A Guide to Wood Flooring:

Everything You Need to Know

Wood flooring is the perfect way to add warmth and character to your home, but with so many available options, choosing the best type of wood flooring for your space can feel overwhelming. To simplify the decision-making process, Ian Tomlinson, MD at Chaunceys Timber Flooring, shares his expert insights and addresses the key wood flooring types, design options and other considerations to bear in mind when specifying timber floors.

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What is the difference between solid wood and engineered flooring?

The main difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring lies in their construction. Solid wood flooring is composed entirely of slow-growing hardwood, which is cut and machined into floorboards, typically featuring interlocking tongue and groove profiles. On the other hand, engineered wood flooring consists of a hardwood top layer, known as the wear layer, which is the visible surface you walk on. This top layer is pressed and glued onto a highly stable birch plywood base. This construction method creates a wooden floorboard offering the combined benefits of a durable hardwood top layer and a very stable, structural ply base - the best of both worlds!

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It is important to note that not all solid and engineered floors are made from hardwoods. While Chaunceys Timber Flooring exclusively uses hardwood for both their solid and engineered boards, other manufacturers may use softer woods like pine for their products. This distinction emphasises the importance of understanding the specific materials used in your flooring to ensure it meets your durability and aesthetic needs.

What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring offers numerous benefits, making it a highly desirable choice for many homeowners. One of the key advantages is its superior structural stability. The multi-layer construction, featuring a hardwood top layer bonded to a birch plywood base resists natural expansion and contraction caused by heat and moisture, making it suitable for most environments including kitchens, bathrooms and over underfloor heating systems. This stability ensures an extremely long-lasting and dependable floor.

In terms of sustainability, engineered wood flooring is an eco-friendly choice. It uses less slow-growing hardwood than solid wood flooring, relying on faster-growing birch for the core. Chaunceys Timber Flooring uses FSC® certified timber from responsibly managed forests, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Cost-effectiveness is also a notable advantage, as engineered wood flooring is generally more affordable than solid wood, especially when considering wider plank options. This allows homeowners to achieve a high-end design without the associated costs of wide solid boards. Engineered wood flooring is also offered in a broader range of wood species and design possibilities, including options like Douglas Fir, Elm, and Ash, which are less commonly available in solid form.

Engineered wood flooring is also easier to install than solid wood. This flexibility makes it suitable for DIY projects, although professional installation is recommended for the best results. Durability is another strongpoint. High-quality engineered planks have a thick oak top layer that can be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring they remain a beautiful feature in your home for years to come.

Why should you consider using reclaimed wood?

Reclaimed wood offers a multitude of benefits that make it a highly desirable choice for flooring and other interior applications. One of its most appealing qualities is its unique character and natural charm. Each piece of reclaimed wood has a story and a history behind it and hence it often features distinctive marks, grain patterns and weathering, giving it a true authentic look.

Beyond aesthetics, reclaimed wood is also an environmentally sound option. By repurposing wood that has been used already in other structures, we reduce the demand for newly harvested timber, thereby preserving forests and reducing our carbon footprint. This makes reclaimed wood a sustainable choice, aligning with eco-friendly building practices.

Last but by no means least, reclaimed wood allows access to rare and exotic timber species that might be difficult or impossible to source new. These reclaimed materials can be found in a variety of forms, from floorboards to beams and cladding, offering versatility for almost any interior design project.

Which wood flooring is best for a kitchen and bathroom?

For kitchens and bathrooms, engineered wood flooring is the best choice due to its structural stability. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood is designed to handle fluctuations in humidity and temperature, making it more suitable for moisture-prone areas. Its multi-layer construction offers enhanced stability and resistance to warping, even in high-traffic areas and it’s also suitable for installation over underfloor heating systems.

When selecting a finish, both oils and lacquers are effective at protecting the wood from moisture. Oils penetrate the wood for internal protection, while lacquers form a surface seal. Regardless of the finish, it’s important to clean up spills promptly to prevent moisture-related issues such as staining.

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What maintenance do timber floors require?

To keep timber floors looking their best, regular maintenance is essential. Here are the key maintenance tasks:

Regular Cleaning: Regularly dust your floors with a non-abrasive, lint-free mop to remove dust and dirt that can scratch the surface. For deeper cleaning, use a mop with a specialist cleaner specifically designed for timber floors.
Protect from Moisture: Wipe up spills promptly to prevent water from seeping into the timber and causing damage. Use doormats at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture brought in from outside.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use cleaning products that are appropriate for timber floors. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
Furniture Pads: Place felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor.
Maintain Finish: Depending on the finish (oil or lacquer), periodic reapplication may be needed to maintain the floor’s protective layer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for refinishing or re-coating.

What are the key considerations when installing wood floors?

There are several key considerations to ensure a successful and lasting installation:

Subfloor Preparation: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry and level. Any irregularities can affect the stability and appearance of the wood flooring. Moisture levels in the subfloor should be checked and managed to prevent future issues.
Acclimatisation: Acclimatising the boards to the room's temperature and humidity reduces the risk of expansion or contraction after installation. For kiln-dried boards it typically takes 10-14 days, or 3 weeks for reclaimed boards. To check whether the boards are fully acclimatised (or the Equilibrium Moisture Content is achieved) you should carry out regular checks using a hygrometer and protimeter.
Wastage Allowance: We generally advise wastage of around 10% for planks, and 12-15% for parquets, such as Herringbone or Chevron. For reclaimed timber products, we advise a higher percentage of wastage of around 15-20%.
Expansion Gap: Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the wood. This prevents some of the risk of buckling and rafting.
Underfloor Heating: If installing over underfloor heating, ensure the wood flooring is compatible with this system. Engineered wood is often recommended for use with underfloor heating due to its stability.
Installation Method: Choose the appropriate installation method for your flooring type, whether it's nail-down, glue-down or floating. Each method has specific requirements and benefits. I would recommend using a professional fitter for a higher quality finish, especially for intricate details or designs requiring specialist skills.
Finish and Maintenance: Consider the type of finish and its maintenance requirements.

