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.
-
When to plant hollyhock seeds – you have two windows a year to choose from
Temperature is key to ensure beautiful blooms
By Holly Reaney
-
Sleep experts reveal 5 bedroom styling tips to encourage good sleep hygiene – improving yours is easier than you think
You’ll never wake up on the wrong side of bed again
By Maddie Balcombe
-
'We wanted a low-maintenance, Zen-style garden to relax in'
Tactile foliage, statement flowers and a dynamic new layout have transformed an unused plot
By Annabelle Grundy
-
‘This is how we saved £25,000 on our extension — it never would have been affordable otherwise'
See how we turned an ugly car port into a luxury media room on a budget
By Laura Crombie
-
Side return extension costs — how much will it cost you to add space and will it be worth it?
Trying to budget for your side return extension costs? Our guide makes it easy
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
How to make the most of living on-site during a renovation project — according to those who have done it
This is what it's like to live on-site during a renovation project, and how you can make the most of it, by those who have been there, done it and lived to tell the tale
By Sarah Handley
-
Single storey extensions — the ultimate guide to adding more space to your home
Considering a single storey extension as a way to add space and value to your home? Our expert guide takes you through everything you need to know, from permissions and budgeting to foundations and the realities of living on-site
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
Are you making this open-plan living mistake? George Clarke reveals the common mistakes people make when renovating their homes
'You've got to make sure you get the balance of the space right.'
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Do you need planning permission for a loft conversion? Not always say the experts
When do you need planning permission for a loft conversion and when might you be able to go ahead without making an application? Our guide explains all
By Natasha Brinsmead
-
23 Christmas wreath ideas to add a festive flourish to doors, tables or mantels
This is how to adorn your home and front door in style this festive season
By Nicky Phillips
-
What’s the best white paint? Experts reveal the ideal shade for every room
From small spaces to north-facing room, there’s a white paint for every area of your home
By Holly Walsh