If you are considering updating your property’s flooring solution, your options are plentiful. These options vary from laminate to vinyl to carpets and the topic of this article, wood flooring. As your letting agent will confirm, a well-fitted flooring solution in a good condition can help make your property more desirable and wood is right up there as a popular choice with many tenants.
Flooring Law and Legislation
Under the Building Regulations Approved Document E (2003, with various updates since), you must reduce noise pollution that is transmitted from the floor. Should your property be situated in a block of flats that was built after the law came into fruition (2003), the solution is to fit an underlay with acoustic properties. Some underlays can reduce noise pollution by as much as 30% and make walking on the surface more comfortable. An underlay is needed regardless of the type of floor material you decide to fit, wood or any other.
Types Of Wood Floorboards
Under the definition of ‘real wood flooring’ you will come across two types. One made of complete hardwood and another made from hardwood together with artificial materials. The difference between the two lies in their coping potential in different circumstances.
Solid hardwood – Each floorboard is made from complete natural hardwood such as Oak and Walnut. The use of 100% hardwood means that service life is extensive which many landlords find as music to their ears.
Engineered hardwood – Each board is made from a wear layer of hardwood in varying thickness of 3mm to 6mm. The use of the wear layer on the top means that when fitted engineered hardwood looks 100% identical to solid hardwood. Under the top layer you will come across MDF, Plywood and Softwood that are invisible once fitted.
Solid Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood
The decision to fit one instead of the other is where most landlords struggle. As a property owner, you are likely basing your success on profit and failure on loss. Therefore the key to choosing one over the other is return on investment in the long run. It is easier to decide based on the type of room and the pros of each of the two types.
Properties With Under Floor Heating – Under floor heating crates high levels of heating that can damage natural wood due to expansion (a common feature of natural woods). It makes solid hardwood in incorrect choice to fit over under floor heating as each board contains 100% natural wood and will likely over expand. Engineered hardwood on the other hand can withstand heat that originates from under floor heating.
Rooms That Contain Humid and Wet Conditions – Some landlords choose to fit wood all around the property, including areas such as the kitchen and basement in which humid and damp conditions might be present. Natural wood is not resistant to water damage and will buckle over time. It is possible to fit engineered wood flooring in these areas PROVIDED the boards have been coated with a waterproof coating and this coating is maintained between occupancies.
All Other Areas – If under floor heating is of no concern and the floor is to be fitted in normal areas, solid hardwood is the best long-term choice. Besides its durability features, landlords are able to sand and recoat the boards when needed, thereby greatly extending its service life and looks.
Sanding is a process that removed a 1mm layer of old wood using specialized machinery. This 1mm layer might include stains, scuffs and other visual imperfections that will spoil the floor’s looks. Removing this tiny layer will expose new wood as if the floor was just freshly laid. It can be done in one afternoon so the property won’t stay vacant for long. While it is possible to sand engineered hardwood, you will be limited to around 3 or 4 times over the course of its lifetime.
Contact Jungle Property for more helpful information or leave your comment below.
Article written by Ran at oak flooring company wood and beyond for Jungle Property.
Wood and Beyond Ltd
www.WoodandBeyond.com
220 The Vale NW11 8SR, London
0208 2092662