While more and more people are choosing wood flooring throughout the home, some people shy away from this option for their hallway, believing it mightn’t stand up to the harsh wear and tear that hallways often suffer. In fact, if you take your time and make the right decisions, there’s no reason whatsoever that wood flooring won’t provide a long lasting and great looking solution in your hallway. When it comes to choosing the right option for your hall there are several things that’ll help point you in the right direction. They are:
Engineered or solid wood?
If your hallway has under floor heating, you’ll be forced to choose an engineered wood flooring option. In this case, make sure you buy the best quality your budget will allow, paying particular attention to the lamella or top layer. It is the thickness of the top layer of engineered wood flooring that will determine how often your floor can be re-sanded and re-finished in it’s lifetime. While you will be restricted to some extent by your under floor heating, it is worth seeking advice from your flooring supplier (and your heating advisor) as to the most hardwearing and resistant top layer they would recommend.
If you don’t have under floor heating, then there’s no getting away from the fact that solid wood flooring will give you the freedom you need to re-sand and re-finish your floor as often as you’ll need to to keep it looking great.
Which finish?
Depending on the look you want, when it comes to finish, there’s everything from oiled and brushed at one end of the spectrum to highly varnished at the other. While oiled and brushed is a slightly less resistant option than varnished, it is easier to spot repair if you need to, so each option has its pros and cons. That said, it’s a good idea, whichever finish you opt for, to choose a pre-finished product because your hallway is the one part of the house which is likely to cause chaos should you need lots of time to complete your project.
Practical things that’ll help…
No matter the size of your household…whether it’s just you, or you have a family of 10 to think about, any investment you make in a good quality doormat will pay dividends when it comes to extending the life and beauty of your wooden floor. If at all possible, try to place a doormat both outside and in. The doormat outside will remove the worst of the dirt and grime that could damage your floor if allowed to trail inside. The indoor mat will take the remaining dust, dirt and moisture from outdoor shoes, really helping protect your floor. When you’re choosing your mats, make sure you choose as big a mat as you can, allowing for more steps before entering your hallway and also one that will absorb moisture.
If you have pets, again make sure you make every effort to clean their paws before they come into your hall and also keep their claws well trimmed so they don’t scratch your floor.
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FAQ
Is wood flooring a good option for hallways?
Yes, wood flooring can provide a long-lasting and attractive solution for hallways. Although hallways often suffer harsh wear and tear, choosing the right type of wood flooring can help withstand these conditions.
Should I choose engineered or solid wood flooring for my hallway?
The choice between engineered and solid wood flooring for your hallway can depend on several factors. If your hallway has underfloor heating, you’ll need to choose an engineered wood flooring option. If you don’t have underfloor heating, solid wood flooring can be a good option as it allows you to re-sand and re-finish your floor as often as needed.
What factors should I consider when choosing engineered wood flooring for my hallway?
When choosing engineered wood flooring, pay particular attention to the thickness of the top layer or lamella. This will determine how often your floor can be re-sanded and re-finished during its lifetime. Also, it is advisable to seek advice from your flooring supplier and heating advisor to recommend the most hardwearing and resistant top layer.
What kind of finish should I choose for my wood flooring in the hallway?
The choice of finish can depend on the look you want. Options range from oiled and brushed finishes to highly varnished ones. While oiled and brushed finishes may be slightly less resistant, they are easier to spot repair. Whichever finish you choose, it’s a good idea to opt for a pre-finished product to minimize disruption in your hallway during installation.
How can I protect my wooden hallway floor?
Investing in good quality doormats, both outside and inside your hallway, can extend the life and beauty of your wooden floor by preventing dirt and grime from damaging it. If you have pets, cleaning their paws before they enter the hall and keeping their claws well-trimmed can prevent scratches on your floor.