Archive for 2013
Caring for wooden floors in bathrooms and kitchens
If you have wooden floors in your bathroom or kitchen, extra care ought to be taken to protect and maintain them.
Tips for Bathrooms
· Always mop up excess water after your shower or bath to prevent damage.
· Immediately, wipe away spills around your sink area.
· Use bath mats to lessen the amount of water that comes into contact with the floor.
· Remove wet mats straight away.
· Don’t leave wet towels on the floor.
· Moisture in the air will be absorbed by your floor and could cause expansion. Use a damp meter to check levels regularly.
Tips for Kitchens
· Be careful of spills that occur at food preparation areas and around your sink.
· Use a long rug to minimise floor damage and avoid stains.
· When spillages occur, use a dry towel where possible to remove them.
· Be extra vigilant of leaky appliances.
· Be careful when you slide appliances over the floor.
· Put a door mat at the back door to avoid grit as it acts like sandpaper on the wood.
· Never use cleaning products designed for other surfaces.
· Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using a stain removal product.
Recommended products
· Invest in Woca Wood Cleaner as your all-purpose cleaning solution. It’s suitable for all types of finishes and removes grease, dirt and soap residues.
· If your floors are oiled, we recommend Woca Oil Refresher – it cleans and re-oils, forming a mat protective layer in the surface. This is ideal for kitchens to prevent staining and protect against spills.
See our full range of wood floor maintenance products
Wood Floor Suitability Guide
Wooden flooring isn’t appropriate for all applications. Read our quick guide to answer your questions about suitability.
Bathrooms
For rooms that get very wet and humid, solid wood is normally inappropriate. The structure of engineered wood flooring however, is able to withstand the humidity in bathrooms. Before you purchase, get professional advice from your installer. It’s better to choose a lacquered finish because it’s waterproof. Selecting matt will allow you to maintain the floor’s natural appearance.
Kitchens
Wooden floors are very popular in kitchens because of their longevity. Even in a space with a lot of moisture and high traffic, it will last decades if properly cared for. Plus, the heavy use means it will develop a rich patina as it ages. As a kitchen floor, it will require frequent refinishing. While there may be more maintenance involved, the natural warmth it will bring to your space is well worth it. Solid wood flooring is entirely suitable but again, engineered floors are more dimensionally stable so may be a better choice.
Basements
Hardwood is a definite no. However, your basement may be suitable for engineered floors. To find out; you need to check that the subfloor is structurally sound and that the existing moisture content is not too high. We recommend that you contact a professional for a survey.
Find out more about measuring moisture content
Under floor heating
Solid wood flooring is not suitable for UFH. Natural wood expands and contracts and needs a constant temperature and humidity. You can still get the next best thing…engineered wood is more stable with a good resistance to heat. Most boards are fine for use with UFH, apart from high movement species such as beech.
Read our under floor heating and wood guide
Our most affordable solid wood flooring ever
As featured on our home page, we’ve slashed the price of our best quality, solid oak floors in long lengths to £35.99. This is 21mm thick solid board, 140mm wide, with lengths from 1200mm to 2400mm. It has a life expectancy of 100 years and comes with a 30 year manufacturer’s warranty.
Boards are in stock ready for delivery…don’t miss out.
Construction
The timber is sourced and produced by one of Germany’s largest manufacturers. It is the ultimate flooring for precision and durability. Tongue and groove joints are created with high accuracy for trouble-free installation. The boards can be nailed glued down.
Find out more about fitting solid wood flooring
Style
The traditional grade white oak has attractive character marks with defined knots and visible sapwood. The contrasting surface will give your floor eye-catching appeal. Your living space will have a distinguished, sophisticated look, that’s completely unique.
See more photographs of the special offer floor
Finish
The flooring is available oiled or lacquered depending on your preference. The matt lacquer surface is easier to clean and will reduce visible scratches. Oil is the only choice for traditionalists, more subtle in appearance and easier to repair.
Get your free sample
You can chat to our knowledgeable team on the telephone 020 8699 7527 – mention product code S900. Alternatively, visit the Wood4Floors showroom in South East London and ask about our Best Solid Oak Plank in Long lengths.
Order your free sample of this solid oak floor
Why Wide Plank Flooring?
Wide plank wooden flooring is the choice for 2013. The style is definitely enjoying a come-back. Consumer interest has been growing since 2011 when an industry magazine reported that demand for boards less than 2.5 inches to 4″ had dropped. Whereas, sales of wider planks of 4” and above had increased. This year: the wider the better. This fits in with growing trends for more natural interior styles.
