If you are considering fitting wood flooring during your interior design process you are not alone. Wood flooring is one of only a handful types of flooring which can create warmth, give a natural look and fit almost any design taste. When you hire an interior design company they would be able to recommend the most suitable type of wood flooring as there are many wood species to choose from. If on the other hand you are curious and want to understand more about wood flooring, here is a helpful guide about the basics of interior design wood flooring.

Wood flooring types explained:

There are two types of wood flooring which are likely to be recommended for you. These are solid wood floors which are sometimes referred to as real wood floors and engineered wood floors which are sometimes referred to as semi real wood floors. The two types of floors might look the same, however they are made from completely different materials.

Wood flooring materials explained:

Solid wood floors are made from 100% real wood which gives this type of floor extra strength. This makes it ideal if you are looking to add extra strength to the property. On the other hand, engineered wood floors are made from a combination of wood, plywood and hardwood veneer which means that unlike 100% real wood they will not react to temperature changes. This makes them ideal for places where real wood might shrink or expand.

Wood species types explained:

There are many wood species available to choose from. Starting with the very common to the very exotic and each comes with its own price tag. The most common are oak and walnut which feature in most homes. Both species popularity is driven by their prices, availability and of course from a design prospective, attractive grain markings of the wood. Regardless of the wood species you end up choosing, you should expect the floor to last for 25 years provided the right care is applied.

Wood flooring coatings explained:

Whether you have chosen to fit oak, walnut, solid or engineered flooring, they all require a layer of top coating to protect the floor and to ensure prolong lifespan. The most common floor coats are oiled, brushed and of course oiled and brushed. They not only give the floor that fantastic look, but also serve to protect it from minor scuffs by creating a seal on top of the floor. There are also a variety of more practical oriented coating such as UV lacquered which designed to protect a floor which is subjected to direct sunlight and other dedicated coats.

Ethical and environmental responsibilities:

We encourage you to fit wood species which are not endangered and from sellers who source their woods from sustainable forests. Most sellers will display a type of ethical statement explaining where the wood is sourced from, otherwise you can always ask. It is important that we all take part in conservation efforts, sellers by offering ethically sources woods and yourself by choosing to purchase from reputable sellers.

Article by Michelle Strassburg co founder at wood flooring supplier Wood and Beyond. If you require more information about the type of wood flooring be it solid wood floors or engineered wood floors most suitable for your home or business premises, contact us or get in touch with the team at Barber Design Consultancy Limited.