Oak or a wooden Floor

What are the key factors to consider when purchasing an Oak or a Wooden Floor ?

I have worked in the Wooden flooring industry for over 20 years and in that time I think that I have been asked just about every question that could have been asked by the general public. There are a number of areas that need to be considered when you are looking to purchase your Oak wooden floor.

What will help me to choose my wooden or Oak floor there are a number of key points to consider.

• The first area to consider is how you would like your Oak floor to look, with 1000s of finishes and designs on the market it is worth firstly deciding if your preference is for a more Contemporary wooden floor design or a more Traditional or rustic Design. ( Please see images below ).

Contemporary Flooring Design                                                   Rustic Oak Traditional Design

• Secondly I would consider the room that the flooring is going to be fitted in and the amount of wear and tear that the Oak floor is likely to have to endure. It would be a bad move installing a high sheen Oak floor in an area with a lot of traffic such as a hall or a kitchen. Or alternatively in a house with 3 Children and 2 dogs as in no time at all it will look like it has been dragged down a motorway at high speed.
• Also it is worth spending time looking at future plans with regards to your soft furnishing and the internal doors that you have in the house or that you will be fitting in the house. I remember an occasion where a customer picked a very expensive Walnut floor however they were planning on purchasing Oak Doors. This would have been a DIY disaster from an aesthetic perspective as the grain in the two products is totally different.
• Then there is the big decision and that is the BUDGET that you have set aside for your hardwood or Oak floor. It is pointless looking at Floors that are over £100 per Square Metre ( Trust me there are plenty of them ) if your budget is £30 Per Square Metre.
• Is your sub floor Flat and Dry. Quite simply do not fit a wooden floor if your sub floor is not perfect.
• Who is fitting your Wooden Floor ?. If the guy next door is fitting your floor don’t pick a floor that is more difficult or challenging to fit eg Solid Wood. If a trained carpenter is fitting your floor which is the way to go then with the right guidance they should be fine.

For further advice or guidance on your wooden floor feel free to give me a call at may place of work in Swansea South Wales on ( 01792 ) 884828.