Definition
Wide plank flooring is generally considered to include boards of 150mm (6”) and upwards in width.
Why wide?
In period properties wider boards are used to replicate traditional flooring. In years gone by, trees were more mature when they were cut, therefore wide planks were the norm. In the 1800s for example, it was commonplace for period planks to be 8” wide.
Wide boards are a favourite in modern homes too; the construction makes rooms appear more spacious, open and relaxed. This is perfect for contemporary open plan living spaces.
Many consumers are attracted to the natural quality of wide planks; you can see more of the wood. This is combined with hand-scraping to really bring out the natural beauty and individual characteristics in the timber.
The look is also synonymous with luxury. The boards are more substantial therefore give the impression of first-rate quality and superiority.
Wood4Floors range
We stock a range of wooden flooring between 150-240mm. If you like the look of wider boards, check out these links to our products:
Hand finsihed oak click system 189mm
The Pro’s and Con’s of Solid Wood Flooring
When it comes to flooring, solid wood is highly sought after. It is beautiful in appearance, timeless, warm under foot and can last 100 years. However, there are some downsides. Before you decide on hardwood, read this quick post which details some of the negative aspects. Perhaps, engineered timber may be a more suitable choice.
Cost
Solid wood flooring is the most expensive choice. It costs more to buy and to install. Compare your prices with the engineered timber boards so you can make an informed decision. What makes most sense for you financially?
Installation
Hardwood is the most difficult type of floor to install because it has to be glued or nailed down, unlike engineered floors which can be floated. Fitting the boards together can be difficult because too because they change shape once they’ve been manufactured.
Stability
Moisture and heat pose serious problems for solid wood floors. In adverse conditions, they can warp, swell or split apart. Professional consultation and skilled fitting is the key to avoid any problems later on.
Suitability
Hardwood flooring is not suitable for installation in basements or rooms where dampness is common because humidity changes cause movement. Nor should it be used in properties with under floor heating as it dries out the boards causing shrinkage and buckling.
Durability
Solid wood can be more susceptible to wear and tear than other types of flooring. It will show wear, especially in high traffic areas. It scratches easily and can be damaged from excessive moisture. The plus side is it’s a lot easier to contend with imperfections – unlike laminate, it can be sanded and re-finished.
Wooden flooring on a budget
More so than ever these days, we’re all looking for value for money. When it comes to home improvements it can be very tempting to cut corners. If you’re looking to install wooden flooring, it can be a minefield. There are so many different options: laminate, engineered or solid, wood type, grade, finish, thickness. While you may be attracted to a cheaper option, you may end up making a costly mistake.
Wood4Floors specialise in high quality engineered wooden floors. Engineered timber is the best choice for those who are on a budget. While it will cost more than inferior laminates, it offers the best value for money. It may not be solid wood, but it’s a way to get the real wood look for less.
Engineered boards are made up of 3 layers; a top layer of solid hardwood, a plywood or HDF core for strength and stability and a foundational layer which aids dimensional stability. The boards are very versatile – more durable than laminate and more stable than solid wood.
Your floor will last decades longer. The extra stability means moisture, heat and installation problems you may encounter with real timber are avoided. Planks can be installed on any sub-floor and used with under-floor heating. If you go for a click, tongue and groove system, floors can be fitted easily – just like laminate.
The top layer of the plank is the genuine article, giving you all the benefits of solid wood. Our wooden floors have a generous 6mm hardwood surface. This can even be sanded down at a later date, further prolonging the life of the floor.
Special Offer – Handscraped Oak Flooring Click System 189mm
Here’s your chance to secure bespoke, distressed wooden flooring for your home at our lowest ever price. We’ve slashed the price of our hand finished oak flooring from £34.50 to £29.95 (m2 exc. VAT).
Specification
189mm wide, 15mm thick, long length engineered planks with a generous 4mm top layer of traditional grade white oak. Engineered flooring is more durable and stable than real wood floor, the superior HDF backing means it’s suitable for use with under floor heating.
Distinctive appearance
The traditional oak boards are hand-scraped giving the wood a beautiful antique appearance, that’s completely unique. The timber is brushed and oiled producing an attractive textured surface, with a natural finish that accentuates the character of the wood.
Wide planks
The wide boards give you a truly authentic look. This replicates flooring from bygone days when trees were more mature when cut so planks were subsequently wider. They are ideal for smaller rooms, making them appear more spacious.
Easy fitting
Installation is simple and fast. Boards can be floated on any type of sub-floor. The click system makes fitting easy. Precise interlocking tongue and groove on all sides means the planks simply click together like laminate. You don’t even need glue.
