Solid wood flooring - how to buy
Everything you need to know about wood flooring
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.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
-
How we test air purifiers at Ideal Home
We've put multiple air purifiers through Ideal Home's testing process to find the best-in-class. Here's how we do it.
By Amy Lockwood
-
Planting ideas for window boxes – 10 ways to make the most of this tiny outdoor space
From creating a herb garden to the best smelling blooms to plant, you'll be spoiled for choice
By Ellis Cochrane
-
How to aerate your lawn to let nutrients, water and air reach it better – resulting in a healthy, strong and green grass
The step-by-step guide to aerating a lawn approved by gardening experts
By Sara Hesikova
-
Graham & Brown announces ‘Reflections’ as wallpaper of the year 2017
Say hello to Reflections - wallpaper of the year 2017...
By Tamara Kelly
-
How to choose the right door
Use our guide to find the right statement-making door for you
By Ginevra Benedetti
-
Gas fires - our pick of the best
Looking for a new gas fire? From traditional brass with coal effect to a modern black design with logs, we’ve picked a selection of our favourite gas fires.
By Tamara Kelly
-
Pendant Lights - Our Pick of the Best
The pendant light has become a modern day icon, a statement lone light fitting suspended from the ceiling by a stylish flex, often interwoven around a metal chain.
By Tamara Kelly
-
Cluster lights – our pick of the best
Looking for cluster lights? From modern pendants to vintage-inspired designs, we've picked a selection of our favourite cluster lights.
By Jennifer Ebert
-
Vinyl flooring – our pick of the best
Looking for vinyl flooring? From country-style oak-effect flooring to geometric designs for your bathroom, we’ve picked our favourite vinyl flooring.
By Caroline Keenan
-
Light switches - our pick of the best
Looking for a stylish new light switch? Take a look at our selection of the best new designs available to buy online.
By Tamara Kelly
-
DIY Paints - Our Pick of the Best
Looking for DIY project paints? From the latest eggshells to specialist paints for woodwork and radiators, if you're planning a decorating projects, take a look at our selection of the best new products
By Caroline Keenan