Solid wood flooring - how to buy

What is it?
Solid floors are generally made from tough hardwoods, such as oak, walnut, cherry, ash and maple. Softwoods, like pine or spruce, are less popular as they dent easily.

Pros
Durable, renewable and recyclable, solid wood gives an elegant look and a high-end feel. It can also be sanded to remove scratches and scuffs when necessary.

Cons
Expands and contracts more than other materials, so is not suitable for damp areas or for use with underfloor heating.

What’s new?
‘Texture is important,’ says Eelke Bles at Solid Floor. ‘We’re seeing lots of worn or reclaimed looks – saw-marked, hand-carved and scraped effects.’

Cost
From £23.50 per sq m at Greenwood.

Head to
Broadleaf, Dineson, Junkers, Parador, Solid Floor, Ebony and Co., Greenwood.