Wood flooring isn’t only a stylish option; it’s long lasting and is now very affordable. When you’re planning your wood flooring project, it’s a great idea to spend lots of time looking at flooring both on websites and in showrooms, but also in shops, restaurants and homes you visit. By constantly looking around at different wooden floors, you’ll get a great overview of the elements you like and the elements you like less.
One such element is the edge of the boards you choose. Two of the most popular edges on wood flooring boards are flat and bevelled, but you’ll find that the more common of the two is hardwood flooring with a bevel.
So why is it that most hardwood floors have a bevel? There are numerous reasons for this and they include:
The production method
When wooden floor boards are being produced there are various things that will affect the end product and the cost. Generally speaking, the longer and wider a board, the higher the cost, but the cost is also affected by the edge on the board. Flat edged boards tend to be more expensive because they require a more precise production method in order to ensure their regular, square edges. This precision results in higher production costs, which of course need to be passed on to the buyer.
Installation
Fitting boards with flat edges calls for a higher level of accuracy. Even small differences in level or slight errors in installation tend to be more apparent to the eye where flat boards are used. Bevelled boards on the other hand allow for a greater degree of error and will tolerate floors that aren’t perfectly level. It is for this reason that bevelled boards are popular with professional and DIY fitters alike. By choosing this option they can normally get away without relevelling the subfloor, as well as being able to work faster and get a great result.
Protection
It sounds odd, but the bevels in wood flooring act as a great way of protecting your floor. No matter how thoroughly you and your family wipe your feet before entering your home, there’ll still be dust and grime that comes in from outside. The great thing about bevelled flooring is that the bevel effectively acts as a kind of reservoir for the dust and dirt that would normally sit on the surface of your floor if you had flat boards. What this means is that the dust and dirt is held in the bevel until the next time you vacuum, helping avoid scratching and damage to the surface of your boards.
Look
Not surprisingly, bevelled edge flooring has a completely different look to flat edged flooring. As you would imagine, flat edged flooring has a highly uniform look and gives the impression of almost being made up of one single piece of wood. Bevelled edge flooring on the other hand highlights the start and finish of each board and in many ways adds interest to the overall floor. That said, like all things design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and will depend entirely on your personal preference.
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FAQ
Why are most hardwood floors bevelled?
The majority of hardwood floors have a bevel for a variety of reasons. The production method for bevelled boards is often more economical, as flat-edged boards require higher precision and therefore higher production costs. Furthermore, bevelled boards are easier to install, tolerating floors that aren’t perfectly level, and they provide a protective reservoir for dust and dirt that can help prevent scratching and damage to the surface of the boards. Lastly, the bevelled edge provides a distinct aesthetic look that highlights the start and finish of each board, adding interest to the overall floor.
Does the production method affect the cost of wood flooring?
Yes, the production method does affect the cost of wood flooring. For instance, flat-edged boards tend to be more expensive because they require a more precise production method to ensure their regular, square edges. This precision results in higher production costs, which are typically passed on to the buyer.
Why is bevelled wood flooring easier to install?
Bevelled wood flooring is easier to install because it tolerates floors that aren’t perfectly level, and allows for a greater degree of installation error. This makes bevelled boards popular with both professional and DIY fitters, as they can often avoid re-levelling the subfloor and can work faster to achieve a great result.
How does bevelled wood flooring protect against damage?
The bevels in wood flooring act as reservoirs for dust and dirt that could otherwise scratch the surface of your boards. This helps avoid scratching and damage, as the dust and dirt are held in the bevel until the next time you vacuum.
What’s the aesthetic difference between bevelled and flat-edged wood flooring?
Flat-edged wood flooring has a highly uniform look and gives the impression of being made up of one single piece of wood. Bevelled edge flooring, on the other hand, highlights the start and finish of each board, adding interest to the overall floor. The choice between the two will largely depend on your personal aesthetic preferences.