If you are looking to install wood flooring, it is important to first know the different types of flooring available. Here we will be exploring four different types of flooring to help you comprehensively understand the benefits and drawbacks of each before making a decision.
Parquet
What kind of style is it?
Parquet flooring is one of the most easily recognisable styles of flooring, known for its distinct geometric pattern. The flooring is formed of short wood blocks that are most commonly arranged in a herringbone or basket weave pattern.
Where does it originate from?
Parquet flooring is thought to have originated from 16th Century France with the word parquet deriving from the French word ‘parchet’ which translate to ‘a small enclosed space’. Large diagonal wooden squares referred to as ‘parquet de Versailles’ were introduced in 1684 to replace marble flooring which required constant maintenance and washing that was rotting the joists below the floor.
Where is it most common?
Domestically, parquet flooring is most commonly used in hallways, living rooms and bedrooms as it is noted for its warm feeling underfoot. Many schools are also noted for having parquet flooring, installed during the Victorian era when wood flooring was based on patterns found in Medieval cathedrals and churches. However, there is one room in particular where it is extremely rare to find parquet flooring and that is the bathroom. In general, hardwood flooring is well suited throughout a property but is better to be avoided in humid areas such as bathrooms.
The Pros and Cons of Parquet Flooring:
- You can create beautiful and intricate patterns with parquet flooring that are a timeless edition to any home.
- They are extremely durable and can handle high levels of footfall.
- If parquet flooring is being newly installed as opposed to restored, it can be expensive.
- Installation can go wrong very quickly if not carried out by a parquet floor specialist.
Engineered
What kind of style is it?
Engineered wood flooring is a great alternative to real wood as it combines three to four layers of wood that have been fixed together to create a new, thicker plank. It is finished with a solid wood top layer which can be sanded down and treated if damaged. This is a popular choice of flooring as unlike other wood flooring it does not need to be fixed down and instead slots together on top of underlay.
Where does it originate from?
Engineered Wood Flooring can be traced back to 1903 when an E. L. Roberts mail-order catalogue offered a flooring option named wood carpeting. This flooring consisted of wooden strips that were glued to heavy canvas that was then installed by tacking it down with brads. Once completed the flooring would be sanded and finished.
Where is it most common?
This flooring type is most commonly used with under floor heating as it is made up of multiple layers which means the planks will not expand and contract as much as other solid wood flooring. Kitchens, conservatories and other rooms of the house with large amounts of glazing (all fairly warm/humid rooms) also frequently use engineered wood flooring.
The Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring:
- As a result of its innovative engineering, this type of wood flooring is much more stable and less likely to be affected by changes in temperature or humidity.
- It is more cost effective than other wood flooring.
- It can be sanded down to its original state if damaged.
- It is a more costly option than laminate flooring.
- The tongue and groove planks can be difficult to install if not carried out by a wood flooring specialist.
Solid wood
What kind of style is it?
Solid Wood flooring as the name suggests is made from a solid piece of hardwood that is cut straight from a tree trunk and made into a plank. Solid wood flooring can be made from a range of species of wood such as Oak, Maple, Cherry and so much more in varying plank sizes and finishes. There is also the option to install unfinished solid wood which allows you to match a colour stain of your choice.
Where does it originate from?
Solid wood flooring dates back to 1600’s when it globally started to be manufactured and used as flooring instead of being used for structural purposes.
Where is it most common?
Solid wood flooring is great to use in high traffic areas of a property as it can be sanded down and refinished multiple times. Hallways and living areas are often seen to use this type of flooring as it is extremely hard wearing. However, rooms in which temperature and humidity can fluctuate such as bathrooms and rooms with excessive sunlight are best using a different type of wood flooring that is more adept at handling these conditions.
The Pros and Cons of Solid Wood Flooring:
- It has a very traditional texture and aesthetic that looks great in all spaces.
- It is an appealing feature if you are selling your home or looking to rent.
- Solid wood does not function well in humidity or extremely dry conditions.
- It can be difficult to install if not carried out by a solid wood flooring specialist.
- It can be a more expensive flooring choice.
Karndean
What kind of style is it?
Karndean flooring is a type of vinyl flooring that is manufactured from limestone polyvinyl chloride and pigments. It is comprised of five layers with two PVC backing layers, one high definition photographic layer and a single clear PVC embossed wear layer with a top polyurethane protective coating. It is a luxury vinyl flooring option that is available in an extensive range of colours, textures and finishes.
Where does it originate from?
Karndean flooring originated in 1973 with its focus on reaching consumers in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States. Karndean as a company and as flooring, has now grown into one of the most innovative and respected flooring solutions in the world for both residential and commercial needs.
Where is it most common?
This type of flooring can be used in any room of the home from the bedroom to living room. Plus, unlike other types of wood flooring, Karndean can be used in bathroom and rooms with fluctuating temperatures as it is not affected by moisture or heat.
The Pros and Cons of Karndean Flooring:
- It is a much more economical flooring options when compared to other wood flooring.
- It can be used in bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways and any other rooms of the home.
- It offers a wide range of colours, designs, textures and finishes to suit any property.
- It can be difficult to install if not carried out by a wood flooring specialist.
- It doesn’t have the same feel and look of natural wood flooring.
At Majestic Wood Flooring, our team have over 20 years’ experience and knowledge in installing wood flooring in both commercial and domestic properties. If you are interested in finding out more about the different styles of wood flooring, we have to offer then why not get in touch with our team? Don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01606 738171, for a Free No Obligation Quotation!