Interior design trends come and go, but wooden flooring never goes out of style. A timeless choice for both modern and traditional properties, it’s been used for centuries and most prized for its natural beauty.
Nowadays, wooden flooring is also associated with what’s known as ‘biophilic design principles’. These suggest that incorporating natural elements into indoor spaces can promote our health, well-being and productivity.
Hardwood and softwood flooring comes with unique colours and grain patterns.
It therefore also offers a wealth of choice, with so many different wood species to choose from, all of which have unique characteristics.
Wooden flooring can also be stained or finished in various colours and sheens to complement your interior design scheme and preferences, providing endless aesthetic possibilities.
Some of the most popular species for wooden flooring include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and pine. It can be installed in various patterns and configurations, such as parquet, herringbone, or diagonal layouts, allowing for creativity in design.
JB Lumberjack is a leading wood flooring company ideal for anyone in Reading looking for quality flooring.
Here at JB Lumberjack Wood Flooring, we have various species of hardwood and softwood. We also have the option of either engineered, parquet or solid wood flooring, so what’s the difference?
The difference between solid and engineered wood flooring.
Firstly, there is a difference in terms of the construction. Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of wood. Each plank is milled from a single piece of timber.
Meanwhile, engineered wood flooring is constructed from multiple layers of wood veneer glued together. The top layer (veneer) is typically made from a hardwood species, while the inner layers are made from plywood or other wood composites.
Solid wood flooring is more prone to expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity and temperature. This can lead to warping, cupping, or gaps between planks. Engineered wood flooring’s layered construction reduces the risk of warping and allows for installation in areas with fluctuating humidity levels, such as basements or kitchens.
JB Lumberjack Wood Flooring can install either of these styles at your home in Reading. Berkshire.
Solid wood flooring is typically nailed or stapled down to a wood subfloor. However, it can also be glued down in some cases.
In comparison, engineered wood flooring can be installed using various methods, including ‘floating’ (where the planks are not attached to the subfloor but instead click or lock together), glued down, or nailed/stapled depending on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Our floor fitting services are available throughout Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire and will ensure your new flooring is installed to the finest standards. We can also offer guidance on maintaining your new flooring so that it lasts for many years to come.
Is there a difference in appearance between the two?
Solid wood flooring gives you the most authentic look and feel of natural wood. The appearance can vary depending on the species of wood and the milling process. However, engineered wood is often indistinguishable from solid wood flooring once installed. The top layer is real wood, so it provides a similar aesthetic.
Refinishing:
When it comes to maintenance, solid wood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, which can extend its longevity. Engineered wood flooring, depending on the thickness of the top veneer layer, may be refinished engineered wood flooring a limited number of times. Thicker veneer layers offer more opportunities for refinishing.
Properly maintained wooden floors can last for decades, sometimes even a century or more, making them a long-term investment in a property.
Wooden flooring is also generally viewed as an environmentally friendly choice, especially when sourced from sustainably managed forests. Additionally, wood floors can be recycled or repurposed at the end of their life cycle.
Wooden flooring is a desirable feature for homebuyers and can increase the resale value of a property.
Did you know that wooden flooring can actually improve the air quality of your home?
That’s because unlike carpets, wooden flooring doesn’t trap dust, allergens or other pollutants, making it a healthier choice for indoor air quality.
Wood is a natural insulator, providing warmth to a room and helping to reduce energy costs by retaining heat.
Wooden floors are relatively easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and occasional mopping. They can also be refinished to restore their appearance if they become worn or scratched.
Did you know that wood has acoustic benefits?
Wood flooring can help reduce noise levels within a room compared to hard surfaces like tile or laminate flooring. It also provides a comfortable surface to walk on, especially when compared to harder materials like tile or concrete.
Each plank of our wood flooring is unique, with those natural variations in colour, grain, and texture, adding character and charm to a space.
If you’re looking for wood floor companies in Reading, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.