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Solid wood flooring, also known as hardwood flooring, enhances the look of your home, as well as adds value to it.
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What is wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring is, what the name suggests, made of solid wood such as oak, beech, maple, etc.
There is also engineered wood flooring, which looks identical to solid wood flooring, but instead of a single wood plank, it is made up of a high-quality plywood core with a thin layer of hardwood on top.
What are the benefits of solid wood flooring?
- Strong and durable
- Adds warmth
- Longevity
- Adds value to your home
- Can be restored / refinished numerous times
- Adds character and charm to your home
What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring?
- Able to handle moisture better than solid wood
- Compatible with underfloor heating
- It is more resistant to water
- Strong and durable
- Can be floated on uneven surfaces
- Better for the environment than solid wood flooring
Engineered wood flooring has a shorter lifespan than solid wood. Solid wood can undergo repeated restoration, whereas engineered wood, being thinner, can be sanded down a limited number of times.
However, engineered wood flooring can look like solid wood flooring with just as many benefits but at a more budget-friendly price.
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What process will a professional wooden floor fitter follow?
Measure the room
Your wooden floor fitter will need to come and look at the room to see what condition the subfloor is in and measure the room. A reputable flooring specialist would usually do this before giving you a quote for fitting.
The job’s duration and cost depend on the room’s shape and size.
An L-shaped configuration, alcoves, or the presence of a chimney breast will extend the installation time and potentially increase the overall cost compared to a straightforward, standard-sized square room.
Leave flooring to acclimatise
Before your wood floor fitter installs your flooring, leave the flooring in the room for 5-7 days to adjust to the room’s temperature and moisture level. You don’t need to remove it from the packaging; just leave the ends open.
Prepare the subfloor
Before installing your new wooden floor, the subfloor must be clean, dry and level. Wooden or concrete flooring is the most suitable subfloor for wooden flooring.
If you have wooden floorboards as the subfloor, they need to be in good condition for the new wood to be stapled or glued onto. The wood floor fitter must ensure no nails protrude and remove debris and dust.
If the subfloor is concrete, your floor fitter may need to level it out with a concrete leveller to fill out any dips.
The wood floor fitter will use a moisture meter to check that the floor is dry enough.
Underlay is optional with solid wood flooring; however, if budget allows, it is recommended for laying over concrete. A damp-proof membrane is typically necessary to shield the wood from potential moisture damage.
Laying the wooden flooring
The type of subfloor you have will dictate what installation method the wooden floor fitter will use. Unlike laminate or engineered wood, wood flooring should only be nailed or glued down.
If installing on a concrete floor, the floor fitter will use a glued method with an adhesive, whereas installing on a wooden floor, they’d use a nailed method.
The floor fitter must leave an expansion gap of 10-12mm because wood tends to expand and contract with temperature and moisture change. If they don’t do this, the flooring could become unstable and not last as long.
Floor finish
Applying a finish is crucial to protect wooden floors from damage and prolong their lifespan.
While most hardwood flooring is prefinished, if you opt for unfinished, raw wood, you will need to apply a finish after installation.
Replacing skirting boards
If the floor fitter removed your skirting boards, they must be refitted or replaced.
Scotia or beading
If you don’t have skirting boards, the floor fitter will need to fit beading to fill in the expansion gap around the edge of the room so that there is a neat finish from the floor to the wall.
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Wood flooring FAQ
What is the lifespan of wooden flooring?
Solid hardwood flooring, if looked after, can last up to 100 years, whilst engineered flooring can have a lifespan of at least 25-30 years.
Can you install hardwood flooring in a kitchen or bathroom?
As we all know, wood and water don’t mix well. You can lay it in a kitchen if you immediately clear up any spillages and control the temperature and humidity.
However, it isn’t a good idea in a bathroom, as there is much more moisture and water, which will cause damage to the flooring.
Engineered wood flooring or wood-effect laminate could be a more suitable choice for bathrooms. Alternatively, opting for tiles or vinyl flooring, known for their enhanced water resistance, may prove even better.
How long does it take to install wood flooring?
Depending on the size of the room and type of wood, installation of wood flooring can take between 1 to 3 days.
Parquet flooring may require a longer time to install due to its complex design, but this will depend on how skilled the floor fitter is.
How long before you can walk on it?
Ideally, you should wait 24 – 48 hours before walking on wood flooring to give it time to set and acclimatise to the room’s temperature.
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