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Top 4 Wooden Flooring Trends to look out for in 2018

If 2017 was the year parquet floors really came to the party then what developments can we expect over the next 12 months?

1. Grey hardwood flooring

The trend towards darker wood floors is one that has grown and grown, but in 2018, we expect to see a reversal of that as cooler tones, particularly greys, start to become more popular. The move away from warmer tones is one that’s already starting to emerge, with cool tones (lighter browns such as oak and greys) increasingly being preferred to reds, red/browns and even floors with yellow undertones.

Grey wood floors provide a clean, contemporary look that fits perfectly in modern houses which need a little brightening up. Although they lack the warmth of darker coloured flooring, they are easier to maintain. Grey is also becoming an increasingly popular choice for people’s walls.

2. Longer length floorboards

Wider plank flooring has seen a dramatic rise in popularity in the last decade or more, but now it is the turn of longer length hardwood floorboards, which can add a real elegance and charm to a room. Many people looking for wood floors for the first time consider the width and grade of their flooring but do not think about the length of the floorboards. However, this has a big impact on the overall look of the wood floor.

If you have a large room then longer floorboards can help to make the most of the proportions and can even make the room look bigger. However, they do tend to cost more, so as well as stretching the room, they may do the same to your budget.

3. More natural looking finishes

Satin finishes, matte finishes and flatter sheens are very much in for 2018, while glossier finishes are out. The trouble with glossier finishes is that they not only look dated, but they can also be very difficult to maintain as they show every scratch and speck of dust. Flatter finishes, on the other hand, are both stylish and practical and complement the matt paint finishes many homeowners are choosing for their walls.

4. A cleaner look

In recent years, there has been a movement towards layouts such as herringbone, chevrons, borders, diagonals and multiple widths, but in 2018, all that looks set to change as homeowners revert back to clean, simple lines. This produces fewer distractions and complements the rest of the room rather than drawing the eye away. It also reduces clutter and allows homeowners to be more adventurous with their choice of patterned rugs and throw pillows.

Hardwood flooring to suit your taste

Those are our top hardwood flooring trends for 2018. As a simple rule, we think cooler tones, a lower lustre and more subtle colours and textures is the way flooring is going, but here at UK Wood Floors, we’re happy to create stunning hardwood flooring for you, whatever your taste.

Take a look at our gallery for inspiration and if you have any questions, please get in touch with our team.

Is a Solid Oak Floor Right for your Home? 5 Things to Consider

Nothing compares to the natural beauty of a solid oak floor. The distinctive grain and gorgeous honeyed tones give this type of flooring a unique charm that is impossible to beat. The stunning aesthetics are just one of the reasons solid oak remains such a popular choice for so many homeowners. With fantastic thermal insulation properties and its incredibly hardwearing nature, solid oak really is an excellent long-term option for your home.

But a solid oak floor is not necessarily the right choice for every space. In this article, we’re going to take a look at five important factors to consider when deciding whether solid oak is the best option for you.

1. There are high moisture levels in your sub-floor

Before ordering your new wood floor, it’s essential you check the moisture levels of your sub-floor. Sub-floor moisture can wreak havoc with your flooring, causing complications and delays in the installation and leading to compatibility problems and even the formation of the dreaded mold and mildew – not what you want when you’ve just forked out for a beautiful oak floor. Here are some pointers to help you test the moisture levels of your sub-floor.

Ideally, you want a moisture level that doesn’t exceed 2-3 percent. If it exceeds this level, you’d probably be better off opting for an engineered wood flooring product rather than solid oak. Engineered wood, when installed with a suitable underlay or membrane, will help to assure the longevity of your floor.

2. You’re choosing flooring for a kitchen or bathroom

If you’re choosing flooring for a kitchen or bathroom then the fluctuations in moisture levels need to be taken into account. As well as moisture, the temperature changes in kitchens and bathrooms can cause problems with a solid oak floor, which will expand and contract considerably when exposed to environmental changes. Over time, this can cause damage to your floor. That’s not to say solid oak floors can’t be used in kitchens, particularly if your kitchen is large and airy, but you should seek advice before making your choice.

3. There’s heavy footfall

If you’re looking for flooring for a room that experiences heavy footfall and have your heart set on a solid oak floor, the good news, as long as your sub-floor is nice is dry, is that solid oak is ideal. Solid wood can be sanded up to five or six times before any damage is likely to be done to the floor, which means it can take all your busy family can throw at it and keep on looking its best. Hardwoods, like oak and walnut, will potentially last longer than softer options as they do not damage or scratch as easily.

