The use of oak flooring lends charm and elegance to dull flooring in general. Very few floors can offer as much value in durability, beauty, and overall worth. Knowing what the choices and perks are, along with the requisite upkeep – this allows homeowners to make better decisions regarding this high-end flooring option.
What Makes Oak a Popular Option
The use of oak in British houses dates back centuries, and rightfully so. The exotic wood has grain patterns that vary and develop unique characters over time, something that any synthetic substitutes fail to accomplish. Each plank has its own story, enriched over time with unique knots and grain features.
Besides the looks, oak flooring is very functional because of its added strength. Even in the busiest households in the United Kingdom with oak floors, foot traffic is simply part of everyday life for decades. A testament to this material’s durability is showcased in the form of over hundred-year-old buildings that still feature original oak floors.
Varieties of Oak Flooring
Deciding on which form of oak flooring to use, whether solid or engineered ones, depends on many factors:
Solid Oak Flooring is made from single pieces of oak all throughout. These planks are 18-22mm thick and can be sanded and refinished several times. Solid oak is best suited to places with constant levels of humidity and temperature. This type of flooring usually costs between £45-100 per square meter depending on grade and finish.
With engineered oak flooring, real oak top layer is removed from high-quality plywood or softwood bonded base layers. This feature provides excellent stability, which allows these types of floors to be used on underfloor heating systems and on places with changing levels of moisture. This type of flooring usually costs between £35-80 per square meter.
Grades and Finishes
Oak flooring has a variety of different grades that affect its appearance. These include but are not limited to:
Prime Grade is clean and has a consistent colour but comes with a few knots.
Character Grade is more natural in appearance with more knots and variations in the grain.
Rustic Grade accepts the full character of oak with prominent knots, variation in colour and unrefined markings.
These affect the appearance of the floor and the effort that goes into maintenance:
Oiled finishes go deep into the timber, enhancing the grain and making it easier to repair damages. Maintenance entails the application of refresher oil every 12-18 months on average.
While being polished makes wood surfaces easier to maintain over time, repairs must be extensive if that layer is damaged.
Smoked and brushed treatments get deeper tones of colour by accentuating the grain patterns.
Some Factors to Keep in Mind During Installation
The highest quality of oak flooring is done professionally and is recommended. It is, however, the subfloor that truly has all the impact with regards to the oak flooring.
Concrete sub floors require moisture probing and may need a damp proof membrane while wooden subfloors need to be level along with being structurally secure.
Another important step is Acclimatisation. The wood should stay for at least 7 days in the room it will be installed before being subjected to the temperature and humidity of the environment allowing for complete adjustment.
The various techniques for installation include:
Free floating floors are installed above a certain surface without being anchored down.
When being subjected to underfloor heating, glue down steps can be used.
Secret nailing allows solid oak to be mounted onto joists and battens. It also allows for more orthodox methods.
Caring for Oak Flooring
With the correct form of care, oak flooring can last a lifetime. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps in scratch prevention from dirt and grit, while cleaning spills on time prevents stains and water damage.
You should only use steam cleaners that pH neutral, as others might damage your hardwood floors. Felt pads provide protection for the wooden floor against scratches, while entrance mats keep dirt from the outdoors isolated.
Oak flooring can be economically advantageous for anyone who is looking to save money. European oak is sourced from managed forests that have sustainable logging techniques. Oak flooring is less frequently replaced than synthetic alternatives, which saves resources over time.
A lot of manufacturers have begun using oak flooring that is sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) suppliers which guarantee sustainable claiming and building policies.
Getting oak flooring is not only getting an economical flooring solution but also adding a piece of beauty and enduring quality to a house.