Before you venture into a wood flooring project you’d be forgiven for thinking that the edges of every wood flooring plank are pretty much the same. How wrong you would be! Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, there isn’t only a huge choice of species of wood, finishes, board widths, colours and styles, there’s also a choice of edges to take into account. The edges that you choose for your flooring will make a difference to the end look of your overall floor. So, like all other things wood flooring related, it’s worth spending some time getting to understand what the different terms mean, as well as looking around to see which option best suits your taste.
Square edge wood flooring
Square edge wood flooring is made up from planks that are cut at 90 degrees and have not been worked any further from the point of view of the edges. This type of edge produces a really uniform and precise looking floor. It also tends to be more expensive than the beveled options because of the risk of damaging the precious edges in packing, storage and distribution. Square edge flooring can look absolutely stunning in the right setting and is often worth the additional investment. The problem with square edge wood flooring is that if you are going to install it on a DIY basis, it’s very easily damaged and a damaged square edge, depending on where it falls on your floor can stick out like a sore thumb and spoil the whole look of your room.
Beveled edge wood flooring
Beveled edge wood flooring, as the name suggests features a bevel on the edges of the boards. Unlike square edge wood flooring, the production method of beveled edge wood flooring allows more scope for error. When cutting square edges, the level of precision required is immense, whereas with beveled edges, there is a bit of ‘give’ in the process. What’s more, the very nature of beveled edge flooring means that it’ll tolerate much more forgivingly minor errors in the installation process, as well as a slightly uneven subfloor. When it comes to maintenance, there is some advantage in choosing beveled edges over square. This is because the bevels act as little receptors for all the dust and grime that is left on your floor’s surface on a daily basis, removing them from the flat surfaces and reducing risk of damage.
Micro-beveled edge wood flooring
Micro-beveled edge wood flooring is wood flooring that is cut into the shape of a very small “V” on the edge of each board. Similar to beveled edge wood flooring, this edge defines the start and finish of each board, but is less pronounced than a full beveled edge. The end look you’ll achieve when you choose this sort of board is a regular overall result, but with a slight definition across the floor at each board edge.
Here are what we believe to be the major pros and cons of each edging style:
Square edges:
- Are great to look
- Are expensive
- Are a challenge to fit
Beveled edges:
- Are cheaper than square edges
- Look good
- Are particularly tolerant when it comes to installation
- Help keep your floor in good condition longer
Micro-beveled edges:
- Are often the same price as beveled edges
- Look good
- Are tolerant when it comes to installation
- Will gather dust and dirt, but to a lesser extent than beveled edges
So how on earth do you make your choice? The answer normally comes down to a delicate combination of the look you’re hoping to achieve and your budget. If you really want to push the boat out and are insistent on a smooth, regular finish, then you simply can’t beat square edge wood flooring. On the other hand, if you’re happy to have a more natural look to your floor, or if your budget is somewhat tight, then it’s likely to be one of the two beveled options that’ll get your vote.
If you’re struggling to decide which wood flooring would be best for your project, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond, we live and breathe everything wood flooring related and would be delighted to help you make the right decision.
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FAQ
Q: What is square edge wood flooring?
A: Square edge wood flooring consists of planks that are cut at 90 degrees without any further treatment to the edges. It creates a uniform and precise-looking floor but can be easily damaged during installation, making repairs noticeable.
Q: What is beveled edge wood flooring?
A: Beveled edge wood flooring features a bevel on the edges of the boards. Unlike square edge flooring, beveled edges allow more tolerance for minor errors during installation and can accommodate slightly uneven subfloors. The bevels also help in maintenance by reducing the risk of surface damage.
Q: What is micro-beveled edge wood flooring?
A: Micro-beveled edge wood flooring has a small “V” shape cut on the edge of each board. This edge provides a slight definition at each board edge, resulting in a regular overall look. Micro-beveled edges are less pronounced than full beveled edges.
Q: What are the pros and cons of square edges?
A: The pros of square edges include a great look and a precise finish. However, square edge wood flooring is more expensive and challenging to fit.
Q: What are the pros and cons of beveled and micro-beveled edges?
A: The pros of beveled and micro-beveled edges include being cheaper than square edges, looking good, and being more tolerant during installation. These edges help maintain the floor’s condition by gathering dust and grime away from the flat surfaces. Micro-beveled edges are often the same price as beveled edges and offer a similar look with slightly less dust and dirt accumulation.