Your Guide to Different Types of Wood Flooring

England is a beautiful land with so many wonderful givens and one of them is the fruitful and lash nature we have. Nature creates not only breathtaking sceneries but also a lot of wood species that are used in different industries, most commonly in the wood flooring industry. There is a wide range of British hardwood trees that contribute to a wide selection of high-quality and durable real wood floors.

British wood species are common both in the residential and commercial wood flooring industry and people opt for the domestic wood species not only because of their natural durability and hard-wearing power, but also their appearance and the wide variety of colours and textures. The type of wood species you are going to choose for your home or office depends mainly on what you enjoy visually and how you want to style your interior.

The more you know about British wood flooring species, the easier it will be for you to make a choice you won't regret but enjoy for a long time. Most of the domestic wood flooring species fall into the category of hardwoods instead of softwoods. However, hardwoods do not mean higher quality than softwoods. Hardwoods are known for having a denser structure, therefore they are often more durable and hard-wearing. Here is your guide to some of the most popular domestic wood species to choose from.

Ash

When it comes to ash, more than sixty different species are falling into this category. Ash is a tree that grows all over the world and its colour varies depending on the region and country of origin. When it comes to the ash growing in the UK, it is one of the lighter variations with creamy hues. Thanks to its light colour, British ash is very easy to incorporate in all kinds of interior designs, everything from contemporary to traditional.

Ask is also one of the tougher wood species on the Janka hardness scale. However, just because ash is hard and has a dense structure, it does not mean it is also not flexible enough. This means that ash wood floors are easy to install and also easy to sand and keep in good condition. English ash wood flooring is a great choice for busier settings and commercial premises because it is a very hard-wearing and long-lasting option. 

Beech

Beech is wood with a naturally very light colour, therefore it is a perfect choice for smaller or more narrow rooms because it makes them appear more spacious and airy. It is an easy type of wood flooring to work with and incorporate in the interior design. Beech is also a hard-wearing wood species and it is a very popular choice for both commercial and domestic settings.

Beech usually has a delicate straight grain that makes beech floors distinctive enough, but still very simple and easy to style. Beech makes stress-resistant wood floors, which means it is also a great choice for sports halls, schools, and canteens.

Maple

When it comes to contemporary and modern designs, maple is one of the best choices out there. Maple naturally has light tones and subtle grain, therefore it can be easily styled in a number of interior designs and settings but looks especially good in modern and more minimalistic designs.

Maple is also a very durable and hard-wearing wood species that will allow you to enjoy your wooden floor for many years. Maple is stress-resistant and it is ideal for areas in the house with higher traffic, such as hallways, kitchens, etc. Furthermore, maple is great for the kitchen, because it does not absorb stains, which makes it a very convenient choice. Unlike the two wood species mentioned above, maple can add a lot more character to space and can be a statement piece of every room, adding a lot of character and charm.

Oak

Oak wood species is, without a doubt, one of the most popular wood species for flooring around the world. English oak is also the epitome of traditional interiors, where it looks amazing with its distinctive and charming grain pattern. Many people find it clashing with contemporary and minimalistic designs.

Oak comes in two options - white oak and red oak, and both options are usually incorporated in the traditional and classic interiors. Oak is great for the living room, bedroom, or kitchen, where it adds a lot of warmth and cosiness. English oak is also a great choice for commercial interiors because it is very hard-wearing and durable. Oak wood flooring will last for many decades, and can be easily repaired, sanded, and refinished.

Walnut

When it comes to luxurious domestic wood species, walnut is, without any doubt, one of them. Walnut comes with a super elegant and classic look, dark and dramatic, it adds a lot of character to every room where installed. Walnut is an ideal choice for both modern and traditional interiors and can be easily styled.

However, reconsider your choice of walnut flooring when it comes to smaller rooms because it can make them appear even smaller. English walnut is, however, not the most durable and hard-wearing. It can be prone to scratches and other issues. Walnut floors must be finished with a hard-wearing and very durable finish or sealant. It is not recommended to consider walnut floors in very high-traffic and commercial areas.

Elm

Elm is one of the most expensive wood species on the market, because of how rare it is. Once common in the country, nowadays elm trees are rare because of the Dutch elm disease a few decades back. Elm has a coarse and open grain, which gives it a rough look. Elm wood floors can add a lot of character and charm to every room and with its distinctive beauty, it is particularly suitable for rustic and farmhouse-inspired interiors. Elm is a very durable wood flooring option and it is also resistant to decay.