| PLAN THE PERFECT |
WOOD OR WOOD-LOOK? THERE ARE PROS AND CONS OF BOTH, AS OUR EXPERTS SHARE
FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN
BATHROOM PICK
Wood-look tile flooring is great for bathrooms, as it’s practical, durable and stylish. Sol sanded oak no-vinyl tiles, £42.95sq m, The Wood Flooring Co
MEET THE EXPERTS
To wood or not to wood… that is the question. With so much choice available, it can be hard to know what to choose, from both a design perspective and a practicality viewpoint. Wood and wood-style flooring are a great option for adding warmth and natural beauty to your home, as well as providing the perfect neutral backdrop to your scheme. But where to start? We asked three flooring experts to share their insider tips…
CHOICES, CHOICES
‘People want enhanced choice when it comes to flooring,’ says Natalie, ‘and for wood and woodeffect, that’s the ability to choose plank size or surface finish. This allows us to get more creative and experiment with a wider range of materials and finishes.’ Carly adds: ‘Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) portrays the appearance and texture of hardwood floors, with the added benefit of being completely waterproof.’ Lorna loves to see natural-looking LVT: ‘It feels authentic, with realistic grains, tonal variety and characterful texture.’
BALANCE TONES
Try a darker shade for your floor, teamed with natural oak furniture. Kährs Rugged Crater wood flooring, £89.99sq m, Carpetright
Whether wood or wood-look, the choice isn’t just straight planks. ‘Parquet is still as popular as ever, with many homeowners opting for herringbone and chevron styles,’ says Natalie. Lorna agrees: ‘It’s sophisticated and elegant, with a timeless appeal and real versatility. It lends itself well to both contemporary and traditional design schemes, providing adaptable flooring that can complement changing interiors as they evolve and people’s tastes change.’
THE REAL DEAL
‘Solid-wood flooring is made entirely of natural wood – one of the reasons it’s popular, and typically more expensive,’ says Natalie. ‘It’s best suited to a room such as a home office or living space to minimise the risk of water damage. Rather than a softwood, I’d go for a hardwood, as it’s less susceptible to scratches, with a dark stain to help minimise any marks.’
‘Engineered wood gives the rustic appeal of timber, but is easier to maintain than solid wood,’
