Solid Hardwood Flooring: The Options, Benefits, Finishes & Maintenance
Solid hardwood flooring offers an unrivalled combination of natural beauty, longevity, sustainability and timeless appeal.
The most popular hardwood option is European Oak, but bespoke solid flooring can be produced from any suitable kiln-dried hardwood stock, with English Ash being an excellent option. Read on to discover more about solid wood flooring and whether it’s the right choice for you…
Solid European Oak 3 width flooring
Types of hardwood flooring: the options
Solid wood floorboards - consist of a single piece of wood, which is typically 18-20mm thick, with different length and width options.
Parquet flooring - typically made of solid wood blocks arranged in a specific geometric pattern – such as herringbone or basket weave.
Versailles oak panels - generally 1m x 1m but bespoke size options may be available. The perimeter of the room will have scribed in strip flooring to enable full panels to fit.
Where to use solid wood flooring
Because solid wood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, it isn't generally suitable for bathrooms or kitchens. Although, with very specialist seals and knowledge solid floors can be laid even in these two areas! Use in halls, living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. It may not be possible to use with underfloor heating, we recommend you discuss this with your fitter before making a purchase.
Benefits of solid hardwood flooring
Natural & Beautiful - Wood is a natural material and the boards/blocks will vary a little in colour, resulting in every floor looking uniquely beautiful.
Timeless – Solid wood flooring has a classic look and warm feel.
Value for money - Can increase your home's resale value. Solid wood floors can also be sanded back to restore the finish if they’re damaged and can be easily repaired.
Durability - Although it tends to be more expensive than other options, solid hardwood flooring is extremely durable. Parquet flooring can last for well over 50 years with the right maintenance!
Sustainable – Oak and ash (two or the most popular hardwood options) are sourced from the UK and Europe. Choose a supplier (like WL West Timber) who is a signatory to the Timber Development UK ‘Responsible Purchasing Policy’ and/or who can supply certified timber if required.
Versatility – Solid wood flooring can be stained and board edges can be tumbled (slightly distressed), which is ideal for period properties. Tumbled edges can only be done with solid wood flooring. They can also have micro bevels (which create shadow lines) or non-micro bevels. Micro bevels enable the floor to expand and contract over the seasons without it being noticeable (trompe l’oeil) - perfect for wider floors in larger properties or commercial/public settings.
Wider range of board width/length – The boards can be longer and wider than composite, laminate etc., which are usually in standard shorter/narrower lengths. With bespoke solid wood floors, customers can have choice of widths in the floor (3 width flooring), which is not the case in an engineered or laminate floor.
Second Fix – At WL West Timber, all the second fix items (such as skirting and architrave) can be made from same source material to match the solid floor.
Solid Oak Flooring at the Natural History Museum. Read more about the WL West Timber case study here.
Hardwood Flooring Finishes
There are four basic flooring finish mediums. Hand finishing a floor is necessary to raise the grain to absorb the finish - some people put slightly damp towel across floor to raise the grain.
1. Water-based polyurethanes
These revolutionised the industry way back in the mid 80s. The water-based polyurethanes are remarkable because they have a low VC (volatile chemicals) and usually incorporate a UV inhibitor, meaning floors keep their natural colour and character for longer.
They are easy to apply (generally three-coat application), fast drying and extremely hard.
2. Hard wax oils
Hard wax oils have become more popular in recent years, particularly in the matt finishes, as they allow the grain and natural characteristics of the floor to really show through.
Usually involves a two-coat application, compared to a three-coat application of water-based polyurethanes, but it’s much slower drying and it requires warmer temperature and airflow in order to cure.
3. Button polish and wax
Probably one of the oldest forms of sealing a floor! This is where polyurethane is diluted with white spirits and applied to the floor, where it’s instantly absorbed. This seals the grain and the wax can then be applied and buffed. The buffing increases the temperature and melts the wax so that the floor has a unique surface. It’s not very durable and will scratch easily, but the finish can be amazing, and it is a gap filler too. Although it often needs stripping back and refinishing, it’s ideal for older properties in order to retain a certain character.
4. Oleoresins
This is an inexpensive method of sealing a floor, but it can peel and it isn’t very hard from a Taber test point of view. Applied with a soft brush, it takes a long time to harden and is usually used for school or village/community halls.
Beautiful oak parquet flooring. Enquire now to start your parquet flooring project.
How to maintain solid wood flooring
Maintaining a solid wood floor is simple! It just requires regular sweeping and the occasional use of a damp cloth across the floor to keep it looking pristine. Additionally, we recommend you use protective pads under furniture to avoid scratches.
Solid Hardwood Flooring from WL West Timber
At WL West, all wood flooring is manufactured, calibrated, wrapped and packed at our sawmill and workshop. We can also supply a full range of second fix products, including: skirting, architrave, scotia and thresholds, together with all undercarriage requirements and selected finishes.
We stock oak and ash, and boards can be butt jointed, half-lapped or tongue and grooved. In addition, our flooring elements range includes oak block and parquet and Versailles panels.
If you’re considering solid hardwood flooring, contact our expert Sales Team for advice or a flooring quote.