Welcome to your extensive guide to everything you need to know about wood flooring for new homes. Here at Doherty Flooring, your Dublin-based flooring specialists, we have the experience, insight, and expertise to guide you through the process of choosing and installing the perfect wood flooring for your new build.
Why Choose Wood Flooring?
When it comes to flooring options, wood stands out as a classic choice that never goes out of style. Its natural beauty, durability, and versatility make it an ideal choice for any home. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, wood flooring offers a multitude of benefits that are worth considering as you plan your new home build.
By picking wood flooring, you’ll enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere that is hard to replicate with other materials. It also offers excellent insulation properties, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint.
Selecting the Right Wood for Your Home
Laminate vs. Engineered Wood Flooring
When it comes to selecting the right wood flooring for your home, understanding the differences between laminate and engineered wood flooring is essential.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that simulates the appearance of hardwood. It’s composed of several layers, including a printed layer that can mimic virtually any wood grain, colour or pattern, covered by a protective layer for durability. This flooring option is known for its affordability, resistance to scratches and stains, and easy maintenance.
On the other hand, engineered wood flooring is a real wood product made of a thin layer of hardwood bonded over a core of high-quality plywood. This construction gives it the classic aesthetic and feel of hardwood, but with increased stability. It’s more expensive than laminate but can be refinished a few times if needed.
Both options have their merits and drawbacks. Your choice should depend on your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic preference.
The type of wood you choose can significantly impact the look and feel of your home, so it’s crucial to make the right choice.
At Doherty Flooring, we have a wide range of wood flooring options to suit every style and budget. We can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose the perfect type of wood that aligns with your design vision and meets your practical needs.
Advantages of Laminate Wood Flooring
While authentic wood flooring can be desirable, laminate wood flooring holds many distinct advantages that make it a popular choice for homeowners.
Firstly, laminate wood flooring is highly cost-effective. It offers the look and feel of real hardwood at a much lower price point, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. This affordability doesn’t compromise durability; in fact, due to its protective layer, laminate wood flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it an ideal choice for high traffic areas or homes with pets and children.
The ease of maintenance is another key advantage. With laminate flooring, there’s no need for waxing or polishing. Simple sweeping or vacuuming, coupled with the occasional use of a spray mop with a suitable solution, is enough to keep your floors looking fresh and clean.
Furthermore, laminate wood flooring offers huge versatility in design. It comes in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns, allowing you to customize your space to your heart’s content. Whether you prefer the look of rustic oak, chic mahogany, or any other wood type, there’s a laminate option for you.
Lastly, laminate wood flooring is easy to install with its click and lock design system, making it a favourite for DIY enthusiasts. Even if you prefer professional installation, the process is quicker and less intrusive compared to traditional hardwood installation.
Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is another excellent choice that presents multiple advantages. One of the key benefits of engineered wood is its authentic appeal. Unlike laminate, engineered wood is not a replica but made of real hardwood, giving your home the genuine, cozy feel of traditional wood flooring.
Engineered wood flooring also offers a broad spectrum of design options. It comes in a wide array of species, grains, colours, lengths and finishes, allowing you to select the perfect style that matches your home’s decor. Whether you’re seeking the sophisticated charm of walnut, the warm tones of smoked oak floors, or the classic & stylish look of traditional oak flooring, there’s an engineered wood flooring to fit your aesthetic.
Lastly, while higher in cost than laminate, engineered wood is still more affordable compared to solid hardwood. It delivers the beauty and longevity of hardwood without the high price tag, offering excellent value for money.
In conclusion, engineered wood flooring strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality, offering a real wood solution that is both durable and adaptable to various conditions.
Types of Wood Flooring Designs
- Straight Pattern: The most common and straightforward layout, straight pattern involves laying planks in parallel along the length or width of a room, creating a clean and simple look.
- Herringbone Pattern: Named after the intricate bone structure of a herring fish, this layout places rectangular boards in a zigzag pattern. The herringbone pattern has a classical and high-end appearance that adds character and depth to a room.
- Chevron Pattern: Often confused with herringbone, the chevron pattern also arranges planks in a zigzag, but the ends of the boards are cut at an angle to create a continuous V shape.
Each of these designs offers a unique aesthetic and can dramatically alter the ambiance of a room. Your choice should align with your home style, personal preference, and the overall look you want to achieve.
Installation: Leave it to the Experts
Once you’ve chosen the perfect wood flooring for your new home, it’s time for installation. While it may be tempting to make this a DIY project, we highly recommend leaving it to the experts.
Our team at Doherty Flooring is highly experienced in wood flooring installation. We have the skills, tools, and knowledge required to ensure your flooring is installed correctly and efficiently. We pay attention to every detail, ensuring the end result is a beautiful, durable floor that will stand the test of time.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Wood Floors
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your wood flooring stays looking its best for years to come. Regular cleaning with suitable products, avoiding excessive moisture, and promptly addressing any scratches or dents can significantly prolong the life of your wood floors.
At Doherty Flooring, we don’t just install your floors – we also provide you with all the knowledge you need to take care of them. From choosing the right cleaning products to tips on preventing scratches, we’ve got you covered.
Your Partner in Flooring
As a leading Dublin-based flooring company, Doherty Flooring is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality wood flooring and installation services. We pride ourselves on our expert knowledge, wide range of product offerings, and exceptional customer service.
Whether you’re building a new home or looking to upgrade your current one, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From choosing the right wood to providing professional installation services, and sharing our top maintenance tips – we’re your partner in creating a home that’s both beautiful and functional.
Let our team at Doherty Flooring guide you in making the best decisions for your wood flooring needs. We’re confident that with our help, you’ll be able to enhance the value, comfort, and beauty of your new home.
For more information or to start your wood flooring journey, contact us today.