Choices of Flooring Archives

Category: Choices of Flooring

Shabby Chic Floors – Reclaimed Wood Flooring & Tiles

Shabby chic is a great interior design trend that is so versatile, and we are seeing a growing demand for shabby chic floors in stylish homes. Shabby chic floors offer a rustic, homely feel, perfect for a family home. Whether you want a beautiful aged oak floor for a shaker style kitchen or terracotta tiles for a shabby chic bathroom, there are so many beautiful style choices for you. A reclaimed wooden floor is often the most popular choice for a shabby chic home, due to its natural appeal and aged look. However, vintage-inspired tiles are also making a comeback in shabby chic homes.

Why choose a shabby chic floor?

There are so many benefits to a shabby chic floor. It is both a practical solution for a busy home and a stylish choice for a high-end interior. The shabby chic aesthetic is the perfect antidote to modernist, minimalist design. It celebrates vintage and reclaimed materials, character furniture and cute, homely details. It is also far more practical, and easy to maintain. A shabby chic floor is bursting with character. This means any wear and tear from hectic family life simply enhances the look. Shabby chic style is easy to adapt and change. Its eclectic appeal means that your room can constantly be updated to suit your tastes. Choosing a great quality shabby chic floor allows you to update and change your interior, whilst tying the room together with a stunning statement floor.

What to look for in shabby chic floors

There are certain things that it is important to bear in mind when you are choosing a shabby chic floor. The first is quality. You need a floor that is durable, high quality and long lasting. A reclaimed wooden floor can last for decades to so it’s a great investment for your house. You may also want to choose a painted finish. Look for floors that match the shabby chic aesthetic of worn paint and pastel hues, like the stunning Liquid Gold Reclaimed Driftwood Floor. Look for shabby chic floors which are finished to a high standard. Try out a few different samples to see what works best in your space.

Choosing reclaimed shabby chic floors

It is essential that you find a flooring company that sources the highest quality reclaimed wood. You also need to decide what size and width planks you are looking for. This will depend on the size of your space, for example, larger planks may look overbearing in a small space and smaller patterned tiles could work better. In a large space, chunky, wide planks look stunning, as do bold patterns like a herringbone or chevron floor. Look for high quality reclaimed wood that has a history and provenance too. Reclaimed wooden floors have unique patterns, details, and colours which make them so appealing. For a cool and contemporary shabby chic floor, Driftwood Gun Grey French Oak Wood Flooring is an ideal choice, with a silvery grey tone and timeless appeal.

Shabby chic style

The shabby chic style has been popular for many years now as it is a beautiful, homely look, which can be updated and reinterpreted. There are a few design rules for shabby chic spaces. However, one of the best things about this interior design scheme is the relaxed approach you can take. For large surfaces, like walls and floors, neutral, pale colors are best. It is important that you get the right balance between shabby chic and scruffy, but this is easily solved by keeping the space clean. Cozy details like handmade rugs and vintage pieces of furniture are essential. A shabby chic home should be full of personality too. Look for quirky pieces you love and don’t be afraid to attempt some shabby chic DIY projects too.

A versatile flooring choice

Another lovely thing about shabby chic floors is that they are so versatile, and can go with a number of different design schemes. If you are going for a rustic, country kitchen, then a shabby chic floor is the perfect choice to match your wooden units and chalk painted chairs. However, if down the line you decide to change to an ultra modern kitchen, a reclaimed wooden floor still has the quality and finish to complement this look. A stunning statement wooden floor like the Arthur Reclaimed French Oak Floor will suit any interior with its warm tones and unique texture. Shabby chic floors can also work well with an industrial aesthetic, or a rustic, Scandinavian inspired look.

Shabby chic tiles

Another great option for a shabby chic home is a classic tiled floor. Picture french country houses with busy kitchens, and grand hallways with terracotta mosaic tiles for some inspiration. This heritage-inspired look is so on trend. There are also more tile choices available than ever before. With a rough texture and a neutral colorway, the Painted Carraro Antique Stone Tile Floor is the perfect shabby chic choice, handmade by artisans in Italy. Look for natural materials, high-quality craftsmanship and unique details. Tiles are also a great choice in period homes, especially Victorian homes where tiles were a popular choice. They are also easy to clean and a durable flooring solution.

Shabby Chic Floors – Reclaimed Wood Flooring & Tiles

What colors work for shabby chic floors?