Which kinds of wood flooring work best for a traditional feel and which are more contemporary?

When choosing wood flooring, there are four main design aspects to consider:format, grade, texture and colour. These factors will help determine whether the floor has a traditional or contemporary feel.

Traditional Wood Flooring: For a classic, traditional look, oak flooring is a timeless choice, especially in planks or herringbone patterns with a clear oil finish. Warm, rich tones and darker oak flooring will also help to enhance a traditional interior design scheme. For properties with historic character, adding texture to the flooring will enhance its aged look, further accentuating the traditional charm.

Planks: Narrower boards or mixed-width flooring contribute to a traditional look.
Parquet Flooring: Herringbone and Versailles patterns are timeless and particularly popular in listed homes.

Contemporary Wood Flooring: For a modern, sleek aesthetic, choose light-toned oak flooring or gentle neutral tones. Prime-grade boards create a clean, sophisticated look, ideal for contemporary designs, especially when paired with lighter finishes. Wide planks are perfect for minimalist, open-plan spaces and Scandi-inspired interiors.

Planks: Wide planks enhance the modern, spacious feel.
Parquet Flooring: Chevron blocks offer a dynamic pattern that suits stylish modern spaces.
Wood Species: Consider species like Ash and Douglas Fir for a contemporary look.

Can you install wood flooring over underfloor heating?

Yes, you can install wood flooring over underfloor heating, but there are important considerations to ensure a successful installation. Engineered wood flooring is the best option for use with underfloor heating systems due to its stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Wood Selection: Choose engineered wood over solid wood. Engineered wood's multi-layer construction provides better stability, making it less likely to warp or shrink when exposed to the temperature fluctuations of underfloor heating.
Acclimatisation: Allow the wood flooring to acclimatise in the room where it will be installed for at least 72 hours before installation. This helps the wood adjust to the room's temperature and humidity.
Temperature Control: The underfloor heating system should be gradually brought up to the desired temperature to avoid shocking the wood with sudden temperature changes. It's recommended to keep the surface temperature of the wood floor below 27°C (80°F).
Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the wood flooring manufacturer's guidelines for installation over underfloor heating to ensure warranty protection and optimal performance.

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Can you have the same wood flooring on stairs?

Yes, you can use the same wood flooring on stairs to create a cohesive look throughout your home. Engineered wood planks are ideal for cladding staircases due to their durability and stability. Our engineered wood can be custom-cut to fit stair treads, risers and nosings, and can be pre-finished to match your flooring. This ensures a seamless transition from floor to staircase, whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary design.

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Which wood flooring is best for dogs?

When choosing wood flooring for homes with dogs, Oak and Ash are excellent choices due to their durability and resistance to wear. We generally advise against softer woods like Douglas Fir, which are more prone to dents and scratches.

Considerations for Durability and Aesthetics:

Colour and Finish: Be careful when selecting the finish for your floor. Lighter floors for example show wear more quickly and therefore require more care to maintain the look. In general, darker wood flooring will be more forgiving in the long run. If opting for a darker finish, then our Deep Smoked and Thermo baked boards from our Earth Collection are great choices for heavy foot (or paw) traffic as the colour penetrates right through the thickness of the boards’ top layer and there is more colour variation to better disguise any accidental stains. Although, you’ll still need to maintain the protective top coat from time to time to keep it looking its best. Shiny finishes, such as gloss or satin, can highlight scratches, especially on darker floors. For a more discreet look, we recommend an Ultra Matt finish.
Texture: A textured floor can help conceal scratches. Consider options like Brushed, Sawn & Brushed or distressed wood for added durability and a rustic appeal. Our Vintage and Regency® oak flooring is ideal.
Patterns: Parquet flooring options such as herringbone can work well because there is more colour variation across the floor and any scratches are even more difficult to spot. Our Tumbled Herringbone blocks are an excellent choice.
Finish Enhancement: We can enhance the durability of any oil or lacquer finish by adding a hardener, creating a more robust surface for your wooden floors.

Damage Prevention Tips:

Entrance Mats: Use a mat well or entrance mat to minimise dirt, mud and paw prints. Keep an old towel handy for quick clean-ups after muddy walks.
Nail Maintenance: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to reduce the risk of scratches.Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to maintaining the floor’s appearance.
Quick Cleanup: Accidents happen, so clean up any spills, especially urine, as it is acidic and can stain the floor if left untreated.

About Chaunceys Timber Flooring

Chaunceys Timber Flooring is a family-run company based in Bristol. They have been supplying our sustainable, high-quality timber flooring to homeowners, award-winning architects, design and build companies, and renowned interior designers since 1988. Their knowledgeable team will work closely with each customer to achieve the best product and finish, bringing their design vision to life with beautiful wood flooring that will stand the test of time.

Stockist details

0117 971 3131 | http://chauncey.co.uk/

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