Wooden flooring is a wonderful choice for all types of property, bringing the warmth and comfort of a natural material and the character of wood grain into your home. But whether you've been inspired by design ideas for wood flooring or have perhaps uncovered an unloved wooden floor that's in need of restoration, there are a few things worth considering before making a potentially expensive mistake. We have asked the experts to share their dos and don'ts of choosing, cleaning, restoring and maintaining wooden flooring to help you to realise its full potential.
Don't forgo durability for aesthetics
It's easy to get swept up in the aesthetics when you're making changes to your home, but it's important to remember that different types and species of wood have different characteristics, from tone and texture to levels of hardness, making them more or less suitable for different rooms. You might want to think about how the room in question is used before selecting your wood. For example, is it a lived-in family space that needs to withstand a lot of footfall, or a lesser-used room, where you can get away with a more aesthetic but less durable option?
If you're not sure where to start, Trevor Luker, Owner and Director of Element7 flooring, explains: ‘When selecting a species, oak remains the most versatile and durable option due to its hardness, timeless character and ability to complement both traditional and contemporary interiors. Walnut offers a richer, more luxurious appearance, while softer woods such as pine can provide charm and authenticity in period properties, but may show wear more quickly.’
Another, more contemporary choice is engineered wood. ‘This offers the ideal balance of beauty and practicality,’ adds Trevor. ‘It provides the appearance of a solid wood floor, but with greater dimensional stability, making it less susceptible to movement caused by changes in temperature and environment.’
Do consider wood tone and lighting
Choosing the right type of wood flooring is as much about the type and species of wood as how it looks in different lights. Natalie Mudd, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Knot & Grain, recommends trying before you buy. Placing samples in the room and looking at them at different times of day will give you a good idea of how they will appear in different lights, which can affect the colour considerably.
Natalie shares her insight into choosing the right wood tone for your space. ‘Light-coloured woods can help make smaller rooms or spaces with limited natural light feel brighter and more open. They work particularly well with modern, Scandi and coastal interiors,’ she says. ‘Natural wood tones are a timeless choice, bringing warmth and character while providing a versatile backdrop that works with a wide range of interior styles.’ Finally, for a little more impact, Natalie says: ‘If you want to make more of a statement, deeper, richer tones can create a dramatic, sophisticated feel. They work beautifully in larger, light-filled rooms, but can also make smaller spaces feel cosy and cocooning.’
Don't underestimate the impact of finish
'Finish matters just as much as species,' says Jon Ashbrook, Head of Product Development at Ted Todd. You may have carefully chosen your English oak or reclaimed pine flooring but the way you finish the raw wood will affect both it's longevity and overall look. Plus, different finishes require different levels of long-term maintenance.
If you're looking for the most natural finish, oil is usually the best option. ‘Oil finishes enhance the natural beauty and tactile qualities of the wood,’ explains Trevor. It's also reasonably low-maintenance compared to alternatives. Oiled floors typically need be re-oiled every three to five years, and can be repaired locally if damaged, so there's no need to re-sand the whole floor at the first sign of wear.
While oil soaks into the wood, ‘lacquer sits on top as a protective layer, which makes the floor more resistant to stains', explains Jon, meaning it can be a good choice for busy family homes. The downside of lacquer is that it's more difficult to spot repair, and Trevor recommends applying a simple refresh product every one to two years, so it may require more regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
When deciding what finish to go for, consider whether you want a more natural look that will show the grain and texture of the wood, which tends to work well in heritage properties, or a more smooth or highly polished effect for a more modern, sleek feel. Robert Rhodes, director at Robert Rhodes Architecture and Interiors, explains: ‘A smooth, matt finish feels very different from a textured, brushed or saw-marked surface, and details like these can make a floor feel contemporary, traditional, refined or more rustic.’
However, Tom Carpenter, Associate Director at Sims Hilditch, warns that this is one interior choice where it's advisable to forgo trends. 'Don't choose a finish purely because it is fashionable. A natural, understated finish is more likely to work over the long term.'
