• by Monirul Islam

Expert Hardwood Flooring and Installation.

There’s something about a stunning wooden floor that captures the imagination. The beautiful colour, the real grain, the soothing sound of steps – says quality, comfort and everlasting style. In the UK’s whitewashed houses dripping with old world charm and contemporary trends in living, it remains a popular choice in wooden flooring and installation. But beyond the visual appeal, what is it that makes wood such a popular choice, and why is professional wood floor fitting a crucial factor in getting the best out of it?

This in-depth guide will introduce you to the world of hardwood floors, from explaining the various types and their advantages to teaching you how a professional should install them. We delve into why investing in quality hardwood flooring and installation is one that will pay off in beauty and time, and how our dedication to great wood floor fitting guarantees easy elegance for years to come.

The Unrivalled Appeal of Hardwood Flooring

Why has there ever been so much to say about hardwood for hundreds of years, when there are so many synthetic options? The key lies in a magical fusion of unmatched qualities that best serve aesthetic wants and practical necessities.

Classic Beauty That Will Last Forever, And Go With Everything

The simple beauty of wood is one good reason to prefer it. Each plank is different, providing a feel that is unattainable with manufactured materials. And from the country charm of oak to the upscale sophistication of walnut, there’s a hardwood species to suit every design style.

• A Variety of Colour Options: Hardwood features a range of colours that occur naturally: light, open shades that make small spaces feel more vast or dark, rich shades for a formal look. Stains can additionally deepen or change these hues, and the possibilities are endless.
• Distinct Wood Grain: The grain of each type of wood tells a story and adds visual interest and texture. Whether you like bold patterns from an open-grained wood or a subtler flow from a fine-grained species — we’ve got a look you can love.
• Versatile: hardwood withstands the test of fads. It easily complements a period dwelling giving genuine personality, or creates a bold contrast when introducing a modern style into any environment. It is a design that works well in classic, contemporary, minimalist or even eclectic decor.
• Warm And Inviting: There is something about wood that makes it feel warmer and more inviting than hard or cold surfaces. It dampens the acoustics and makes the environment inviting.

Durability and Longevity

Although considered to be an expensive feature of the home, hardwood floors are really an investment; they last almost forever. Done right, a perfect hardwood floor can remain beautiful over the generations.

• Resilient: Hardwoods hold up well to foot traffic and is very wear-resistant. While it may scratch and dent over time with heavy wear, it won’t be as much as other, softer floor coverings, which perish under the daily pummelling by foot traffic.
• Refinishable and Renewable: This is the single most practical reason you’d choose hardwood. Unlike laminate or engineered wood (which are also made of layers of wood with a rind or veneer of the real stuff), solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished over and over throughout its life. That means that should the surface of your floor get damaged, scratched, worn, or you want a change of colour, you can refresh or change the look of your floor, restoring its appearance to new, and end to its life it has none. This level of renewability makes for an extremely sustainable kind of toy.
• Adds Value To Your Home: Hardwood flooring adds resale value to any home. Potential buyers understand the durability and appeal of hardwood, and see it as an investment, rather than something that that they may eventually replace. This means that you are not just investing in hardwood flooring and fitting to make your living space more comfortable; it is also an investment into your property to make it more attractive to buyers. Hardwood Flooring and Installation

Allergy Free and Easy to Clean

Hardwood is great for those with allergies and for those who have concerns about the quality of their indoor air.

• Doesn’t Trap Allergens: Unlike carpet, which can trap dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens, solid hardwood flooring is smooth and doesn’t provide a home for them to accumulate. This prevents buildup of these common causes and healthier living environment.
• Easy Upkeep: Caring for hardwood floors is a breeze. A fast sweep, vacuum (with a hardwood-safe attachment) or damp mop will, more often than not, make them look as good as new. Wipes up spills easily, no stain or odour. This low-maintenance feature greatly adds to the joy of having hardwood flooring and installation. Hardwood Flooring and Installation

Eco-Friendly Alternative

Breaking Down the Different Types of Hardwood Floors

When setting out on the path to your hardwood installation, you should know that there are various types of hardwood to choose from, each with its own distinctive characteristics, suitability for different types of projects.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood planks, as the name indicates, are made from one single piece of solid wood. They tend to be available in 18-22mm thicknesses which is heavy duty stuff.

