Many new build developments and refurbishment projects want to recreate the look and feel of wood flooring that graced Victorian-era homes. Wood flooring is an intrinsic part of English interior design, and its history is as rich and storied as the nation itself.
But did you know that wood flooring wasn't widely adopted until the Baroque era (1600s)? This period saw a surge in popularity, but creating these floors was laborious. Wood planks were hand-split and scraped, resulting in uneven surfaces that were expensive to install.
Wood flooring became even more fashionable from the Georgian era onwards but has been used since time began as structural flooring as there was nothing else ! we often come across old places with Oak flooring dating back to Tudor or even before. Some of the old castles like Dover have exceptionally old Oak flooring.
Thankfully, the timeless beauty and practicality of wood flooring have become more accessible over time. Today, wood floors are a popular choice for homeowners due to their:
- Elegance and Warmth: Wood floors lend a sense of sophistication and comfort to any space.
- Durability: With proper care, wood flooring can last for generations.
- Versatility: Wood floors come in various styles and finishes to suit any décor.
Whippletree: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
At Whippletree, we specialise in crafting exceptional English Oak flooring that honours the tradition of beautiful wood flooring while embracing modern advancements and preparation techniques. Our commitment to quality is evident in every step of the process, from sourcing our timber to our meticulous finishing methods.
Our commitment to excellence begins with sourcing only the finest English Oak. We carefully saw this timber specifically to meet wood flooring demands, ensuring the creation of long, wide, and visually striking planks. Each of our planks is crafted entirely from heartwood, the strongest and most desirable part of the oak tree, resulting in an exceptionally durable and beautiful product.
Whippletree takes pride in the traceable origin of our wood. The oak for each floor we supply can be traced back to its specific woodland within the UK. This commitment to sustainability demonstrates our dedication to responsible sourcing and ensures the highest level of quality for your investment.
At Whippletree, we prioritise natural methods over resource-intensive practices. Our focus on felling, hauling, and cutting timber for stock eliminates our reliance on artificial drying techniques other wood suppliers use, reducing our overall fuel and electricity consumption.
Your Wood Flooring, Your Way
We understand that you want your home to reflect your unique style. That is why we offer a range of wood flooring board finishes, including classic foot-worn or sleek flat-planed options, allowing you to create a floor that seamlessly complements your interior design.
We provide solid and engineered wood flooring options to meet your needs and budget. Our expert team is ready to guide you in selecting the ideal finish based on your specific requirements.
Our meticulous, controlled natural drying process minimises the natural movement of wood, ensuring your floor will maintain its beauty for years to come.
Solid and engineered wood flooring explained
Both solid and engineered wood flooring offer the beauty and warmth of natural wood, but they differ in their construction and suitability for various environments. Here is a breakdown of the key differences:
Solid Wood Flooring:
- What it is: Planks milled from a single piece of hardwood.
- Benefits: Classic look, can be refinished numerous times for a long lifespan.
- Drawbacks: Will have move more from season to season compared to engineered.
Engineered Wood Flooring:
- What it is: A thin layer of hardwood bonded to a plywood or HDF base.
- Benefits: Greater stability, better moisture resistance, and better suitability for more rooms (including bathrooms and kitchens). It can sometimes be refinished (depending on the top layer thickness).
- Drawbacks: It cannot be refinished as many times as solid wood.
Which One to Choose?
Think about where the flooring will be installed. If the space has under floor heating, engineered flooring is the safer choice. If you want to refinish your floors many times over the years, solid wood might be the way to go.
Please browse our extensive selection of English Oak flooring online or contact us to discuss your individual needs. Experience the difference that Whippletree quality can make in your building or refurbishment project.
