Durability can mean resistance to moisture, dents and scratches or it can mean longevity. The durability of a wood floor can depend on the type, species, finish and manufacturing process. A durable wood floor can stand up to pets, children and certain amount of exploitation.

The wood finish can make all the difference as far as resisting scratches, dents and adding durability. Traditional oil based is flexible and able to withstand the normal movement of wood, it also provides a warm glow to your wood flooring. A lacquered flooring finish is the best in terms of overall durability.

Solid Wood Flooring is definitely near the top of the list for durability due to its low maintenance and longevity. Each piece of hardwood flooring is typically a single piece of wood cut with a tongue and groove profile. Solid Wood also provides the highest resale value for a home which is brilliant for those of you that are looking to sell your home. What makes Solid Wood Flooring so durable? Solid Wood Flooring can be sanded and repaired over and over again. If you have pets with claws or children with toys that could damage your flooring, solid wood has the reparable quality making it one of the best choices, if you are choosing a durable floor.

Engineered Wood Flooring is also close to the top of the list for durability if we are considering moisture. Engineered Flooring resists moisture due to the way it is made. The layers of wood run at right angles to each other, glued together under hydraulic pressure and then topped off with veneer. Engineered Wood Flooring has different wear layer thicknesses, which will determine how many times you can sand and refinish the floor. If you need any help with deciding your wear layer thickness, give us a call.

Laminate Wood Flooring is one of the cheapest options and least durable. It provides the look of a hardwood floor however the wear layer is often a photographic image and you can’t sand it. Laminate flooring is made with a high-density chipboard core, but it won’t stand up to moisture like engineered wood or protect against dents and scratches like solid wood flooring. However, it is easier to clean because of its flat surface.

To decide which overall choice of wood floor is most suitable in terms of durability, it is worth looking for the floor’s intended purpose. For example, a busy hallway is likely to experience higher than the average footfall; we would suggest a high density engineered wood floor which will, providing ample impact resistance can withstand high usage.

However, in a low impact area such as the living room, where foot traffic is likely to be comparatively much lower and the maintenance and lifespan become more important factors. We would suggest a Solid Wood Floor as they are seen as the more popular choice.

For help with choosing your next wood floor please give us a call on 0333 002 0175 or visit Flooring 356 at www.flooring365.co.uk