4. The room has underfloor heating

Unfortunately, humidity and significant temperature changes mean that a solid oak floor is not always the best option if you have underfloor heating. If you want a natural wood product then an engineered wood floor will provide the stability you need.

5. You’re on a budget

Many homeowners tend to think that the cost of solid oak flooring puts it out of their reach, but that’s simply not the case. Whatever your budget, there are solid wood flooring options to meet your needs. There’s also very little difference between the cost of solid wood and engineered flooring, which means your budget shouldn’t really come into it. Solid oak floors also add value, appeal and a sense of luxury to your home, as well as producing a warm, rich sound.

Want to know more about solid oak flooring?

Find out more about our solid oak flooring options or get in touch with our team to discuss the suitability of this stunning flooring type for your home.

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Engineered vs. Solid Oak Flooring: What’s the Difference?

If you’re refurbishing a room in your home then you certainly won’t be the first person to need a little help understanding whether an engineered or solid oak wood floor would be a better choice for your space. But before we start discussing the characteristics of each of these different floor types, let’s get a clear view of what both are.

What is engineered wood flooring?

Once it has been laid, an engineered wooden floor will look almost identical to solid oak, but while it might look very similar, it is actually made very differently.

Engineered wood floors are made from several layers of wood that have been pressed together. The top layer will be a veneer of solid wood, but under this layer, the core of the floor can be made from wood such as birch, plywood, poplar and HDF. These multiple layers of wood are glued together using a strong adhesive, with a 4mm to 6mm layer of solid oak, maple or whatever wood you choose glued on top.

What is solid oak flooring?

Solid oak floor boards are cut from single pieces of timber, which makes them incredibly simple in terms of their construction. They are also a completely natural product. The finished oak boards are usually around 18mm thick.

How do they differ?

1. Life expectancy

The thickness of a solid oak floor means it can be re-sanded and re-finished as much as five or six times during its lifetime to remove any damage and make it look as good as the day it was installed. Although an engineered floor with a relatively thick top layer could be sanded two or perhaps even three times during its lifetime, it will eventually need to be replaced.

2. Durability

A well-maintained solid oak floor can last for decades even in active households where there’s heavy footfall. Because the surface of an engineered floor is a lot thinner, it can become chipped or de-laminated under stressed conditions, which can reduce the aesthetic appeal of the floor.

3. Scratches and stains

All floors will become scratched and stained over the years. Both solid oak and engineered floors can be re-sanded and re-finished to remove the damage. However, as solid oak floors can be sanded time and time again, they will look their best longer. Solid wood floors also encompass a greater range of wood hardness than engineered floors, which makes them better at withstanding surface damage in the first instance.

4. Moisture resistance

As solid oak flooring is an entirely natural, organic product, it is affected by moisture. A hot, humid room could make the flooring dry out and shrink, while a cold, wet room could cause it to expand. This means solid oak floors are not best suited to bathrooms, basements or conservatories. The layers of wood in an engineered wood floor run in different directions, which makes them stable and more resistant to changes in moisture.

So what’s it to be?

It has to be said that nothing looks as good as a solid oak floor and it will deliver unbeatable value over the longer term when installed in the right room. Engineered wood is more practical as it can be used in more rooms in your home, but it lacks the longevity of real wood.

Take a look at our range of solid oak and engineered wood floors to find the perfect product for you.

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4 Top Tips for Maintaining your Real Wood Floor

When you’ve invested in a brand new real wood floor, you’re understandably going to want to protect your investment and keep your floor looking just as good as the day it was laid for years to come.

Real wood floors can be damaged if proper care is not taken to protect them from environmental threats and daily wear and tear. For this reason, it’s essential you take a few steps to maintain your floor. Simply following these four tips will help to keep your floor in the very best condition.

1. Protection from furniture

One threat to real wood flooring that’s often overlooked is the potential damage caused by furniture. Children jumping onto chairs and settees or simply moving the furniture can cause scuffs and scratches to the floor.

One simple way to protect your real wood floors from this damage is to buy the felt furniture tips available at most home improvement stores. These tips have a built-in, non-damaging adhesive so they can be easily stuck to the furniture legs to create a cushion between them and the floor.

2. Avoiding direct sunlight

Another threat to the condition of real wood floors is the potential damage caused by direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight will be unavoidable in some parts of the house, but care should be taken to make sure no area of the floor receives too much direct sunlight as it can cause fading and discolouration.

