5 Factors To Consider When Choosing Wood Flooring
Wood flooring is a popular choice for many homes. However, when you invest in flooring, it’s essential to make sure it works for your space. The question is, how do you choose the right flooring for your home, and what questions should you ask before committing to your purchase?
Take a look at this handy guide from our wooden floor specialists in Balham to help you get the best flooring solutions for your property.
1. Consider your home interiors
Unless you’re remodelling the whole space, you should always consider what’s already in situ. Wood floors are a solid investment, but getting the balance right alongside your furniture and colour scheme will ensure it all works in harmony. If you’re installing flooring in the kitchen, think about the cabinets, appliances, and overall colour palette of the space. Traditional or modern rooms also have an influence on what colour or style to use in the area.
2. Lifestyle needs
Wood flooring should work with your lifestyle and home needs. For example, if you have children and pets, the floor will experience more wear and tear over time. In this case, when choosing a suitable flooring option, consider hardwearing wood options and easy-to-clean planks. In a busy household, you also need flooring that is easy to maintain if spills and stains occur.
3. Natural daylight
It’s actually surprising how much natural daylight affects the appearance and mood of a room. When choosing the colour and finish, thinking about how the light reflects off the wood is vital. In areas with limited natural light, lighter colours can work better to open up the space. In contrast, rooms with plenty of light can work well with darker flooring options. It’s also important to think about how this light might affect the planks’ colour or quality to avoid discolouration over time.
4. Finishing options
Wood flooring can be made with a variety of finishes, and some may require staining or varnishing after a few years. This finish will determine how much maintenance is required over its lifetime, so be sure to consider this before purchasing. In addition, there are several laminate and engineered wood options that have a stain or finish applied before installation, helping to make the cleaning process more manageable.
5. Floor type
Flooring comes in different types. If you’re considering solid wood flooring, there is also the option of engineered wood as a great alternative. Engineered wood is constructed with several layers of thin plies stuck together. The benefit of this style is the added stability. Plus, it is less likely to be affected by heat and moisture. It’s also an excellent option for underfloor heating. While solid wood flooring is still a great choice, it comes with an increased cost and does require more maintenance over time.
When choosing the best flooring, there are several things to consider. Chat with our flooring specialists for advice and product recommendations if you’re unsure where to start. They will be able to advise and point you in the right direction and ensure you have a floor that you love and will continue to for years to come.