What is it Solid wood flooring
It's a natural product, timber-based, made with hardwood from real trees. The planks are specifically designed to combine effective installation and good effect on the floor surface. It's a 1 strip, single plank panel.
The most widespread wood types are oak, acacia, birch, beech, walnut, ash, mahogany, merbau, wenge, elm, cherry, and many more.
Solid Wood Floorboards
The floorboards have a different thickness between 15 mm and 22 mm, and length up to 185 mm and beyond. Depending on the final product, you can find different variants.
Solid wood by finish:
- unfinished - you may apply your own finish;
- lacquered - matt, clear, satin;
- oiled and invisible oiled;
- smoked;
The surface can be:
- smooth;
- brushed;
- hand scraped;
- distressed;
There are two types of models:
- solid;
- multiply;
By colour:
- light;
- dark;
- medium;
- white;
Very often, people prefer products from specific brands because they offer different solutions and quality. Some of the popular solid wood vendors in London are Junckers, Kerakoll, Parky, Ashton & Rose, Plusfloor, and others.
When purchasing solid wood, it's good to get about 10% more than the required volume because some panels can be damaged.
Solid Wood Lifecycle
The lifecycle is much longer than expected. Solid wood is popular with its durability and the option to restore the floor whenever it is required.
Usually, after good installation, you can expect the floor to keep in good condition for about 8-12 years (without sanding).
Of course, it's possible only if you do care of the floor from time to time.
Solid wood maintenance and repair
If the floor is finished and with a smooth surface, you clean it very easily. Just using a mop or broom is enough.
You can make thin polishing of the surface during the years, which will keep the surface brighter, and you can remove all small scratches.
The possible repairs are reclaiming, sanding, gap filling, and finishing. Also, if you're doing a restoration, staining with different colour is a solution.
Solid wood installation & methods
The fitting process has to be precise. This includes perfect measuring of the rooms, subfloor preparation, and step-by-step installation of all planks.
If you have concrete, it requires proper underlayment. During the process, it's necessary to use many professional tools to fit the floorboards to each other and cut some parts. If refinishing is required, then a sanding machine is required.
It's necessary to pay attention to how the joints are placed because it's not good to be in a line (even if it looks better).
Good calculation of the floor plays a significant role in the process because the last row has to have enough space for the wall.
Another important thing before the actual installation is to leave the flooring to 'breathe' (acclimatize) for 1-3 days. Don't miss this part.
Correct using of spacers for extension gaps is another important part, and usually, a professional fitter knows what has to be the spacer size.
The actual installation has two types:
- nail-down (but it may require glue for the last planks);
- glue-down;
- floating method (requires a good quality underlayment);
It's good to pay attention to not leaving any gaps between the boards, so using a hammer and a protective tool is a must during the laying.
The installation takes more time because of the drying process.
Solid wood is good for certain promises
Depending on the thickness and quality of the floorboards, this type of flooring is suitable for every premise. If the sealing is made properly, it's possible to install it in bathrooms and kitchens as well.
It's a great choice for both houses and apartments. Solid wood is the most popular flooring for hallways, offices, whole-property floors. It's not good for basements.
Whatever is your property, paying serious attention to the subfloor is a must. You can install solid wood only on dry and clear, perfectly leveled surfaces. Plywood or underlayment is also a must.
Solid wood cost-efficiency
It's a kind of premium type of flooring, and the whole installation process requires many things to achieve the best fitting. It has an impact on the final price, and it's not a cheap solution (even if you choose low-quality boards).
However, considering the lifecycle and the durability of the floorboard, it's a good choice to invest in your property and make it a nice place for living or working.
The thicker plans reduce sound and help to reduce the heating cost during the winter.