Oak floors are a wonderful addition to any home, they ooze elegance and class. They are also certain to uphold their appeal, where other decor trends may come and go, the effect that oak flooring has on a room will always remain.
There are many reasons why oak flooring is such a popular choice for homeowners across the world, not only is it a stunning material, its functionality is second to none. So whether you’re looking for something to withstand heavy footfall in a busy environment, or maybe even a middle ground that will work alongside other factors such as underfloor heating etc.
As mentioned above, one of the most important attributes a floor can have us the ability to stand the test of time. As materials go, oak is a pretty solid one, in fact it’s actually one of the strongest and most durable floor timbers that you can get your hands on. With an expected lifespan of over 25 years, not only is solid oak flooring able to stand the test of time, it’s also highly resistant to any rot or decay as well as insects and pests too. So instead of thinking of oak flooring as an expensive purchase, consider it as being a positive investment for your property.
Another important factor to think about when it comes to your floor is the style that you’d like. The three most likely candidates that you’ll come across are solid, engineered and laminate. All three styles bring something different to the table, while laminate is capable of replicating oak it does not offer the same durability and authenticity as solid or engineered. That being said, laminate is a perfect alternative for family homes as it is much more resistant to moisture, scratches and dents. However, solid and engineered oak floors do have the upper hand when it comes to refinishing. This means that in the event of any damage or general wear and tear, you will be able to sand the floor or affected area and refinish it with a product of your choice. As a result, not only will you have a perfect floor again, you will also keep it looking as fresh as the day it was first installed.
If you’re concerned about choosing a material like oak because you consider it as ‘bad for the environment’, don’t be! Naturally, the only renewable flooring choice is wood, so while it’s it’s understandable to worry about forests being destroyed, there are preventative measures in place. Retailers are now working closer than ever with manufacturers and loggers to prevent deforestation, which basically means that for every tree felled, another is planted in its place. If you wish to only purchase oak flooring that meets these guidelines, we would advise looking for the FSC badge when choosing the retailer of whom you wish to buy the floor from.
Not only is oak flooring good for the environment, it’s good for you and your home too. Unlike carpet, oak floors don’t harbour dust or dirt. They are easy to clean and maintain, mostly thanks to their stain-resistant finish, meaning that a regular sweep or light vacuum should keep them looking pristine and prevent any dirt or debris that has been dragged through the house from damaging the floor.
Last but certainly not least, we spoke about oak floors being more of an investment than a purchase, they can actually help your home stand out if you consider moving. They can also add value to your property over time, as a lot of potential homeowners look for something that is long-lasting, as well as timeless.
So there you have it, just a few reasons why we think that oak floors are the perfect addition to any home!