• Material: Pure solid Wood.
• Durability: Exceptional. Can be re-sanded many times over, making it a lifetime investment.
• Installation: Typically nailed down to a subfloor or joists, or, occasionally, glued. Requires steady, dry conditions.
• Applications: Perfect for living room, bedroom, dining room, hallway on ground and upper level. Not for use in basements or areas prone to extreme fluctuations in moisture.
• Acoustics: This is a dense material that offers good sound insulation.
• Initial investment: Most expensive initially, but best long-term value.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a savvy innovation that makes use of real wood as well as enhanced stability. It is a composite construction of two or more layers based on a top layer of timber (the “wear layer”) and then a series of other layers that are cross-laminated together.

• Construction: Solid wood veneer on face (front) and back of doors with solid slab edges (right and left).
• Life Span: Very stable and less likely to expand and contract than solid wood. The thickness of the wear layer dictates how many times the floor can be sanded and refinished.
• Installation: May be installed in multiple ways: floating, glued, or nailed down. It’s also stable so it’s a good option for fitting over underfloor heating.
• Application: more flexible than solid wood, making it suitable for use in basements, and conservatories and on underfloor heating because of its improved stability.
• Acoustics: Generally fine, particularly with good underlay.
• Investment: Depending on the product, less expensive than solid wood, providing the appearance of wood with more flexibility.

Parquet Flooring

Parquet Parquet is a geometric mosaic of wood parts used for decorative effect. It is most commonly identified with traditional patterns like herringbone and chevron but there are modern geometric parquets with similar visual effects. Parquet patterns can be formed of both solid and engineered wood.

• Construction: Pieces of wood that are smaller than your typical planks, cut and placed in a predetermined design.
• Life span: Hard to say without knowing whether it is solid or engineered parquet, but overall it is really durable and stands up to heavy use, even a wood floor fitting in Putney will not easily damage your parquet.
• Installation: Should be fitted very precisely because of the handle repeating patterns. And this is where professional wood floor fitting comes into its own.
• Applications: Ideal for luxury and custom room design.
• Aesthetic – Very ornamental and makes a bold visual statement.

The Critical Role of Professional Wood Floor Fitting

Although the appeal of a DIY project can be hypnotic, in the hardwood flooring and installation world, a professional touch is an advantage, and, often, a must. The durability, levelness and appearance of your new floor hinge depend on how well it’s installed. Our highly skilled wood floor fitters always meet and exceed expectations of our clients time and time again.

1. Detailed Subfloor Preparation

This is without doubt the most important part of any wood floor installation. For hardwood, a perfectly flat and dry, clean subfloor is a must.

• Leveling: Subfloor imperfections, no matter how small, can cause your planks to be uneven, and even lead to creaking and other issues with your floor over time. What’s the difference between screeding and levelling Screeding is the process of bringing uniformity in the level of the surface and is brought about by applying a thin layer of cement paste followed by a roller, while professionals use levelling compounds and, or techniques to achieve a totally flat surface.
• Moisture ground Test: Wood is hygroscopic, that is to say, wood absorbs and extracts moisture. Excessive moisture in the subfloor can cause the wood to cup, crown, or gap. Tradesmen test for residual moisture levels with either specialist moisture meters or thermal imaging cameras to ensure the subfloor is sufficiently dry to proceed and install damp-proof membrane or use the bare concrete to allow new flooring to be laid.
• Cleaning and Debris Removal: Dust, debris and old adhesive can prevent adhesion or cause lumps in the new floor. A deep clean is a must.

