Frequently Asked Questions – Wood Flooring
Below are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions regarding our solid and engineered wood flooring. If you can’t find the answer please call and we will be delighted to answer your queries.
Wood Flooring General FAQ’s
What is the difference between solid and engineered flooring?
Solid wood flooring is produced from boards cut from solid hardwood logs. Engineered flooring is constructed of layers of ply bonded together with a top veneer of solid wood. See our infographic for more information.
What are the different oak flooring grades?
We offer four grades of Oak:-
First Quality – straight grain, consistent colour and very occasional small knots. Character occasional small live knots and cats paws. Rustic heavier grain, markings and larger knots and cracks and Pippy with pippy characteristics and wildly varying grain. Read our guide for more information.
What is the difference between laminate and real wood flooring?
Laminate is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. An image of hardwood is then placed over the composite wood, covering it to form the laminate. Laminate cannot be resurfaced and therefore has a short useable life span. Both solid and good quality engineered wood floors can be re-finished, re-sanded, and re-coated.
What are the benefits of wood flooring?
A natural resource wood is both renewable and recyclable. Bacteria, dust and dirt do not become embedded in wood flooring unlike other flooring options. Less dust in the atmosphere creates a healthier environment which is especially important for allergy sufferers.
What is a mixed width floor?
Mixed width flooring combines boards of varying widths taken from the whole of the trunk. Producing very little waste it is more cost effective and environmentally friendly.
Square or bevelled edge?
Read our guide explaining the differences between square and bevelled edged flooring.
Which are best wide or narrow boards?
There really are no hard and fast rules. Wide boards in a narrow space make the space appear larger. Narrow boards on their own can make a space look too busy. A combination of both wide and narrow is very popular.
Is wood flooring ok for pets?
Wood flooring is perfectly suitable for pets as it is hardwearing and durable and very easy to clean. Our comprehensive guide explains more.
How do I measure for wood flooring?
Read our guide offering a simple calculation. However we always recommend asking a professional to do this if you are unsure.
How much wastage do I allow for?
We recommend adding 7-10% to the room’s sq. m. in total.
Do you source your wood sustainably?
We wholly support the responsible management of our woodlands and ensure our timber is sourced from sustainable forests. Ben Sutton is committed to conservation and he approaches his trade with care. He personally selects and buys all our timber from managed woodland. Granted by the Forestry Authority, a felling license is proof of where trees are felled, who owned them, that they have been felled legally in an environmentally friendly manner. This enables us to provide provenance for all our timber.
Wood Flooring Installation
How do I prepare the room prior to installation?
All plumbing, electrical work and decorating much be carried out prior to installation. All wet trades must be completed such a plastering and must be totally dry. The subfloor is required to be fully prepared and also dry.
Does the wood flooring need to be acclimatised before laying?
This is a very important part of the success to a well laid floor please read our informative guide which explains all.
What are the different types of installation methods?
When buying a new hardwood floor it is important to consider the method of installation. Choose from floating over an underlay, gluing, nailing or screwing down. The method you choose is dependent upon the type of flooring installed and your existing subfloor.
In which direction do I lay my wood flooring?
An interesting question explained in detail in our informative guide.
Wood flooring and underfloor heating?
Engineered flooring is the most suitable flooring to use with underfloor heating. It has good structural stability and performs well with UFH. Our guide gives more in depth information.
Sanding and finishes
How to apply a finish to a wood floor?
efore applying any finish the surface of the flooring must be clean dry and perfectly smooth. Applying using a micro fibre roller following the manufacturers instructions. We recommend Osmo products our handy guide reveals more:
Lacquer (varnish) and oil – What is the difference?
A lacquered floor is either shiny or matt but both give a more obvious appearance of a coating to the floor. Ideal for areas of high traffic it gives a hard wearing floor. An oil penetrates into the wood offering deeper protection by feeding into the core of the timber. It offers a more natural look.
Choosing The Right Finish For Your Wood Floor – Oil Or Lacquer
What finishes are avaailable?
There are a wide range of finishes available for engineered flooring in a variety of shades – from the palest of white to almost black. When selecting the finish consider how to enhance the grain to bring out the beauty of the floor whilst also protecting it to keep it in good condition.
Maintenance
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How do I maintain engineered wood flooring?
Keeping your flooring looking beautiful is easy if you follow a few guidelines. Read our blog for a comprehensive maintenance plan. Always use the recommended cleaning products suitable for wood flooring. OSMO wash and care is a good option.
How do I clean my wood flooring?
All wood floors should be kept dust free and cleaned using a soft dry or slightly damp cloth, mop, brush or vacuum with a soft brush applicator.
