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As a homeowner, investing in a new wood floor is an important decision. Having opted for wood you know that you will be adding effortless style and sophistication to your home. The use of wood to add character and warmth is always going to be a popular design choice, but now there are alternatives to consider which might be more attractive than traditional solid wood flooring.
While solid wood floors take a lot of maintenance and are prone to warping, staining and movement, alternatives such as engineered oak flooring and wood-effect porcelain tiles offer the best of both worlds and are ideal for areas of high traffic. It’s important that when spending time and money installing your new hardwood flooring that you make a decision that is best for you and your home.
Things to consider for your solid wood flooring:
When choosing the best types of wood flooring for your home there are several factors to consider:
- Appearance
- Durability
- Cost
When considering these factors and comparing traditional solid wood flooring against wood alternatives such as engineered oak flooring and reclaimed wood full-effect porcelain tiles, it is clear why the alternative options are increasing in popularity so rapidly.
What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring
An Engineered oak wooden floor is one of the best wood flooring choices for a busy home. It is created by layering real solid oak over a plywood base. This creates far more stability than solid wood, meaning that the floor is less prone to movement and expansion caused by changes in temperature and moisture and hence can be used with underfloor heating. Engineered oak wood flooring is a perfect choice for use in areas of high traffic, thanks to its ease of maintenance and durability.
The stunning aesthetic effect created by the real wood top layer means that your floor will be the focus of your home, as opposed to a cheaper-looking material such as wood effect laminate flooring. An investment in wood flooring is an investment in the future value of your home. Visitors will be drawn to the warmth and elegance of your engineered oak wood flooring and potential buyers will be attracted by the beauty and life-span of the wood. If properly installed and effectively cared for, your engineered wood floor can last for an incredible 100 years! This really is a lifetime investment for you and your home.
Engineered flooring is incredibly versatile and adaptable. It is available in an array of finishes and tones. Its hard-wearing and durable qualities mean that it will look good for longer, despite heavy use and footfall. Brushed and oiled finishes are far more forgiving of dust, dirt and marks than a gloss finish. Engineered oak is also available in longer and wider boards, so you can achieve the look you desire in any room and unlike traditional wood, it is suitable for use with underfloor heating.
For busy families, and especially parents of young children, one of the most appealing aspects of engineered oak wood flooring is how easy it is to maintain and look after once it has been properly installed and finished. The stress of worrying about stains and spills is minimised as the wooden flooring is easy to clean with a quick wipe of a cloth or mop. This also makes it more economical than other types of natural flooring as it takes away the need for expensive cleaning products and treatments.
Finally, engineered oak wood flooring is more environmentally friendly than solid wood flooring. Because only the top layer is solid wood, it means that fewer natural resources are used in the production of your floor. By investing in an engineered oak wood flooring, you are also gaining green credentials by looking after the environment.
A wide range of wonderful styles, effects and colours are available. Whether you want a pale and airy effect, or a sumptuous, dramatic feel, the options of light, aged, whitewashed, contemporary, herringbone, dark and antique, make engineered oak the perfect choice for any style of property and décor.
Wood-Effect Porcelain Tiles
Another very popular alternative to solid wood flooring are wood-effect porcelain tiles, which are a type of porcelain tile mimicking the look of wood flooring. As with engineered oak wood flooring, this alternative offers many advantages over traditional solid wood flooring.
Wood-effect porcelain tiles are durable and low maintenance. They are resistant to scratches stains, and wear and tear, making them a popular choice for busy family homes. They are ideal for areas of high traffic and it is easy to keep them looking in fantastic condition. Requiring no maintenance other than simply washing, wood effect porcelain tiles are great for homes that have a sense of style while still having a need for a hard-wearing, low-maintenance floor.
Wood-effect porcelain floor tiles offer the perfect combination of style and practicality. One of their key benefits is that they can be used anywhere in the home, including outside. Because they are able to withstand moisture, porcelain floor tiles are the ideal solution for bathrooms and an excellent flooring choice. Wood-effect porcelain tiles are also great heat conductors, so work brilliantly with underfloor heating.
Wood-effect porcelain tiles are available in an array of colours and designs, from warm milk chocolate hues to pale walnut tones. You could select cool whitewashed tiles, or dark, dramatic herringbone designs. Whether traditional or contemporary the selection of wood-effect porcelain floor tiles embraces the beautiful markings, grains and knots of solid wood, creating a highly sophisticated and hardwearing wood look floor.
When looking at wood flooring options, it cannot be argued that both engineered oak flooring and wood-effect porcelain tiles are highly desirable and wonderful investments. They are both easy to install and available in a wide range to suit any budget, making them not only a stylish and practical alternative to natural timber, but a far more cost-effective one too.
If you are truly trying to recreate the stunning impact and warmth of a traditional solid wood floor, then engineered oak flooring is an excellent choice. Its use of a solid wood top layer makes it an authentic alternative. But porcelain tiles that look like wood are a great choice for places like bathrooms and outdoor areas.
Both engineered oak flooring and wood look porcelain tiles are quick and easy to install and available in a wide range to suit any budget, making them not only a stylish and practical alternative to natural timber, but a far more cost-effective one too.
For more advice on the best wood flooring and its installation, contact us at Beswickstone, or visit our large Cirencester showroom to view our stunning flooring collections.
