Modern laminate and reclaimed hardwood are all popular choices for homeowners. Laminate flooring
What is it?
Laminate flooring is made from compressed fibreboard planks and covered with a photograph of wood with a protective layer.
What is the cost of laminate flooring?
Prices start at PS3 per sq metre. However, be aware that the cheapest types are not smooth and don’t look very realistic.
While bevelled edges will provide a more natural appearance and texture, they will also cost more.
Laminate flooring: Where can you lay it?
Did you know? Cream oak is a style of flooring that’s “in” this year.
Living rooms, study, and playrooms are high-traffic areas that need to be cleaned frequently. Manufacturers claim that some products have a waterproof core which is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
You should ensure that the guarantee is valid if you plan to install laminate flooring in these rooms.
Laminate flooring pros
Hard wearing and cheap
Easy to install click-lock designs
There are many imitations of natural materials that you can choose from
Laminate flooring: The pros and cons
Laminates can look and feel different from real laminates.
Laminate is susceptible to swelling due to moisture and wear. It’s difficult to repair a damaged surface.
Laminate that isn’t properly laid can cause homebuyers to be put off
Engineered wood flooring
What is it?
Each engineered wood floorboard is made up of three to four layers of wood that are glued together to form a plank approximately 14mm thick. The top is made of real wood veneer, approximately 4mm thick. This allows it to be sanded back and restored to its original condition if it gets scuffed, worn, or damaged.
Sometimes, it’s available with a click-and-lock installation that doesn’t require adhesive. The tongue-and-groove version will need to be glued in place.
What is the cost of engineered wood flooring?
Prices start at PS19 per square metre and go up to PS166 for more expensive woods.
Where can I lay engineered wood flooring
Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. It is more resistant to warping that solid wood but it should be avoided where it will be exposed, like in bathrooms. Avoid it on stairs as they can be time-consuming and difficult to lay.
It can be difficult to get a perfect finish around corners.
The pros and cons of engineered wood flooring
Engineered wood flooring is more durable than solid wood flooring and can withstand changes in temperature or humidity better than solid wood.
Laminate flooring is more appealing than this.
Comparable solid-wood planks are cheaper
Con’s of engineered wood flooring
Tongue-and groove planks are more difficult to install than clicklock ones
Laminate can be more expensive than laminate
Flooring made from solid wood
What is it?
Each solid wood board is typically made from one piece of wood and measures 18-20mm in thickness. The tongue-and groove method is used to attach the boards. Wooden can have a hardness score. This indicates how easily they can become damaged, dented, or worn out by daily wear and tear.
You can sand solid wood flooring to restore its finish. The depth of the tongue from the top determines how many times this can be done.
What is the cost of solid wood flooring?
Prices can vary depending on how much raw wood is cost. Some tropical hardwoods are more expensive than others, with some priced at PS15 per square metre. Others may be priced at PS82 per square meter.
Where can I lay solid wood flooring
Anywhere there is a high humidity. It is especially important in living spaces and hallways where it is easy to show off.
Solid wood flooring has its pros
It has a classic appearance and feel
If you are selling or letting your home, appeal to potential buyers/tenants
Benefits of solid wood flooring
Solid wood flooring shrinks in dry conditions, and expands in humid conditions.
Because it must be glued or nailed down, it can be difficult to install. It can be challenging to fit the boards together because of their changing shape.
Solid wood flooring is more expensive than other options.
If you have solid wood floorboards, rugs can be a good choice if they are amplified.
Reclaimed wood flooring
What is it?
Reclaimed wood flooring refers to timber that was used in an older property but has been saved and can be reused.
You might find original floorboards underneath decades-old carpet in an older property if you are lucky. You can also source vintage planks.
What is the cost of reclaimed wood flooring?
Prices will vary depending on where you purchase them. They might be available for free or very cheaply on sites such as Gumtree or eBay. However, boards at salvage yards start at about PS25 per square metre. The condition of the boards, their age and width can all affect how much they cost.
Reclaimed wood flooring: Where can you lay it?
You can install reclaimed timber flooring anywhere. However, it is best to avoid bathrooms because moisture could cause the timber’s swelling and cracking. Reclaimed wood should not be used in bathrooms. Make sure to clean up any spillages quickly and ventilate the space.
Reclaimed wood flooring has its pros
One of the most eco-friendly flooring options is to reuse existing wood.
Vintage wood will increase overall value and is visually pleasing.
