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Real wood flooring is a popular choice in various residential and commercial settings. If you are considering this type of floor for your next interior design project, we have summarized the most recent trends to affect your interior.

Solid vs. Engineered Real Wood

There are two types of real wood flooring and people often find the difference between the two confusing. One type is labeled ‘solid wood’ because it is made from whole wood, while a close alternative has been labeled ‘engineered wood’ because it contains wood but also artificial materials. In most settings either of the two will suit well.

Solid Wood Floor – Each floorboard is made from whole wood such as Oak, Walnut, Ash, Pine and about ten other common species of hardwood. The floorboard is extremely strong with an expected service life of over 100 years. It suits most interiors, unless humid or wet conditions prevail such as in the kitchen area.

Engineered Wood Floor – Each floorboard is made from an external layer of wood (therefore looking 100% identical to solid wood flooring), below which are three to four layers of manmade materials such as MDF, Plywood and even Softwood. The engineered alternative looks similar to the solid type, but service life is 50% shorter. On a more positive note, you can fit the engineered type in any area of the interior, whether wet (bathroom for example) or whether warm (over under floor heating for example) without damaging the floor.

Prime, Select, Natural or Rustic
Wood being a natural material features natural characteristics such as sapwood, knots, color variations and light to heavy grain markings. In certain interiors, these features might be welcomed and encouraged, while in other interiors your interior designer might recommend a more subtle texture. Therefore real wood flooring is available in four grade levels, each featuring different texture.

Rustic Grade – Also known as ‘barn’ grade, the wood displays plenty of color variations, varied size knots, heavy grain markings and figuring. In terms of your budget, rustic grade is the most affordable of the four.

Natural Grade – Also known as ‘character’ grade, the wood displays some color variation, infrequent knots though smaller in size, some mineral streaking and grain pattern.

Select Grade – The select grade wood displays smaller knots, less sap content and only random color variation. Grain is often straight thereby helping contribute to a uniform look.

 Prime Grade – Prime grade is the most expensive of the four due to its limited supply. The wood displays a uniform look, meaning that color variation is minimal together with limited knot and sap content.

Finish
Each floorboard whether of the solid wood or engineered wood type, whether rustic or prime grade and regardless of hardwood species must be covered in a layer of protection. This is typically achieved by coating the floorboard in a clear chemical made on the basis of oil, wax or lacquer.

Oil Finish – Oil will give the floorboard a muted matt look, which helps keep the natural look and feel of the floor. Very quickly from the moment of application the oil will ooze into the wood, meaning that it is incredibly hardwearing.

Lacquer Finish – Lacquer and certain types of wax will give the floorboard a slightly shiny look and smooth feel. Furthermore, the liquid won’t seep into the wood, which makes it quicker to wear. On a positive note, strong lacquer can help the floorboard fend off water should you decide to fit wood flooring in the kitchen or bathroom areas.

Thank you for reading. For further information and to discuss your interior design project, contact Artistry Interiors.

Latest real wood flooring trends written for Artistry Interiors blog by Jonathan Sapir, CEO at WoodandBeyond.com