Do let scale and architecture lead your choice of format
You may have your heart set of a herringbone floor for your contemporary kitchen or wide floorboards for a small living room, but it's crucial to consider the scale and architectural style of your home before settling on a wooden flooring pattern. ‘Think about the proportions and layout of the room, the amount of natural light it gets, and the style of your interiors. Straight planks, herringbone, chevron and parquet patterns can all create very different effects,’ cautions Natalie.
Jon takes this further: ‘Format is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and it changes the whole character of a room. Straight plank is calm and versatile. It works well in contemporary, open plan spaces and tends to make a room feel more spacious, especially in wide or extra wide widths. Herringbone and chevron bring pattern, movement and a sense of craft. They suit period properties and feature rooms beautifully, but they also look wonderful in a modern space used as a statement.' You might even consider mixing formats in the same tonal family for a more ambitious effect, Jon suggests.
The scale of the pattern or wooden flooring format is also an important consideration, says Tom, as this can trick the eye into making a space feel larger or smaller. ‘A larger parquet pattern or wider boards can work well in a generous room, while a smaller pattern is often better suited to a more compact space. I would also consider the direction of the boards – running them along the length of a room can help to make the space feel longer and more cohesive.’
This lengthening effect can work particularly well in open-plan spaces where you want to maintain continuity, advises Natalie. However, in contrast, ‘for something more architectural, Versailles parquet makes a much stronger statement,’ she adds. ‘The scale and depth of the pattern bring a sense of grandeur and work particularly well in larger spaces or rooms where you want the floor itself to be a focal point.’ In this instance, the flooring can also become a design feature in its own right.
Your choice of pattern can also create different visual rhythms – with intricate parquet or herringbone bringing a more formal look to spaces such as entrance halls and entertaining spaces, points out Verity Woolf, Founder and Design Director of WOOLF Interior. And, she sums up what all the designers agree on when it comes to selecting your wooden flooring: ‘Scale and architecture should lead the decision – whether a floor is newly laid or 200 years old it should always feel natural to the building, and as though it belongs to the architecture.'
Do be wary of using wood flooring in a bathroom
You might be wondering whether laying wooden flooring in a bathroom is a good idea. It can look beautiful when first installed but it's worth giving some thought to how it will withstand long-term use in a humid environment, as well as unavoidable splashes.
‘This is a more nuanced answer than people expect,’ says Jon. ‘A well maintained bathroom with only occasional splashing, where water is wiped up promptly and the room is properly ventilated, can absolutely take a good quality wooden floor. Where it falls down is with continued wetness that comes with bath-time splashing, toys, and water left pooling on the floor. Wood is a natural material and it will absorb moisture over time, however good the finish, and repeated soaking leads to a much greater risk of swelling, cupping or warping.’ For this reason, it may not be the most practical choice for a busy family home.
That's not to say that you should rule it out entirely. Modern engineered wood is more resilient and could be one solution if you love the idea of wooden flooring in a bathroom. Natalie explains: ‘Engineered wood has changed the design landscape and can bring the warmth of real wood into a modern bathroom. The multi-layered construction gives it greater stability against changes in humidity and moisture and helps counteract the natural movement.’
This doesn't mean you should jump at the chance to put it in your new wet room, but in a well-ventilated bathroom or cloakroom, it's not out of the question. Another alternative, if you love the look of wood in a bathroom, is to mix it with different flooring materials. Verity explains: ‘We sometimes combine materials, allowing timber to run into a bathroom but introduce stone or tile or Microcement where water is most likely to fall.’ Proper sealing, the addition of bath mats and ensuring splashes are wiped away quickly can all help to protect a wooden bathroom floor.
Do regularly clean wooden flooring
Whilst the natural grain of wood can be more forgiving than alternatives when it comes to actually showing the dirt, keeping wooden flooring clean will prolong the life and maintain its quality. ‘Regular sweeping and gentle cleaning will prevent grit and dirt from building up, which can act as an abrasive underfoot and gradually damage the surface,’ says Robert. Felt pads under furniture legs and doormats are also a good solution for preventing scratches and external dirt and moisture getting on to your floor.
Wiping up spills before they dry on will also contribute to the longevity of your wooden floor. But before you reach for steam cleaner or mop, heed this advice. ‘Do not use steam mops,’ warns Jon. ‘The heat and moisture can damage both the finish and the wood itself.’