Reclaimed wood can also be white-washed, stained or painted in any color.
Very durable
Reclaimed wood flooring has its cons
New floorboards can often be four to five times more expensive than used ones.
Woodworm. Woodworm.
You should not buy it from a company that will deal with it.
If you have solid wood floorboards, rugs can be a good choice if they are amplified.
Parquet flooring
What is it?
Parquet flooring, which is easily recognisable, is made of short wooden strips or blocks arranged in a geometric pattern. It is usually herringbone weave or basket weave.
What is the cost of parquet flooring?
Prices for parquet start at PS25 per square metre, and can go up to hundreds.
Parquet flooring: Where can you lay it?
Parquet flooring can be used throughout a home, but it is best to avoid areas with high humidity like bathrooms.
Parquet flooring pros
You can use it to make interesting patterns
High traffic levels can be handled easily and are durable
Parquet flooring has its cons
Installation is expensive and difficult.
Can be affected by direct sunlight or moisture.
Bamboo flooring
What is it?
Bamboo is technically a grass and not a wood. It can be made into floorboards with a unique grain pattern that looks and feels very similar to natural hardwood.
Bamboo matures in half the time as hardwood trees. This makes it more sustainable to harvest.
How much does bamboo flooring cost?
Prices can vary but they start at about PS20 per square foot.
Where can you lay bamboo flooring?
Bamboo is a good choice for most rooms. Bamboo is more resistant to water than hardwood but not waterproof so avoid it in bathrooms.
Bamboo flooring pros
Bamboo is a renewable resource. Bamboo is fast growing and replenished every five years.
The strand-woven bamboo flooring is more durable than oak flooring and is therefore very long-lasting.
Bamboo is great for allergies because it repels pollen and dust mites.
Bamboo is water-resistant, so it’s less likely to get mould and mildew.
It is easy to clean
Bamboo flooring: The pros and cons
Some bamboos contain formaldehyde as an adhesive. This toxic substance can cause small amounts of volatile organic chemical (VOC) to be released over time.
Water resistance but not waterproof – excessive water can cause unsightly spots on the flooring and cause it to warp.
A carbonization process is used to make darker bamboo more resistant to damage.
Scratching is not a good idea
Wood-effect tiles
What are they?
Wood effect tiles combine the beauty and durability of tiles with the practicality of wood.
What is the cost of wood-effect tiles?
From as low as PS12 per square foot to as high at PS150 per sq metre
Where can you lay wood-effect tiles
Wood-effect tiles are waterproof, and more durable than laminate and hardwood floors. They’re great for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas such as hallways. You can match your indoor and outdoor tiles with some companies so you can extend your flooring onto patios or porches.
Wood-effect tiles: The pros
They are suitable for any room, including the bathroom. They will not rot or warp if they are wet.
Easy to maintain, wipe clean and stain resistant
There are many styles and colours to choose from
Cons of wood-effect tiles
Can it be cold without having underfloor heating?
Do not absorb sound. It can be too loud to walk on
Grout is required for tiles. This can trap dirt and other debris.
Cork flooring
What is it?
Cork is eco-friendly and sustainably made from the bark of cork oak trees. The bark naturally splits every 9-15 years and can be safely removed without causing damage to the trees. The cycle continues for many years.
Cork can be ground into sheets and bonded with resins to make flooring.
How much does cork flooring cost?
Prices for cork tiles vary but they start at about PS20 per square foot.
Cork flooring: Where can you lay it?
Cork’s soft surface can act as a cushion and make it a good choice for bedrooms or playrooms. Cork is warm and comfortable underfoot so don’t be scared to use it in your bedroom. Because it doesn’t absorb dust and mites, it’s an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
The invisible varnish protects the tiles from water damage and stains. If the seal is not perfect or the room floods, cork may warp and discolour. Cork can curl in high humidity areas, so avoid bathrooms.
Cork flooring pros
Cork is an excellent insulator. It absorbs sound and stays naturally warm throughout the year.
It doesn’t absorb dust and mites making it a good choice for people with allergies.
It is shock-absorbent, durable, and can withstand a lot of foot traffic
Cork is a natural, renewable, and easily biodegradable product that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Resistant to mildew and mould
The cons of cork flooring
Hardwood floors are more durable than laminate floors.
You must properly prepare the subfloor to avoid any problems later. It must be dry, clean, and level
Cork is susceptible to furniture damage because it’s soft.