The simplest way to protect against this threat is to make sure curtains and blinds are closed whenever you leave the house for an extended period of time or on particularly sunny days. Alternatively, mats and rugs could be used to protect exposed areas of flooring. A UV coating could also be applied to the windows to provide additional protection.

3. Apply maintenance oils

In areas of heavy use, it’s inevitable that your real wood floor will start to show some signs of wear over time. However, even at this stage, it is still possible to breathe new life into your flooring. Maintenance oils are designed for the quick and easy regeneration and refreshment of oiled wood floors. Once applied, they soak into the wood to provide long lasting protection.

Applying the maintenance oil is simple:

Firstly, clean the floor thoroughly to make sure any dirt or dust is removed. You should also allow the floor to dry before applying the oil.
Next, shake the oil well before use and make sure the area is well ventilated before it’s applied.
Depending on the brand of oil you buy, it can be applied with a microfiber brush, applicator brush or just a cotton cloth.
The oil should be applied in a fine coat in the direction of the grain of the wood. You should not apply the oil too thickly as you will be left with an uneven looking floor.

If you are left with an uneven sheen, the oil can be polished during application with a cotton cloth or a polishing machine until the desired finish is achieved.

4. Clean stains quickly and remove standing water

Spillages are a fact of life. However, if dealt with quickly, even dreaded red wine stains can be easily removed. The key is not to use too much water, as the wood will soak up the water and swell. For the same reason, any standing water should be mopped up quickly. If you have a stain that has dried then you may need to sand the floor, although this video could provide a less time-consuming alternative.

Want to know more about the suitability of real wood floors for your home? Please get in touch to discuss your requirements with our team.

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4 Timeless Wooden Floor Trends

Many wooden floor trends ebb and flow with the style and taste of the time. One example that springs to mind is parquet block flooring, which seemed to be all but dead and buried no more than a decade ago, but is now enjoying a dramatic resurgence in homes across the UK.

However, while many wooden floor trends come and go, there are some that stand the test of time. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 4 timeless wooden floor trends and explore their implications for your home.

Herringbone and chevron patterns

Herringbone and chevron patterned wooden floors have long been a feature in UK homes and they continue to be a stalwart of the flooring industry in 2017.

Compared to the old style of herringbone floors, they can now be produced in a more efficient and effective way using larger blocks that are referred to as ‘oversize’. They produce a cleaner, more contemporary look but still have the traditional appeal of some of the wood floors of old. They are generally laid without a border these days and are fully bonded to the subfloor using a flexible adhesive that gives a solid feel underfoot. Although they tend to cost a little more, these floors create a striking effect.

Dark hardwood floors

Very dark hardwood floors have never really been out of fashion, but they are very much ‘in’ right now. Many homeowners are looking to go darker and darker, with 50/50 blends of ebony and Jacobean, or ebony and dark walnut, becoming increasingly timeless options.

Due to this increased demand for darker hardwood floors, Duraseal even introduced a new stain colour last year called True Black, which is even darker than ebony and more opaque. As a word of warning for anyone planning to embrace dark hardwood floors themselves, they do tend to show every bit of dirt or dust, which does can make them a challenge to maintain.

Oiled wood floors

Oiled floors aren’t necessarily an age-old trend, but they have been consistently popular since floor oils appeared on the scene. Floor oils penetrate into the wood to give the floor a unique patina and texture which is more natural looking and duller than you’d get from a finish or a stain. The oil also makes the floor stronger and ages with the wood while making the patina grow stronger.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of oiled wood floors is the fact that they are so easy to repair. When the floor becomes scratched, rather than having to sand and refinish it, you can simply repair the damage by applying more oil. The disadvantage of oiled wood floors is that they are more difficult to maintain as they need to be treated with more oil over time. They also do not have the moisture protection they would if a polyurethane finish had been used.

Floorboards of varying widths

Over the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the use of floorboards of varying widths for hardwood floors. Historically, floorboards were cut to varying widths to utilise the trees in the most efficient way and this can create a more authentic look.

Although this is a popular practice at the moment, multiple width floorboards can date your house over time. While the colour of hardwood floors can easily be changed with a new stain or finish, the width and pattern of your floorboards are permanent, so think carefully if this is a style you’re considering.

Oak – the ultimate timeless wooden floor trend

There’s nothing as timeless as the natural beauty and elegance of a solid oak wood floor. We also produce a range of engineered oak flooring options which have the appearance, sturdiness and longevity of a solid oak floor, but also boast additional stability and practicality. To find out more, please get in touch with our team.