HURRY – this offer is only available while stocks last.
If you’re renovating a period property, don’t miss out – you can get the look for less at Wood4Floors. Call us now on 020 8699 7527 for help and advice.
Real wood flooring – the most environmentally friendly option
It’s important to understand the environmental impact of building materials. Many people fear that wooden flooring is unsustainable and therefore bad for the environment. However, research by the National Wood Flooring Association shows that it is in fact an environmentally sound choice.
Firstly, wood floors are made from a renewal product – trees. While it does take a hardwood species 40-60 years to mature, the NWFA calculate that the inventory planted today won’t be needed for over 100 years. The Department of Agriculture Forest Service confirm that the average annual net growth for hardwoods is greater than average annual removals.
The manufacturing process has much less of a harmful impact on our planet too. Firstly, wooden flooring lasts decades, over generations. As it lasts longer, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often.
The production of wood floors uses less water and energy than other flooring options, according to the University of Wisconsin Wood Products Program. It can also be burned or recycled at the end of its life.
Petroleum products are used in the manufacture of carpets for the adhesive yarns in the backing and in padding. They are also produced with the use the use of volatile organic compounds that are bad for the environment and to our health. As they contain non-biodegradable materials, they will clog up landfills for hundreds of years. Similarly, lots of chemical materials are required to produce synthetic linoleum and vinyl. The latter contains harmful chlorinated petrochemicals.
While there are greener choices available such as wool carpet or genuine lino (made from linseed oil and resins) wood is still considered the most natural option, with the least environmental impact.
Read Friends of the Earth’s Good Wood Guide for tips about buying the most sustainable wood and avoiding the most endangered species.
Do wooden floors increase property value?
Installing a wooden floor is an investment that can increase the value and saleability of your property. Wood floors are highly desirable because of their longevity and appearance. While it is difficult to quantify and many experts disagree on the matter, it’s estimated that you can achieve up to a 15% increase in home value.
An estate agent survey by Nationwide found that lifestyle features provide the greatest return when it comes to valuing a house. For every £1,000 spent, you can add £3,500 to the value of your property. This is a greater return than home extensions which often result in a loss.
MSN Real Estate article ‘Is carpet dead?’ mentions a US survey of 29,000 home sales in the Philadelphia area. They calculated that hardwoods can boost sale prices by as much as 6%, over comparable homes with just carpeting.
The National Wood Flooring Association reported that 90% of estate agents believe that wooden floors make a home more marketable. 58% said they sold for more money.
Property expert Phil Spencer, of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location imparts that wood floors are a great selling point for families. Wiping away spillages and footprints – “has to be a lot more relaxing than hovering with a damp cloth and bottle of carpet-stain remover.”
Ottokar Rosenberger, of Ratedpeople.com (a website that puts consumers in touch with tradesmen for home improvements) said “Good Hardwood flooring can offer the same levels of insulation as carpet except with improved allergy relief, whilst also carrying a long term benefit to saleability and value.”
Oiled or Lacquered Wood Floors?
Once you’ve chosen the type of wood floor, species and colour, you’ll need to decide on the finish. This is an important decision; firstly because it will dramatically affect the overall look of your interior space. And secondly because your choice has implications with regards to on-going maintenance. Here, we explain briefly the pros and cons of each.
Oil
Traditional, oiled floors have a natural, satin appearance. The oil seeps deep into the surface of the wood, making it moisture resistant but allowing the wood to breathe. It is considered more aesthetically pleasing because it brings out the natural character of the wood. However, many people are put off by costly and time-consuming maintenance.
You’ll need to apply products every 6 months and re-oil every 1 year to 18 months. The up-side is, scratches or scuffs will be instantly removed, giving you an immaculate finish every time. It is very forgiving and easier to repair, without having to re-sand and finish the whole floor.
Lacquer
Unlike oil, lacquer sits on the surface of the wood, giving you a smooth, easy to clean floor. The most popular reason that people choose this finish is because it is very hard wearing, with considerably less maintenance. It shouldn’t need any attention for years.
Sometimes, it’s a matter of taste. If you like the shiny, gloss look, choose lacquer. If you prefer the natural look, but don’t want to commit to the maintenance of oiled floors we offer a matt lacquered finish. This will give you more of a sheen than a shine.
If you would like any more advice on this subject, please feel free to call and chat to an expert at Wood4Floors. Telephone 020 8699 7527 or email mail@wood4floors.co.uk If you’re in the South East, visit our showroom to see and feel the difference before you order.
