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Q
KITCHENFLOORING
Should I opt for engineered wood rather than solid wood for my kitchen flooring?
AMost experts agree that engineered flooring wins hands down in this particular room thanks to its enhanced structural stability. “Engineered wood is made up of various layers, which is what makes it far more durable and stable than a traditional solid wood floor — not to mention more sustainable,” says Natalie Mudd, creative director at The Wood Flooring Co. “The top layer on an engineered wood floor is made up entirely of solid wood, which is bonded to a layer of incredibly strong plywood beneath and a stabilising counter layer. This layered design balances out the tensions in the wood and in turn prevents the wood from bending or swelling in areas of changing moisture, such as the kitchen.” Inga Morris-Blincoe, general manager at Lifestyle Floors, agrees: “Engineered wood offers the best stability, due to its multi-layered construction. This means that even when temperature and humidity vary with seasons or household activities, the floor will experience only minimal expansion and contraction when compared to solid wood floors.”
IAN ROCK
Is a chartered surveyor and author of eight popular Haynes Home Manuals.
STEVE JENKINS
Is a journalist and a painter and decorator with all-round building skills.
SIMON RIX
Is a professional planning consultant and runs Planix UK Ltd.
NIMI ATTANAYAKE
Is co-founder of Nimtim, a leading young architects practice based in London.
NATASHA BRINSMEAD
Is associate editor and has renovated her own Edwardian home.
BARRIE CUTCHIE
Is design director at BC Designs and has 30 years experience in bathroom design.
SAM WEBB
Is a journalist with 20 years experience as a news reporter for multiple publications.
PIVOT DOORS
I’d love to add a pivot front door to my new home. How does this door type work and what sizes can you buy?
A Pivot doors rotate around a pivot at the top and bottom of the door leaf, as opposed to having hinges set on the side in the traditional way. The pivots are always some way inset from the side, which means that when you open the door, the aperture is divided some way along its full width. The doors can open both inwards and outwards, but they need enough space to do so — meaning they may not suit a tight space.
Due to the nature of how pivot doors work, it’s important to consider how big a door you will need, its function and its location. The open
