Wood continues to be one of the preferred materials for homeowners hoping to make flooring a feature of their property, as it offers a look and feel that cannot truly be replicated. And while there are a range of options that can be used to achieve different effects, oak flooring could well be the most impressive.
The hardwood can complement a range of rooms and is suitable for installation almost anywhere in a home. Those who are attracted by the material may wish to consider Solid Rustic Oak Flooring from Florence, which comes with a lacquer finish.
Available with a width of 83mm and 18mm thickness, each plank includes bevelled edges on all four sides. This gives the flooring greater definition, with more depth and dimension being added to each individual piece.
The rustic grade, meanwhile, results in an exciting floor full of character and colour, as various knots and heavy grain markings are visible. The floor is also easy to clean thanks to the factory-applied, durable satin lacquer.
UK Flooring Direct supplies Florence Solid Rustic Oak Flooring at a price of £17.87 per square metre, although discounts are on offer to those ordering more than 30 square metres and free samples are available on request.
Managing director of the firm Jason Ashby says: "Our Florence Solid Rustic Oak 83mm Lacquered offers exceptional value for money with the peace of mind and the quality that people have come to expect from the Florence range. For the price of a mid-ranged laminate floor you can now install a real hardwood oak floor with all the beauty and benefits that only real wood can produce."
One of the key things to bear in mind when installing solid wood flooring is that it will react to moisture, with high humidity in summer meaning this is absorbed and central heating in winter causing it to leave the wood. In order to ensure there are no problems further down the line, effective installation is crucial.
There are three different options for this type of flooring - nailed down being the traditional method. If the subfloor is wooden this can be done directly, while battens will be needed for concrete. However, a degree of knowledge and skill is required for this to be effective, so DIY-ers may prefer the option of gluing down the flooring.
If a concrete subfloor is in place, this must be completely smooth and level, with all existing adhesives, paint and oil removed. It must also be dry so that excess moisture is not absorbed. If these steps are taken glue-down installation can be particularly effective, although it is worth remembering that it will take time before the floor can be walked on - as the adhesive must be fully dried.
Those who opt for Florence Solid Rustic Oak Flooring will find that it can be used in rooms all over the house, including the kitchen, lounge and dining room, as well as bedrooms. Maintenance is straightforward, as water and a damp cloth are enough to remove most stains. As the floor is lacquered, using WOCA Lacquer Soap actually makes it easier to clean over time, with an invisible film gradually building up to provide protection and make the floor more resistant to dirt. UK Flooring Direct supplies a maintenance kit to help achieve this aim, as well as the necessary adhesives, accessories and underlay to complete the perfect oak flooring installation.
