The question of what is the best wood flooring often comes up when we talk to new customers. Clearly the time and money the customer is about to spend means that they are looking for the best wood floor, one that will see them through for many years to come. The answer to this question differs from one type of property to the next and from one type of customer to the next. Wood flooring that is the ultimate choice for one customer is seldom the perfect choice for another. Here is why.
There are several considerations to take into account when deciding on wood flooring. Your particular circumstances will dictate the wood flooring best suited for you.
Type: The world of wood flooring is broken down to two types. Solid flooring that are the traditional ones we come to expect when looking for wood flooring and the newer engineered flooring. On the surface, both types look precisely the same and your decision to purchase one instead of the other will likely be based on where the floor is to be fitted. We have covered the differences between solid and engineered flooring in a previous post, however to recapitulate, your decision will likely be led by the type of installation method you prefer and the existence of an underfloor heating (UFH).
Budget – It is very likely that you will come across cases where both solid and engineered floors cost the same or thereabout. Your budget constrains will come into play when you decide on the grade of the wood. Because both solid and engineered floors contain real hardwood (at different degrees mind you), that hardwood is broken down to grade. There are four levels of wood flooring grades (prime / select / natural / rustic) that will have a direct affect on the price of each floorboard. The higher the grade is, the more refine the wood is and as a consequence the more each floorboard will cost. Although the differences are normally in the pennies, when you measure your entire floor space, the bottom-line cost might be significantly higher.
Finish – Wood flooring is covered in a layer that is called finish or coating. There are several aspects to choosing wood flooring finish from practical reasons such as choosing a finish that will waterproof wood flooring that is installing in a bathroom area to visual reasons such as choosing a finish that will give the floor an ageing look.
Fitting Methods – There are four common types of fitting methods suitable for wood flooring. Your choice to prefer one instead of the other will be based on the type of flooring bought, the type of sub-floor in the property and your budget. Your budget will play an important part in your preferred fitting methods as the cost will be combined from the flooring fitter, underlay (if required) and materials such as adhesives, fixings and tools.
As you can tell, what is the best wood flooring is one that suits your particular set of individual circumstances. Whether you decide to buy your wood flooring online, from the high street or even used (e.g reclaimed wood flooring) always ask the right questions and choose based on your needs.