Choosing a hardwood floor

When choosing a hardwood floor there are two main points to bear in mind;

• The aesthetic effect required
• The environment in which the floor is being laid

This is a completely personal choice. Does the floor need to look modern and contemporary or old and rustic?
Do you want a light, medium or dark colour? Is a uniform appearance required or a variegated pattern?
Whatever the requirement, British Hardwoods have timbers to suit, and, being the manufacturer, can listen to their customers, advise and produce a floor to Custom Specifications.

2. Environment in which the floor is to be laid.

Again, British Hardwoods can advise on the right solution for you. Wood is a natural product and will behave in a natural way. If this is understood and allowed for then a hardwood floor can be laid in most conditions, including over underfloor heating systems.

Below are five points to consider when choosing the specification of a floor.

	Question	Requirement	15mm	20mm	Micro Bevel
i)	Does the floor need to be load bearing? i.e. is it to be laid directly over joists or battens?	Floor thickness should be 20mm. It is not necessary to cut boards back to joists as they are tongued and grooved at the ends.
ii)	Is the floor to be laid onto an existing sub-floor e.g. existing boards, chipboard etc.	Floor thickness can be either 20mm or 15mm.
iii)	Are wide boards (150mm +) required?	Floor thickness should be 20mm.
iv)	Do you like to see a definite line of the floorboards?	Micro bevel option should be chosen.
v)	Is the floor to be laid over an under floor heating system or will the environment be very dry and/or changeable?	Maximum board width should be 140mm. Thickness should be 20mm. Micro bevel option should be chosen. Consider the use of STASIS flooring.