Hardwood Flooring

Looks - no modern manufactured alternative, no matter how advanced, can really compare with the natural warmth and beauty of real hardwood. This can be especially important in a home with period features or a rustic décor scheme.

Quality - solid timber flooring gives off a sense of class and quality that again is hard to beat with any man-made alternative. Hardwood floors give a room an 'expensive' feel and a top-quality finish, as well as an impression of lasting quality and permanence, which is one reason why it is so popular in prestigious establishments and designer homes.

Investment - despite the initial expense, hardwood floors may be a worthwhile long-term investment as they will significantly add to the value of your home and increase its re-sale value. It is a popular attribute of homes that estate agents like to focus on in their selling strategy.

In addition, hardwood is actually more economical than other flooring options when considered over the long term. It usually lasts for the lifetime of the structure and although it may require some re-sanding and refinishing of coats throughout that time, this is minimal compared to flooring like carpets and vinyl which usually need to be replaced 3 or 4 times in the same time span.

One of the key areas of advantage over laminate is the acoustics of hardwood flooring. If properly installed, hardwood flooring has brilliant acoustic properties, whereas laminate flooring usually suffers from a "hollow" sound under foot traffic - even if heavy sound insulation is installed.

Health - as one of the few completely natural flooring materials, hardwood floors provide a healthier interior living environment, as the levels of chemical emissions from natural wood products is much lower. It is also a good option for occupants with allergies as it is less likely to retain dust particles, parasites and allergens.

Easy to clean - relatively simple to clean with just a weekly vacuum followed by a damp mop. However, some finishes may require maintenance and may not withstand heavy wear and tear, in particular scratching and denting (e.g. high-heels).

Adaptability to décor - as evidenced by centuries of use in a variety of buildings, hardwood flooring never goes out of style and carries a timeless quality. It is also adaptable to a range of interior design schemes, not only rustic and traditional but also contemporary and modern.