Trying to choose the right wood floor can be a little overwhelming. There are so many different styles, as well as lots of practical considerations. Trends can be useful, but the latest designs aren’t always the best. Steering towards more enduring looks tends to give the best longevity.
For quite some time now, oak wood floors with a natural oil prefinish have been the most enduring. Nothing too orange or yellow here. Instead, warm, earthy tones and lots of grain. The oil finish creates a lovely tactile surface, without disguising the wood grain or altering appearance in any way.
Wide one-strip planks tend to complement this natural wood look best and they’re the most popular choice. There are less seams and far more wood grain is revealed, so this gives a lovely spaciousness feel and allows the true beauty of the timber to really shine through.
To create that sought-after reclaimed look, mixed width and length planks work really well; the look is less uniform but it isn’t too busy, so it brings lots of character to a space. There’s also the option of a reclaimed floor. These tend to made of wood that’s been salvaged from rural properties; the old wood is planed off the surface of the timber object and then constructed into an engineered wood design, with a plywood core and oak base layer. Our own Reclaimed Elm floors are made in this way using 100-year-old timber originally hung as a door. The original wooden pegs are left in place which creates a really special finish.
Choosing a wood floor with a textured surface enhances the authentic look and adds lots of rustic charm. The most popular types of finish are wire brushed, handscraped and tumbled. As well as adding character, these finishes also hide any imperfections like dents and scratches, so they’re a great choice for busy homes and for households with pets. There’s also the option to create your own custom-finish, by combining a specific texture, treatment and shade of oil or lacquer.
A final practical note – wood flooring tends to come as a solid construction or an engineered construction. Solid boards are made from a single piece of wood, whilst engineered boards generally comprise a top, middle and bottom layer. We tend to recommend the latter, as the multi-layered construction creates a more sustainable and stable floor that’s resistant to temperature changes. For more practical information, read our Installation Guide which includes advice on installation, laying wood flooring over underfloor heating and sealing.
To find out more about Indigenous wood designs, visit Engineered Oak Flooring
