process. There are various types,
various grades and many options to choose between. In this article, we aim to summarize your options by explaining the various terms.
1. Wood Flooring Technology Types:
Your first consideration is the type of flooring technology. There are two mainstream types, solid flooring and engineered flooring. To the necked eye both solid and engineered look precisely the same, however underneath, it’s a different story.
Solid flooring - These are the traditional flooring which have been in use since the first wood flooring was installed. The floor is made from 100% wood that makes it extremely durable. Quality solid floors which have been well maintained will last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Solid flooring will suit most homes.
Engineered flooring - These are the newer type first introduced in the commercial property market and later became popular in residential properties. Instead of complete 100% wood, each plank is made from a mixture of materials such as MDF and Plywood. Engineered floors are more suitable for areas which will likely experience damp or moisture such as a kitchen area or in properties which are located near a water attraction (lake, sea, stream etc).
2. Wood Flooring Grade:
After deciding between engineered and solid wood, comes the next step of choosing the grade of the wood. Grade is not in indication of quality and will do nothing to influence the durability of the floor. Grade is measured according to the variation of colour between the planks, knots and mineral streaking within the wood.
- Prime Grade Floor - Each plank has minimal colour variation and minimal small knots. As the name may suggest, prime is the highest grade
- Select Grade Floor - Each plank will display the odd infrequent knots, colour variations and mineral streaking. Select is the most popular choice
- Rustic Grade Floor - Each plank will display heavy grain markings and figuring, colour variations and frequent knots of varying sizes
3. Wood Flooring Species:
Where grade does not have an affect on the longevity of the floor, the wood species does. Both solid and engineered floors contain wood. The right wood has to meet the following conditions:
- The wood has to be strong as the lifespan of solid wood is 50 years and engineered is 25 years
- Sourcing the wood should be made from sustainable forests to meet ethical guidelines
- Widely available to make it cost effective
4. Flooring Finish:
The last consideration is the finish of the floor. Whether you are considering solid or engineered, whether you are considering prime, select or rustic and whether you are considering oak, walnut or any other species, a finish must be applied. The finish provides the floor a basic layer of protection and gives it the desired look. The most common flooring finish is oiled, smoked, brushed and of course a finish which combines one or more.
Final thoughts...
Wood flooring are meant to last for many years. Their longevity will depend on the quality of the wood and on the fitting quality. When possible, we recommend using a professional decorator to fir the floor.