2. Acclimatisation of the Wood

Your hardwood also requires an acclimatization period in the room where it will be installed so it can adapt to the temperature and humidity of the space. This is known as acclimatization and is essential to avoid problems later on.

• Contract and Expand Prevention: If the wood is installed with too high humidity content they will contract in order to reach a moisture equilibrium to the room and vice versa in case of too low humidity content and could later lead to big gaps, buckling and cupping problems.
• -Professional Expertise: Our fitting teams know the acclimatisation needs of each type of wood and environment so your wood is not just set to be fitted.

3. Precise Cut And Layout Techniques

Hardwood Flooring Installation is a Fine Art Installing hardwood floors is a work of art that involves skill and an eye for perfection.

Precision Measurements: Good measurements are essential to reduce waste, and to achieve smooth transitions between rooms.

Exact Cuts: Every piece of wood must be precisely cut to knit tightly, especially around doorways, fireplaces and into corners.

End Joints: Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Installers, being mates, are extremely careful to leave the necessary expansion gaps around the edge of the room and against any fixed objects, allowing for this movement so that the floor does not buckle. This is often overlooked in DIY systems – and one of the major factors in a poorly insulated floor.

Pattern Consistency : Depending on the pattern you choose; straight planks, herringbone or chevron, ensuring all planks are straight and in line will need a good eye and a steady hand. Both of these techniques are perfected by our wood floor fitters.

Proper Fastening Techniques: The installation method used is determined by the type of Hardwood you are installing (Solid vs. Engineered) and the subflooring (nail down, glued down or floating). Professionals understand the right adhesives, the right nail size, and where to space them to guarantee a safe secure fit.

4. Fine Particulars and The Finishing Touches

It’s these little touches that turn a good installation into a great one.

Thresholds & Transitions: Transitioning between a room and a hallway between two types of flooring can be done using beautiful thresholds and other transition options.

Skirting Boards & Architraves: In many cases the existing skirting needs to be taken off and re-fitted or new skirting fitted. They look after all sides and fixtures for a clean finish.

No Mess: Your home remains clean and undamaged by measurements taken for professional installation.

5. Problem solving and trouble­shooting

No matter how well prepared you are, something will go wrong. A professional wooden flooring installation team will foresee and efficiently rectify any issues, from uneven subfloors to unanticipated pipework. They can pivot in real time and the whole project stays on course, as does what is generated at the end.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

When you choose us for your hardwood flooring and installation needs, you can expect a streamlined and professional process from start to finish.

First Meeting and Quote

• Understanding What You Want: We start off with an in-depth conversation about your dream, reality and budget. You’re in the best place to explore, compare, and even get a little help figuring out what the best species, finish, and flooring type is for you and your home.
• Site Survey: Our professionals come to your place to evaluate the current subfloor, take measurements of the spaces, address any concerns (e.g., moisture problems, unevenness), and talk the logistics.
• Itemised Quote: You’ll get a rock-solid, no-nonsense quote with no hidden costs – all disbursements will be clearly itemised so that you’ll be able to see how your money is being spent, covering materials, installation and any required subfloor preparation.

Planning and Preparation

• Materials Delivery & Acclimation: Once the materials have been ordered, we will deliver them to your home in preparation for acclimating, several days to a week before installation.
• Subfloor Preparation: We’ll carefully prepare your subfloor so that it is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. This could be damp testing, self-levelling or a dpm depending on the circumstances.
• Room Clearance: We will recommend clearing the room of furniture and making space for our installers.

