Factors to consider when shopping for a floor

The look and feel of a floor are very important but so are these practical considerations:

Health effects. Doctors often recommend hardwood floors when their patients have allergies to dust or suffer with Asthma.

Longevity. Can the floor be refinished and – if so – about how many times?

Durability. Will the floor stand up to the demands of everyday life? Hardwood floors certainly will. It’s no coincidence that most sports halls have wooden floors.

Installation and maintenance. Will laying the floor pose any particular challenges? Expert help is available.

Is maintenance simple? Follow the manufacturers guidelines and modern finishes are easy to look after

Cost. How much does an inexpensive floor really cost if it only lasts several years? Hardwood floors will last a lifetime.

Is Wood Flooring expensive? 

Hardwood floors are very competitively priced and represent excellent value when compared to other flooring options. Hardwood floors never have to be replaced and will enhance or even increase the value of your home. When compared to other flooring products, hardwood floors provide long-lasting value, as Real Wood Floors are lifetime products that will enhance the living environment. Today it is possible to buy a wooden floor for a similar cost to a reasonable quality carpet but in the knowledge that you will not need to change the wood flooring within 10 or so years.

Is it cost-effective to select wood flooring over less costly materials?

Yes! In America according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), Estate Agents say homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch higher prices, according to  the trade organization. It also appears to be recognised by Estate Agents that houses in the UK with wood flooring will sell faster than a carpeted house. A reasonable proportion estimate that a house with wood floors would bring a higher price.

What species and colour should I choose?

There are several species, colours and grain variations to consider. The floor will often represent one of the largest expanses of colour in the room. Your floor should complement the fabrics, furnishings and accessories already present in the space, as well as enhancing the unique personality of the room as a whole.
 
Traditionally Oak was the standard hardwood flooring material together with Beech and Maple but now we are seeing a trend towards darker, richer woods like Merbau, Cherry, Walnut, Angelique and Jatoba.
Distressed flooring is also popular with many people wanting the aged look to their floor without having to wait a century or so to obtain it. The aged look can be achieved by careful use of stains and the liberal use of force to provide a distressed look to new solid flooring where the finish is obtained individually on site.
 
Which rooms can I install a hardwood floor in my home?

With the variety of products available and a choice of installation options, wood flooring can now be installed in any room in the home. There are however many considerations when choosing the wooden floor in terms of the type of materials that will be suitable for installation. For example, because of potential moisture problems, solid hardwood is not recommended for installation directly onto concrete floors with a moisture content above 2.5% unless a damp proof membrane can be installed first. Engineered products, which are inherently more dimensionally stable, are better choices for this type of area.
In terms of design, wood goes with contemporary and traditional and everything in between. Designers rated natural materials as superior to man-made materials in beauty, prestige, style, maintenance, and durability. Wood also provides a unique appearance due to its natural variation.

A variety of woods and finishes are available to complement the decor and style of any room with a variety of colours to choose from varying from Milky White that is Maple to the almost Black colour that is Wenge.  

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