When choosing solid oak flooring or finding the right finish for your home, there are many decisions to be made and a few questions you should ask yourself. By determining what kind of use the flooring will get, you can choose the best possible solid wood flooring for your environment. While we believe solid wood flooring and oak floorboards are a great investment, you need to make sure you are choosing the right kind for your home.

Here are some questions to ask yourself.

How much foot traffic does your space get?

If your space gets a lot of foot traffic, your floorboards will likely get worn down quite quickly and the risk of damage is increased. It can be hard to keep your floorboards looking great if they are scratched and worn. While laminate could be a more durable option, you should also consider using a scratch-resistant finish on top of your solid oak flooring to prevent damage.

Is your flooring going in the kitchen?

The kitchen can be a messy place, things often get spilled, dropped or smashed which can negatively impact your oak floorboards. Again, you can opt for scratch-resistant finishes or choose specific wood that can hide stains and discolouration and which textures are the most practical.

Do you have inside pets?

Having pets doesn’t mean you can’t have solid wood flooring, however, you should be aware that cats, dogs and even hamsters have claws that can leave scratches. Solid timber floors are more likely to scratch than engineered timber or laminate floorings.

Is your wooden flooring in direct sunlight?

Solid oak flooring can be impacted by direct sunlight causing it to bleach or fade. To avoid this, you could consider adding additional window coverings or light curtains to block some of the harsh UV rays that can cause your wood to fade faster.

What colours are your walls?

The size, the colour of your walls, the colour of your furniture and other factors in the room can affect which type of wood would be best used in your room. Research which tones are best for the size of your room and see which ones best complement the existing furniture.

How do you plan on cleaning your wooden flooring?

There are a few things to consider when cleaning your wooden flooring as you don’t want to cause any damage. It’s a good idea to consider how often you will need to clean your floors and make sure you do so in a way that will prolong the wood.

Is your flooring for a rental property or your own home?

If you are a landlord, it’s important to consider that tenants may not treat the home as if it is theirs with the same care and respect. This may mean you have to pay for more regular maintenance or resanding and restoration more often. However, solid oak flooring is a beautiful addition to a home and can massively increase the property value.

Get in touch with the oak flooring specialists, Just Wood Flooring to discuss your oak floorboard installation.