The Wood Floor Fitting

• Underlay Fitting (if required): Underlay will be fitted for insulation, noise reduction, and a level surface to lay your flooring.
• The Installation: Our experienced carpenters will start to fit the wood floor, carefully laying out every board or block to suit your selected design and the method of fitting. Attention to detail is vital at this point; straight cuts, close but not overtight joints, and acceptable expansion gaps.
• Fitting: This is the final touches such as placing skirting boards, door thresholds and any other trim that is needed for a finished look. Hardwood Flooring and Installation

After Care And Advise After the fit Scroll Up Scroll Up Scroll Up CONTINUE TO WEAR THEM “ At Custom Fit Car Covers, your 100% Satisfaction is our ultimate goal!

• Initial Clean: We will start off with a clean up process, and your old floor will be good as new.
• Maintenance Care: You will receive detailed guidelines on how to maintain your new wood floor, including cleaning schedules, how to protect your home from excessive wear and long-term maintenance recommendations.
• Warranty: All of our hardwood flooring and installation work is guaranteed by our extensive warranty.

Beyond Installation: Caring for Your Hardwood Floor

Once your beautiful new hardwood floor is installed, a little ongoing care will ensure it retains its lustre for decades to come.

• Frequent Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum (with a soft brush attachment) often to clear grit that could scratch the finish.
• Damp Mop: Mop your floors using a slightly damp (not soaked) sponge mop and a pH neutral wood floor cleaner. Avoid extreme water, as it can harm the timber.
• Prevent Scratches: Place felt pads under legs of furniture and use area rugs in high-traffic zones or under office chairs with wheels.
• Regulate Humidity: Keep household humidity levels in check (40-60% is best) to reduce wood expansion and contraction.
• Clean Up Spills: Blot spills to avoid water damage or stains.
• Say No to Strong Cleaners: Refrain from using harsh cleaners, wax-based substances, and steam mops as they may cause the finish to look dull or get ruined.
• Refinishing: Your solid hardwood floor will likely be due for refinishing every ten to 20 years, depending on traffic and wear. This process is performed by sanding off the existing finish and applying a new one to restore lustre. Hardwood Flooring and Installation

Why Choose Us for Your Hardwood Flooring and Installation?

In the UK, where quality and craftsmanship are highly valued, choosing the right partner for your hardwood flooring and installation is crucial. We pride ourselves on delivering not just floors, but enduring foundations for beautiful homes.

• Professionalism and Experience: Our work oriented teams are all made up of very talented, experienced wooden floor fitting specialists, who strive to provide their best. They’re very knowledgeable about wood, installation, wood species, and the intricacies of working with wood.
• Quality: We use only the best hardwoods from the most reliable suppliers, so we know our timber is of the finest quality and is sustainably and responsibly sourced.
• Attention to Detail We take the time to listen to you and meticulously manage every aspect from your initial visit until the clean-up is complete to make sure that you enjoy the process and love the end result.
• Custom Home Solutions: We know that no two homes are alike. Cherished Pieces provide individual advice and tailor-made solutions to suit you, your tastes and your budget.
• Customer Aim: Our target is to make you a happy customer. We encourage communication, honesty, and strive to provide results that surpass your expectations. We attribute our good name by word of mouth to our satisfactory hardwood flooring and installation.
• Full Care Provided: from material fkqyf selection to installation and post-control foorcare guidance, flooring one-stop service. This integrated model of handling the entire process for you enables a convenient and stress free process.

Conclusion: Your Home, Elevated with Hardwood

Investing in hardwood floors and installation is about more than just a home improvement — it’s an investment in the beauty, value, and comfort of your home. Hardwoods are a classic, durable flooring option that many homeowners love for two reasons: they evoke a sense of quality, and they simply never go out of style.

Yet, wood’s full potential can only be unlocked by professional wood floor laying. Even the best of wood will be a disappointment if it is not installed by a professional. Our commitment to quality, detail, and customer satisfaction guarantees that your new flooring investment is as beautiful 50 years from now as it is the day it’s installed.

Is your home and furniture in need of some TLC? Give us a call today for scheduling a consultation to see how our skills and craftsmanship can shine in addressing your hardwood flooring and installation needs! We can help you build your timeless beauty home our way!