Wood flooring comes in a whole host of choices. You can choose the species you prefer, for example, oak or teak; you can pick from a huge range of finishes, board sizes and thicknesses and even edges. So as you see there are a host of things that can make your wood floor unique. That said, the edges of wood flooring boards are something that many people don’t give much thought to, and we think that’s a shame. Why? Because different edges create completely different looks and can transform the end look of a new wood floor. So, when choosing between square and bevelled edges, it’s important to know what sort of end result each offers.
Square edge wood flooring
What is it?
Square edge wood flooring is flooring that is made up of boards that have perfectly perpendicular square edges. A board that is cut to exactly 90 degrees, square edge wood flooring needs to be treated with care so that the edges don’t get damaged during the fitting process.
How does it look?
When you choose square edge wood flooring, the boards fit snugly together so you barely see the join between one board and another. This creates a final finish that’s super-clean and super-sleek. It also a great way of avoiding having little dust traps in your floor!
Where does it work best?
Square edge wood flooring is the perfect backdrop to minimalist, organised spaces. If you’re looking for a seriously top of the range look, it’s for you. The ideal way to set off stylish designer pieces and can also be used to lift a room to a different level even if you don’t plan to change your furnishings. That said, when you choose a square edge board, unless you’re a top notch DIY-er, you’ll save a whole lot of heartache and frustration if you have your floor fitted professionally. This is because the edges are so smooth and so sharp, just the smallest bit of mis-handling can spoilt the whole look – so if you’re going to fit your floor on a DIY basis, be really honest with yourself about your skills before choosing a square edged option.
Bevelled edge wood flooring
What is it?
Bevelled edge wood flooring is made from planks that have edges that are finished with a very gentle ‘v’ all the way around. Boards that have a more pronounced v are called bevelled boards and boards where the v is less obvious are called micro bevelled boards. Bevelling can be created by hand or by machine, but it effectively creates a less fragile, more defined edge to the board. Sometimes bevels are created to be highly uniform and sometimes they’re hand made to give an irregular finish; both can be really effective when used in the right setting.
How does it look?
When you choose a bevelled board, no matter whether it’s a full bevel or a micro bevel, there will be an obvious separation between the edges of each board. When you choose a hand bevelled board, the edges will be really, really clear, but with micro, machine bevelled boards the boundaries will be less clear, yet much more apparent than when you choose a square board.
Where does it work best?
Suited to pretty much every sort of interior, from shabby chic to slick designer, bevelled edge wood flooring is a much more suitable solution for DIY-ers than square edge. Even though it’s more forgiving to slight accidents, bevelled wood flooring does get a bit of a hard time from cleanliness fanatics. As you can imagine, the bevel can act as a kind of dust and grime trap, but with the right care and maintenance, this really needn’t be a reason not to choose this really attractive solution.
Comparison Table: Square Edge vs Bevelled Edge Wood Flooring
| Square Edge Wood Flooring | Bevelled Edge Wood Flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Made up of boards that have perfectly perpendicular square edges. | Made from planks that have edges finished with a gentle ‘v’ all the way around. Micro bevelled boards have a less obvious ‘v’. |
| Appearance | Creates a super-clean, sleek look due to the snug fit between boards, with barely visible joins. | Creates a distinct separation between the edges of each board. The edges are more defined, and boundaries are more apparent than with square boards. |
| Best Suited For | Minimalist, organised spaces. Ideal for accentuating stylish designer pieces. | Suited for all kinds of interiors, from shabby chic to slick designer. It is more suitable for DIY-ers due to its forgiving nature. |
| Fitting | Needs careful handling during the fitting process due to its smooth, sharp edges. Professional fitting is recommended. | More forgiving to slight mishaps, making it more suitable for DIY-ers. |
| Maintenance | A great way of avoiding dust traps due to the tight fit between boards. | The bevel can act as a dust and grime trap. However, with the right care and maintenance, this should not be a deterrent. |
Still not sure?
If you’d like help to choose the perfect wood flooring solution for your next project, why not give us a call? At Wood and Beyond we have decades of knowledge under our belts and are happy to share all that with you so you get the very best end result.
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FAQ
Question 1: What is square edge wood flooring?
Answer: Square edge wood flooring is flooring made up of boards that have perfectly perpendicular square edges. These boards are cut to exactly 90 degrees and need to be treated with care so that the edges don’t get damaged during the fitting process.
Question 2: What is the aesthetic appeal of square edge wood flooring?
Answer: When you choose square edge wood flooring, the boards fit snugly together so you barely see the join between one board and another. This creates a final finish that’s super-clean and super-sleek. It’s also a great way of avoiding having little dust traps in your floor.
Question 3: Where does square edge wood flooring work best?
Answer: Square edge wood flooring is the perfect backdrop to minimalist, organised spaces. It sets off stylish designer pieces and can also be used to lift a room to a different level even if you don’t plan to change your furnishings.
Question 4: What is bevelled edge wood flooring?
Answer: Bevelled edge wood flooring is made from planks that have edges finished with a very gentle ‘v’ all the way around. Boards that have a more pronounced v are called bevelled boards and boards where the v is less obvious are called micro bevelled boards.
Question 5: What are the key considerations when deciding between square edge and bevelled edge wood flooring?
Answer: Square edge wood flooring is perfect for minimalist spaces and is best installed professionally due to the precision needed in fitting. Bevelled edge wood flooring, on the other hand, is suited to almost all interiors and is a more suitable solution for DIY-ers. However, the bevel can act as a dust and grime trap, so proper care and maintenance is needed.