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Carpet vs Wood Floors – Infographic!

Choosing the right floor for your home or commercial property can be difficult – there is a surprising number of factors that need to be taken into account, from how it looks in combination with the other features of your property, to how it functions under the footfall that your property experiences. We’ve created this handy infographic to help you decide whether carpet or wooden flooring is best for you.

Please click/tap to see a larger version!

Wooden floors have excellent durability – this is a key feature of wooden flooring. The strength and resilience of wooden floors means that you won’t have to worry about replacing it for a long time.

Wooden floors are timeless – wooden floors will never go out of style. The trends for carpets and their patterns, however, can become outdated as interior design trends change.

Wooden floors are good for allergy sufferers – there is no space for dust mites and other allergens to be stored in wooden floors, whereas they can be harboured in the carpet’s fibres, which can be irritating to people with certain allergies.

Wooden floors add value – while they may be more expensive, wooden floors can increase the value of your home.

Easy to maintain – with most wooden floors, spillages and mess is very easy to clean up, as the wood does not absorb anything. A simple combination of cleaning spray and a cloth can remove most mess.

Refinishing – in the unlikely event that your wooden floor is damaged, it can be refinished to restore it to its former glory – a process that can be repeated over the lifespan of the floor.

Versatile – it can be used in all rooms in a property, from living rooms to bathrooms.

At UK Wood Floors, we are proud to provide the highest quality wooden floors for domestic and commercial customers alike. If you would like to know more about what we do, please feel free to get in touch with us today.

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Case Study: Industrial Parquet flooring at the Hoxton Hotel

At UK Wood Floors we have over 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and installing high-quality floors for a variety of industries, including the hotel and leisure sector. One example is London’s Hoxton Hotel, situated in the heart of Shoreditch, one of the trendiest places in the country. Combining innovative, forward-thinking designs throughout their 210 rooms, the hotel is perfect for guests of all ages and interests, particularly those who want to stay in and around the Shoreditch metropolis.

As well as the eclectic rooms, guests are greeted by the beautiful reception area when they walk through the doors of the hotel. For those who fancy a bite to eat or a nightcap after a long day, the bar and restaurant area is an ideal place to relax and unwind in impeccable surroundings. Part of those surroundings is the delightful Industrial Parquet flooring, created and installed by UK Wood Floors.

Industrial Parquet flooring is a style which is unique to our company, and it was its elegance that convinced architects Bell Slater to incorporate it into the interior of their latest development. Constructed from upright, rowed mosaic parquet pieces, the floor is laid quickly thanks to a synthetic resin glue, poured directly onto the sub-floor. The flooring is available in various species of wood, including oak, walnut, hard maple, beech, birch and black cherry, meaning it can be used in harmony with a range of interior designs.

The floor itself is very hard-wearing, which makes it perfect to withstand the heavy footfall that the Hoxton Hotel experiences on a daily (and nightly) basis. The resilience of the wood means that even under constant footfall, it will be several years until it will need to be significantly refurbished – team this with the relatively low price, and it’s easy to see why Bell Slater opted for Industrial Parquet flooring.

The process of laying the floor takes the following shape:

Step 1: The sub-floor is prepared. Doing this correctly is essential if the floor is to be laid perfectly, and as such the sub-floor must be dry, clean and unbroken.

Step 2: The crown line is set, and the resin glue is applied to the sub-floor. The parquet flooring is then laid directly onto the adhesive, working outwards to the skirting. It is ensured that the pieces interlock correctly, using one additional finger of parquet flooring every one metre to ensure full compaction.

Step 3: The floor is sanded using 40 grit abrasive, then re-sanded in stages using 60, 80 and 100 grit abrasive respectively. 80-100 grain wood standing dust is then mixed with a jointing compound to be used as a paste, applied by spatula. This paste covers the entire area, filling all joints, and the process is then repeated after 45 minutes. After an hour, the floor is then re-sanded to remove the jointing compound.

Step 4: Using 150 grit sandpaper, the surface is sanded and then checks are made to ensure it is clean and dry, and all filler has been removed. A coat of primer is then applied, using a brush or a roller.

Step 5: The floor is then lacquered or varnished, but only after the primer is completely dry. After the finish has dried, it is then sanded with 150 grit paper, and then resealed with a further two coats of lacquer or varnish.

The finished product is flooring that perfectly compliments the design of the property, offering a beautiful surface that is able to endure and withstand busy environments for years on end.

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