Crafting Your Dream Wood Floor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the perfect wood floor for your home can feel overwhelming, but at Knot & Grain, we believe it should be an exciting and enjoyable process. We're here to guide you through each step, ensuring you create a floor that perfectly reflects your style and needs.
Step 1: Plank Style and Size – Setting the Foundation
The first decision you'll make is the plank style and size. Do you envision the classic elegance of straight planks or the intricate pattern of herringbone? Both options offer unique aesthetics and can transform a space.
- Straight Planks: These provide a timeless and versatile look, suitable for various interior styles. We offer straight planks in a choice of two widths and three depths, allowing you to tailor the scale to your room's dimensions and your sub floor requirements.
- Herringbone: This pattern adds a touch of sophistication and visual interest. Our herringbone planks come in 60mm x 90mm and will create a stunning focal point in any room.
Consider the size of your space when choosing plank dimensions. Larger rooms can handle wider planks, while smaller spaces might benefit from narrower options.
Step 2: Oak Grade – Defining Character
Next, you'll select your oak grade, which determines the overall character of your floor. We offer four distinct grades, each with its unique features:
- Rustic: Filled with rich grains, charming knots and natural colour variations that will ground your home with an authentic, earthy vibe.
- Classic: Characterised by medium sized knots and some tonal variation, this plank is the perfect middle ground between modern sophistication and rustic charm.
- Pristine: Featuring minimal knots and sapwood, this clean grade plank is ideal for crafting a contemporary, uncluttered environment.
- Heritage: Beautifully handcrafted with a unique, undulated surface texture and distressed, bevelled edges, for the appearance of a naturally aged wooden floor.
The grade you choose will depend on your personal preference for features like the number of knots, the presence of sapwood, and the overall "feel" of the floor. Consider your budget as well, as different grades have varying price points.
Step 3: Plank Depth – Ensuring Longevity
Once you've settled on the style and grade, it's time to choose your plank depth. This refers to the overall thickness of the plank, including the oak veneer and the base layers. We offer three options:
- 14mm with a 3mm Oak Veneer: A cost-effective option suitable for all residential applications.
- 15mm with a 4mm Oak Veneer: A balanced choice offering increased durability.
- 20mm with a 6mm Oak Veneer: The most robust option, ideal for high-traffic areas and providing a luxurious feel.
Image shows different oak veneer thicknesses: 3mm, 4mm and 6mm
The thickness of your oak veneer will really depend upon how you intend to use the floor your plans to maintain it. In theory, a 3mm oak veneer is more than sufficient to last decades. If you plan to sand down and retreat your floor at more regular intervals, you may want to opt for a thicker veneer. As a rule of thumb, it is generally accepted that you will remove around 0.5mm of the oak each time it is sanded and retreated. Whether you will need to do this every couple of years, or every 10 years is a matter of lifestyle and how well used the floor is.
You may also need to consider the levels of your subfloor when choosing the right thickness for you, which your fitter should be able to advise on.
The depth you select will influence the final price and the overall longevity of your floor.
Step 4: Colour and Texture – Adding the Finishing Touches
Now for the exciting part – choosing your colour and texture! We offer a wide range of colours to complement any décor. To help you make the perfect decision, we recommend ordering our free colour samples online. This allows you to view the colours in your own home, under your lighting conditions.
You will then need to choose your surface texture. These range from smooth through to heavily brushed, enabling you to create the right look and feel for your chosen aesthetic. Finally, select your finish – oil or lacquer – to enhance the wood's natural beauty and provide ongoing protection.
Step 5: Bespoke Samples – Seeing It All Together
We understand the importance of seeing all your chosen elements together before making a final decision. That's why we offer bespoke samples for just £15. This allows you to combine your preferred plank style, grade, depth, colour, and texture into a single sample, ensuring you're completely satisfied with your choices.
Your Dream Floor Awaits
At Knot & Grain, we're passionate about helping you create the perfect wood floor for your home. With our wide range of options and expert guidance, you can be confident that you'll achieve a stunning and long-lasting result.
Remember, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Let's bring your dream floor to life!
