Affordable, easily maintained wood & laminate

Wood & Laminare

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Balterio
Kahrs
Boen

Radki Floors supply and fit a comprehensive range of quality real wood, laminate and engineered wood flooring. Materials come in a range of thicknesses, colours and finishes to suit all requirements. We keep a huge range of samples due to the high level of interest we regularly receive.

Real wood flooring

BENEFITS OF REAL WOOD FLOORING
The more practical benefit to having real wood flooring is that it can last longer than any other type of wood flooring, and can take years of wear and tear. If it does get scratched, dented, or damaged through general wear and tear, you can just sand it down and get it refinished to make it look brand new again. Refinishing real wood flooring every 7 to 10 years can make it last a whole lifetime.

The one big downside to real wood flooring is that it does not handle moisture well. Wood expands when it absorbs moisture, leading to warping, swelling, and discolouration. If it gets hot, wood dries out and shrinks, leaving cracks or gaps in the floor.

Bathrooms and kitchens are therefore not ideal locations for installing real wood flooring. Underfloor heating is an option but in this instance, the flooring must be glued. Moisture barriers are a must if you choose to install hardwood flooring in rooms where moisture will be an issue.

REAL WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Gaps that only appear during warm seasons could be left alone, as the planks can expand to fill the gaps when it gets cold. If you do notice gaps that are permanent, you can fill them with filler resin, wood slivers, or wood strips.

Noise can also be a problem with solid wood flooring. It can actually amplify sound instead of insulating it, so a sound insulation underlay should be a serious consideration.

Acclimating real wood flooring takes about 72 hours minimum to a whole week to ensure the planks fit when you start installation.

Laminate Flooring

BENEFITS OF LAMINATE FLOORING
Laminate flooring is resistant to scratches, stains, dents, and moisture. Depending on the plank thickness and strength, laminate flooring can deal with varying levels of foot traffic.

Durability and resistance are determined by Abrasion Class (AC) rating, which goes in ascending order of toughness from 1 to 5. AC1 laminate floors are good for rooms with low foot traffic like bedrooms and guest rooms, while AC5 laminate floors are generally suited for public and commercial spaces. AC3 should be good enough for busy areas at home like hallways and even stairs, although special fittings would be required for fitting staircases to prevent board movement.

While thicker laminate can be a factor in the quality of the wood print, the rigidity, and the sound produced when stepping on the laminate flooring, underlay will help to reduce sound levels and subfloor noise.

A key selling point for laminate flooring is how well it emulates authentic wood while costing much less. The technology has gotten so good that most people won’t be able to tell the difference. It is also easier to clean than real wood, as regular sweeping and mopping can be enough for maintenance. With proper installation and upkeep, you can expect laminate flooring to last 15 to 25 years. Upfront costs are also about the same as carpet, which is another affordable flooring option.

LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Do take note that underlay should be a priority when installing laminate flooring. It provides additional protection, comfort, and insulation. You should also look into waterproofing options if you insist on laminate flooring for bathrooms and other wet areas where even the flooring’s moisture resistance won’t stand up to the constant exposure to water. Mopping should only be done with a slightly damp mop. Vinyl flooring would be the better option if water is going to be an issue.

Engineered wood flooring

BENEFITS OF ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING
Engineered wood like Bohen flooring boasts the benefits of having the authentic look and feel of real wood flooring while being able to withstand heat and moisture in locations where it would be an issue for real wood, such as in rooms with underfloor heating. It is still advisable to avoid using engineered wood flooring for bathrooms, as the wood materials aren’t completely waterproof.

Like real wood flooring, engineered wood is also resistant to scratches and dents. It can also be sanded down and refinished if it does get scratched and dented, although not as often as real wood. With proper maintenance of engineered wood flooring it can last for up to 30 years. Regular sweeping and vacuuming can be enough, with the occasional light mopping using wood floor cleaners and very little water.

ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
When having engineered wood flooring installed, make sure the subfloor is level. Plywood is a good option for having a level subfloor. You can install engineered wood flooring on a concrete subfloor, but you should test the concrete’s moisture levels before doing so. Concrete can soak up moisture, which can then move up to your flooring and damage the wood.