Similarly, getting the floor too wet with a mop can lead to warping and damage over time. ‘A well wrung, barely damp mop is enough,’ Jon reassures. And you should always look for a specialist or manufacturer-approved cleaning product for your flooring and finish. ‘Generic supermarket floor cleaners often contain solvents or bleach, which can strip the finish, cause discolouration and shorten the life of the floor. We recommend a dedicated wood floor care system matched to your finish,’ says Jon.
Don't ignore wear and tear
If you want to avoid an expensive overhaul of your wooden floor it's important to keep it well maintained and deal with scratches and wear as soon as they happen. ‘Addressing them early with the right maintenance is far easier, and cheaper, than a full refinish later on,’ offers Jon. ‘Doing this early, rather than waiting until the floor looks tired, is what makes a good wooden floor last for decades rather than years.’
However, many designers agree that a little wear and tear can add to the character of a wooden floor, particularly in period properties. ‘Timber floors generally need surprisingly little intervention, says Verity. ’I also wouldn't become too precious about small scratches and marks. A beautiful wooden floor should acquire a patina. In an old house especially, perfection can look rather unnatural.'
So it really comes down to the aesthetic you prefer. A few scratches and patina on old wooden floorboards can add to the lived-in character of a property, whilst if you have a newly laid or lacquered floor, regular maintenance will keep it looking good for longer and potentially avoid an expensive treatment sooner than you expect.
Do think twice before painting a wooden floor
Painting a wooden floor might seem like a relatively simple way to update your scheme, but it's worth knowing the pros and cons before taking a brush to your heritage floorboards. ‘Painting can be an effective way to update a floor or create a decorative statement, particularly in cottages, coastal homes or children’s rooms,' explains Trevor. ‘However, it permanently alters the appearance of the timber and can conceal much of the natural character that makes wood flooring so appealing.’
Sanding and re-finishing with a wood stain is one alternative to paint, which can give a wooden floor a new lease of life. ‘This keeps the natural grain and character of the wood visible, and it gives a far more durable, long-lasting result than a painted surface, which tends to chip and wear in high-traffic areas and needs regular touching up,’ says Jon.
'Painted floors work particularly well in country and period properties and can also be used to create simple borders or patterns,' adds Tom. ‘But consider the colour carefully – softer, muted shades tend to work well with the character of an older property.’ And, if your wooden flooring is already in poor decorative order, painting it can be a good way to breathe new life into it. ‘It’s a very good solution for existing floorboards that have plenty of character but perhaps aren't sufficiently consistent or attractive to leave completely exposed,' says Verity. 'A little wear is part of the charm. They shouldn't look like a perfectly manufactured surface. Off-whites, earthy colours and darker heritage shades can all work beautifully, depending on the architecture and light.'
If you are set on painting, make sure you prepare the timber properly beforehand, and use a durable paint, particularly in high-traffic areas, advises Tom. Meanwhile, Robert notes that ‘painting a timber floor is a significant decision, as opting to remove paint later can be a substantial job,’ so give the decision plenty of consideration before committing.
Don't rush when restoring an old wooden floor
Discovering an original wooden floor, whether you've just moved in to an old property or have removed a modern carpet to reveal one underneath, can be a real gift. And the single most important point that all of the experts agree on is to restore, rather than replace. Before making any rash decisions, take time to assess what you have and what condition it is in.
‘Start by lifting a corner of any covering carefully to assess the condition and species of wood underneath,' advises Jon. ’If the boards are sound, a specialist can sand back the surface, address any gaps, stains or old nail holes, and apply a new finish. If some boards are damaged or missing, reclaimed wood can be used to patch in matching or complementary boards so the repair is invisible.'
Even if an old wooden floor appears to be beyond saving at first glance, it's almost always worth retaining and repair over replacing. 'The objective shouldn't necessarily be to make an old floor look new; it should be to make it beautiful and usable, while retaining its history,' adds Verity.
Whether new or original, wooden flooring can undoubtedly add character and warmth to your home, but scale, style and the right maintenance are all crucial to maximising its impact and longevity.
