Hardwood Flooring: Buying Guide

Everything You Need To Know About Hardwood Flooring: Buying Guide

Choosing the right flooring is a really important process when it comes to changing a room's interior design. Hardwood flooring has a timeless appeal, is highly durable, and is often the desired flooring option for many homeowners. CW Jones Carpet & Flooring hardwood flooring offers a versatile choice that enhances the aesthetic value and appeal of any space while providing a robust surface that is capable of withstanding high-traffic areas. Our hardwood flooring guide explores the benefits of hardwood flooring and the different types available to help you make an informed decision.


Types of Hardwood Flooring


When it comes to selecting the perfect type of hardwood flooring for your home, it is really important to understand the differences between the different options available. Each floor type comes with its own set of advantages that would suit your interior design and functional needs.


Solid Hardwood


Solid wood flooring is the ideal choice for those who want the classic, timeless beauty of wood. Comprised of solid wood cut from a single piece of timber, this type of flooring offers authenticity and adds a luxurious feel to any living space.


- Material Description: Solid hardwood planks are typically three-quarters of an inch thick, providing a strong and durable surface. The entire piece of wood showcases the natural grain and pattern, offering a rich and organic aesthetic.


- Refinishing Capability: One of the most significant advantages of solid hardwood is its ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. This means that despite everyday wear and tear, your flooring can look as good as new every few years, extending its lifespan significantly. Solid wood will cost more than other flooring options but will last longer if cared for and refinished every few years


- Variety and Customisation: Available in many wood species, from oak and maple to cherry and walnut, solid hardwood allows for extensive customisation when it comes to stain colours and finishes.


Solid hardwood is not without its limitations. It can be susceptible to moisture and humidity, which may cause the wood to expand and contract over time. Because of this, it is best suited for areas in the home that remain dry and moisture-free.


Engineered Hardwood


Engineered hardwood flooring combines the beauty of natural wood with enhanced structural stability. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered planks consist of multiple layers, with a top layer of genuine hardwood and a core constructed from high-density fibreboard (HDF) or plywood.


- Structural Advantages: The layered construction offers increased resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making engineered hardwood a versatile option for different conditions and rooms, including kitchens.


- Visual Appeal and Variety: Despite its engineered nature, it mimics the appearance of solid hardwood with an impressive range of finishes and wood types, aligning it with many different interior design styles.


- Eco-Friendly Option: Engineered hardwood utilises fewer trees as its core is made from non-hardwood materials. This makes it a more environmentally conscious option in the realm of wood flooring.



However, be aware that engineered hardwood flooring can often only be refinished once or twice due to its thinner real wood top layer. The top layer of engineered wood flooring comes in different thicknesses, so it's important to consider your long-term needs when choosing your flooring.

Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is known for its beauty and durability, but like anything, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these will help you make an informed decision for your new flooring investment.


The CW Jones team is always on hand to help you understand the flooring best suited to your needs and budget. You can see our wide range of flooring options in our supersize showroom in Bedminster in Bristol, or you can get in touch with one of our flooring experts at 0117 966 1454.


Durability and Longevity


Wood flooring is renowned for its resilience, capable of withstanding generations of use when it is properly maintained.


- Lifespan: Hardwood floors can last for decades if they are properly looked after. Its longevity can make the initial investment in hardwood flooring more economically advantageous over time.


- Resistance to Wear: Hardwood is naturally resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas within the home. Minor scratches and imperfections can often be repaired through refinishing, restoring the surface to its original condition, unlike some other hard flooring options.


However, it’s important to remember that wood flooring is softer than tiles or laminate and may dent or scratch under heavy furniture or sharp objects. Protective measures like felt pads on furniture legs are advisable to maintain its perfect condition.


Aesthetic Appeal


One of the most compelling reasons homeowners choose hardwood flooring is its undeniable classic look and feel.


- Timeless Elegance: Hardwood floors offer a classic and sophisticated appearance that complements both traditional and contemporary interior designs. The natural grains and hues will bring warmth and character to any room.


- Versatility: The wide variety of styles, colours, and finishes available in hardwood flooring provides lots of choice for customisation to match your taste and décor, making it a popular decision for homeowners.


- Increased Home Value: Installing hardwood floors can often enhance the value of your property. Prospective buyers often appreciate the quality and aesthetic qualities of real wood flooring, seeing it as a premium feature.


The aesthetic appeal of hardwood depends heavily on the environment, and you should always be aware that excessive moisture can lead to warping and damage over time, so always take this into consideration when choosing your flooring.


Maintenance of Hardwood Flooring


While hardwood is generally easy to care for, it requires consistent maintenance to retain its beauty over the years.


- Cleaning Routine: Regular sweeping or vacuuming will prevent dust and grit from scratching the surface of the real wood. It’s also recommended to use hardwood-specific cleaning products to avoid buildup and maintain the finish.


- Preventive Measures: Installing doormats at entrances can reduce the amount of dirt brought onto the floors, and maintaining a consistent indoor climate can prevent warping and expansion. Keeping pet claws trimmed is also advisable.


- Seasonal Maintenance: Wood flooring can react to the changing seasons, expanding during humid months and contracting in the dry winter so you should always consider the room you are laying it in.


In summary, while the upkeep of hardwood floors does require effort, the investment is balanced compared to the longstanding value and beauty it provides. By understanding the pros and cons, you can determine whether hardwood flooring meets the needs of your home and lifestyle.



Contact the CW Jones Carpet and Flooring expert team today at 0117 966 1454, and we will help you understand if hardwood flooring is the right choice for you.

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