Wood flooring: top advice and style tips

Choose wood because...
Whether it's solid, engineered or a good-quality laminate, wood or wood-effect flooring brings a feeling of warmth into a room. A solid wood floor, if cared for properly, will last for years and adds value to your home. The finish can be refreshed by sanding and re-oiling or waxing when it wears thin. Even an engineered wood floor can be resanded and will last for years. Wood flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It's an ideal choice if you're an allergy sufferer as it deters dust mites. Like carpet, if fitted properly, it's a good thermal insulator, too.

Which type?
From honey-coloured oak to rich dark walnut, there are many types of wood to choose from. Traditional or period homes suit darker shades of wood, such as oak, whereas paler maples and ash look great in contemporary rooms. Try to avoid dark boards in small spaces; instead, make the most of the space by picking a pale timber or boards with a washed finish. There are a range of finishes to choose from: look for oiled oak if you want to create an informal look, or go for a high gloss finish if you're after a smarter feel.

New trend
Oak is still the most popular look, from pale, lime-washed effects to rich, warm red tones. Matt finishes are a contemporary choice, as are brushed or scraped effects that give the boards an aged and worn feel. The wider the boards are, the better; using bigger boards can make the space feel larger. 

Understanding the basics...
Jeremy Garrish, Head of Buying at Carpetright gives three vital insights to consider if you're buying wood or wood effect flooring...

* Solid wood is durable and scratches can be sanded out. It contains all the knots and grain for added character. However, wood is not suitable for areas with high moisture levels and it can't be laid straight onto a solid subfloor.

* Engineered wood consists of a piece of solid wood, usually between 2mm and 6mm thick, adhered to a base layer. It has all the benefits of solid wood, but it can also be fitted as a floating floor, which means it can tolerate temperature changes, and can be laid onto concrete.

* Laminate is affordable, but isn't real wood. A photograph of wood is layered on top of a fibreboard backing. It's extremely easy to maintain and is the best option if you're laying the floor yourself.