Hardwood Flooring

1. Engineered Wood: Engineered wood flooring is composed of multiple layers of wood. It consists of a thin veneer of real hardwood on top, bonded to high-quality plywood or fiberboard layers. Engineered wood is designed to provide stability and resist moisture, making it suitable for various environments.
2. Solid Hardwood: Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of hardwood timber. It is known for its authenticity, durability, and ability to be refinished multiple times. However, solid hardwood isn’t suitable for underfloor heating and has attendance to move over time.

Hardwood flooring is considered a desirable feature in homes and can increase the resale value of a property. Many homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with hardwood floors due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and longevity. Installing hardwood floors can be seen as a wise long-term investment in your property.

Hardwood flooring comes in a wide range of wood species, colours, and finishes, providing versatility in design options. Whether you prefer a classic, rustic, or contemporary look, there’s a hardwood flooring option to suit your style and match your overall interior decor. Additionally, hardwood floors can be refinished to change their colour or finish, allowing you to adapt to changing design trends or personal preferences.

Solid hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for those who want a classic look with long-lasting durability. Made from a single piece of hardwood timber, it is known for its authenticity and unique grain patterns. It also has the advantage of being refinished multiple times, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option.

However, it’s important to consider that solid hardwood isn’t suitable for underfloor heating. The natural expansion and contraction of the wood can cause it to warp or crack when exposed to the heat. It’s also worth noting that solid hardwood has a tendency to move over time, especially in areas with high humidity levels. This movement can cause gaps or buckling, which may require repairs or replacement in extreme cases. Despite these limitations, solid hardwood remains a popular choice for those who value its timeless beauty and durability.

Benefits of Choosing Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring offers several benefits that make it a popular choice among homeowners and designers. Here are some key advantages of hardwood flooring: 

Natural and Timeless Beauty:

Hardwood floors are known for their natural beauty and warmth. They add an elegant and timeless appeal to any space. The rich grains, textures, and colours of different wood species create a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Durability and Longevity:

Hardwood floors are highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear. When properly maintained, hardwood floors can last for decades and even generations. They can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing you to restore their original beauty.

Versatility in Design:

Hardwood flooring comes in a wide range of species, grades, and finishes, offering endless design possibilities. Whether you prefer a traditional, rustic, or contemporary look, there’s a hardwood flooring option to match your style. Additionally, hardwood floors complement various interior design themes and can be easily adapted to different decor changes over time.

Improved Indoor Air Quality:

Unlike carpets, hardwood floors do not trap dust, pollen, or other allergens, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Additionally, hardwood flooring is easier to clean and maintain, as it doesn’t harbour bacteria, mould, or pet dander.

Easy Maintenance:

Hardwood floors require relatively simple maintenance. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, along with occasional damp mopping, is usually sufficient to keep them clean. Spills and stains can be easily wiped away, unlike on carpets or other flooring types.

Increased Home Value:

Hardwood flooring is considered a desirable feature by homebuyers, and it can significantly increase the value of your property. Many real estate agents emphasize the appeal of hardwood floors when selling a home.

Eco-Friendly Option:

Hardwood floors are a sustainable choice when sourced from responsibly managed forests. They are a renewable resource and have a lower carbon footprint compared to other flooring materials. Furthermore, hardwood can be repurposed or recycled, reducing waste.

Excellent Insulation and Energy Efficiency:

Hardwood floors provide natural insulation, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy consumption. They can retain heat during colder months and keep spaces cool in the summer, contributing to energy efficiency.

Choosing hardwood flooring over luxury vinyl tile (LVT) can be a personal preference based on various factors. Here are some reasons why people often choose hardwood flooring over LVT: 

Authenticity and Natural Beauty:

Hardwood flooring offers a genuine and timeless beauty that many people find appealing. It showcases the unique grains, textures, and colours of real wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hardwood floors bring a sense of authenticity and character to a space that is difficult to replicate with synthetic materials like LVT.

Longevity and Durability:

Hardwood flooring is known for its durability and long lifespan. When properly maintained, hardwood floors can last for decades and even generations. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them suitable for high-traffic areas in homes or commercial spaces. Additionally, hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing you to restore their original beauty and extend their lifespan.

Value and Investment:

Hardwood flooring is often seen as a valuable investment in a property. It is a desirable feature that can increase the resale value of a home. Many homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with hardwood floors due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and longevity. Choosing hardwood flooring can be viewed as a long-term investment in your property.

Unique Character and Customisation:

Each piece of hardwood flooring is unique, with its own patterns, knots, and colour variations. This natural variation adds character and charm to the space. Hardwood flooring also offers customization options, such as choosing different wood species, grades, and finishes, allowing you to create a personalized look that aligns with your style and preferences.

Environmental Considerations:

If sourced from responsibly managed forests, hardwood flooring can be an environmentally friendly choice. Wood is a renewable resource, and sustainable forestry practices ensure the long-term health of forests. Additionally, hardwood floors can be recycled or repurposed, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

Comfort and Underfoot Feel:

Hardwood floors provide a solid and natural feel underfoot, offering a unique comfort that many people enjoy. They can feel warmer than synthetic materials, especially in colder climates. Additionally, hardwood floors do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like some LVT products might, contributing to better indoor air quality.

It’s important to consider that hardwood flooring has some limitations, such as its sensitivity to moisture and higher upfront cost compared to LVT. However, if you prioritise the authenticity, natural beauty, durability, and long-term value of your flooring, hardwood can be a preferred choice. 

Installing hardwood flooring requires a certain level of skill and knowledge, but it is manageable for individuals with experience in DIY projects or those willing to learn and follow proper installation guidelines. However, for best results, it is often recommended to hire a professional flooring installer.

Here are some factors to consider when it comes to hardwood flooring installation: 

Hardwood flooring needs to acclimate to the environment in which it will be installed. The flooring should be left in the room for a certain period to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels. This helps minimize the risk of the wood expanding or contracting after installation.

Once the hardwood flooring is installed, additional finishing steps may be required. This can include sanding, staining, and applying a protective finish to enhance the appearance and durability of the wood. Additionally, trim work, such as baseboards or transitions, may need to be installed to complete the overall look. At Oakley Products we offer to stain the trims to match the chosen flooring.