Fitting flooring is an exhilarating part of any renovation or new build project. When selecting a durable flooring solution, wood, known for its incredible strength, is a prime candidate. However, if you’re considering real wood flooring, it’s crucial to understand its drawbacks. At Wood and Beyond, with over 15 years of experience in selling real wood flooring both online and in-store, we’re uniquely qualified to outline these disadvantages. Our aim isn’t to deter you from choosing this option, but to ensure you’re fully informed about the potential downsides of real wood flooring.
Disadvantages Of Real Wood Flooring
High Price
The most obvious concern is the cost of real wood flooring. Solid wood flooring, made entirely of wood, starts at around £50/m². Engineered wood flooring, which combines a real wood top layer with ply and MDF layers, begins at £30/m². Compared to wood ‘effect’ options like laminate (starting at £10/m²) and luxury vinyl (from £20/m²), real wood flooring is significantly more expensive. The price difference is substantial, with real wood being up to five times more expensive than laminate, yet both can look similar once installed.
Poor Water Resistance
Natural wood is highly porous, meaning it readily absorbs moisture. This quality renders real wood flooring unsuitable for wet areas like bathrooms. Prolonged exposure to moisture can irreparably damage the wood, causing warping. Although occasional spills can be managed if wiped away promptly, consistent moisture exposure is problematic. In contrast, wood-effect options like luxury vinyl flooring with an SPC rigid core can withstand moderate wet conditions without damage.
Rigidity Underfoot
Real wood flooring may not be the best choice if you’re seeking a floor with a cushioning effect. Its inherent rigidity is noticeable when walking. While a quality underlay can mitigate this to some extent, it adds to the overall cost. Alternatives like laminate and luxury vinyl flooring with PVC or WPC cores offer a softer feel underfoot.
High Upkeep
Typically coated in oil, lacquer, or wax, real wood flooring requires refinishing over time as the coating wears off. This maintenance can range from simple top-ups to more extensive sanding and refinishing, often necessitating professional services and additional costs. While this process is relatively infrequent (every 3 to 5 years), alternative flooring options don’t require such maintenance.
Costly Installation Required
Installation of most real wood flooring involves nailing or gluing, which is not ideal for DIY. The weight of solid wood floorboards especially complicates installation. Professional fitting is generally required, increasing the total cost compared to DIY-friendly options like click-fit systems.
Underfloor Heating Incompatibility
Real wood’s natural composition makes it sensitive to temperature changes, leading to potential warping or cracking when exposed to the consistent heat from underfloor heating. This issue particularly affects solid wood flooring due to its thicker, less adaptable structure. Engineered wood, while slightly more tolerant, still carries risks and requires careful consideration and specific underfloor heating systems. In contrast, flooring options like laminate or luxury vinyl are often better suited for use with underfloor heating, offering greater stability and resistance to heat-induced changes.
Should You Avoid Real Wood Flooring?
Not necessarily. This guide aims to inform you about real wood flooring’s disadvantages. If these drawbacks are not relevant to your project, real wood flooring remains a highly attractive and functional option, offering a significantly longer lifespan than laminate and luxury vinyl flooring. Opting for engineered wood flooring can minimise these disadvantages. It includes a real wood top layer, mirroring the appearance of solid wood, but its core and backing layers of ply and MDF make it more versatile, even suitable for damp areas and offering features like click-fit mechanisms, which solid wood lacks.
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FAQ
Why is Real Wood Flooring Considered Expensive?
Real wood flooring, especially solid wood types, is pricier compared to alternatives like laminate and luxury vinyl. Solid wood begins at about £50/m², and engineered wood starts from £30/m². This cost is significantly higher compared to laminate (starting at £10/m²) and luxury vinyl (from £20/m²), making real wood up to five times more costly.
Can Real Wood Flooring Withstand Moist Environments?
Real wood flooring is not ideal for damp environments due to its high porosity, which leads to moisture absorption. This can cause damage, such as warping, in wet areas like bathrooms. However, occasional spills are manageable if wiped away quickly.
Is Real Wood Flooring Comfortable Underfoot?
Real wood flooring is inherently rigid, which might not be comfortable for those seeking a cushioning effect underfoot. While this rigidity can be somewhat alleviated with a quality underlay, it increases the overall cost.
What Kind of Maintenance Does Real Wood Flooring Require?
Real wood flooring needs refinishing periodically as the protective coating of oil, lacquer, or wax diminishes over time. This maintenance, ranging from simple top-ups to professional sanding and refinishing, is typically required every 3 to 5 years.
Does Real Wood Flooring Installation Require Professional Help?
Yes, installing real wood flooring usually requires professional expertise, especially for nailing or gluing methods. The weight of solid wood floorboards makes them less suited for DIY installation compared to alternatives with click-fit systems.