The shabby chic look is full of pastel hues and earthy tones, which makes it perfect for a versatile space. Look for muted tones and faded colors to really capture the shabby chic look. Tiles are also good if you have a particular color scheme in mind. You can choose complimentary colored tiles and bring out the different shades. For example, if you are using the classic shabby chic colors of sage green and pale yellow, a floor like the Assilah Green cement tile is a stunning choice. For a lovely blue shabby chic room, with duck egg and cornflower touches, a floor like the Duero blue floor, with its cracked details and vintage charm is perfect.

White kitchen flooring options for your home – wooden floors and tiles

If you need a new kitchen floor and are looking for the wow factor, there are some great white flooring options that are perfect for finishing off your space. A white kitchen floor is a gorgeous, bold design choice. From stunning stone tiles to beautiful white wooden floors, we look at what white kitchen flooring options are out there and which you should consider for your new kitchen. Are you are going for a super luxurious look? Do you prefer a modern and minimalist kitchen? Whatever your requirements, we have some white kitchen floor options you will love.

A classic white oak wooden floor

Wooden floors work so well in kitchens, with a timeless appeal that is perfect for creating a warm and homely environment. It’s great for open plan living spaces too. A white oak kitchen floor is a classic stylish choice. There are also a huge variety of wood finishes and treatments to get the floor you want. If you are looking for a true white colorway, then a treated wooden floor like the Ivory white oak floor is ideal. This stunning kitchen floor choice has a delicate pearl finish, which shimmers in the light too. This is perfect for a glamorous home, with lots of metallic accents and antiques as well. White wooden floors are versatile and long-lasting, so if you want to update your kitchen in the future, you won’t have to replace the kitchen floor.

An exquisite white marble floor

A white marble floor is perhaps the most luxurious of the white kitchen floor options. With impeccable quality and a timeless appeal, a white marble floor is a beautiful choice. These natural stone slabs make for a truly impressive kitchen. A white marble kitchen is perfect for entertaining too. Look to glamorous hotels, high-end Los Angeles homes and exclusive spas for design inspiration. With beautiful natural patterns, each white marble floor is unique. This makes a white marble floor the perfect choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

A contemporary white leaf tiled floor

If you are looking for a more modern kitchen floor, then white patterned floor tiles are one of your best white kitchen floor options. Look for subtle patterns like this abstract leaf design so it will continue to match a range of decorative schemes. Patterns inspired by nature are perfect for creating balance too. White kitchen floor tiles are easy to look after, and their unique texture makes for a beautiful kitchen floor. Choose high-quality tiles made from porcelain or ceramic to give your kitchen a designer look. For something a little different, a textured white patterned tile gives this classic kitchen look a modern twist.

A luxurious white and gold mosaic floor

Mosaic floors have been used in kitchens for thousands of years; you can see beautiful mosaic kitchen floors in ancient towns and ruins all over the world. However, mosaic floors, like patterned tiles, are experiencing a resurgence. They provide a classic and sophisticated look, a million miles away from the swimming pool floor that may have come to mind. For a unique look, choose artisan handcrafted tiles like the Temara White Mosaic tile which has a beautiful golden yellow woven pattern. This pattern works really well in relaxed and comfortable kitchens, with white walls and neutral units. In general, contemporary designer kitchen floor tiles are a beautiful and luxurious choice.

A minimalist white mosaic floor

For a more minimalist white kitchen floor, the classic white mosaic tile provides a unique and high-quality choice. This white flooring choice is perfect for a dazzling all-white kitchen and it is essential that you always keep it clean! If you are going for a minimalist look, then bright white surfaces and shiny metal accents are also essential. Inspired by professional kitchens and ultra-modern spaces, this is a chef’s favorite choice of white kitchen flooring options. Available as mosaic tile panels or mosaic pieces, this versatile flooring option is great for unusually shaped kitchens too.

White geometric tile kitchen floor

Geometric kitchen floor tiles are gorgeous, modern and visually striking. Bold geometric white tiles are ideal for this look, bringing together classic materials and modern design. The monochrome colorway means this kitchen floor could go with any color scheme too. Geometric patterns are contemporary and stylish, and you can also choose kitchen accents and accessories that match the pattern of the kitchen floor. If you will be updating your kitchen in the future, this floor suits a variety of different kitchens too, from the ultra modern to the traditional. Another great thing about white kitchen floor tiles is that they are easy to look after and you don’t have to worry about damaging them either.

An eclectic patterned kitchen floor

This kitchen floor trend has been gaining prominence, inspired by beautiful, luxurious spaces in Morrocco and Italy. If you are willing to introduce a bit of color into your white kitchen flooring options, then consider patterned tiles with touches of blue or gold. If you are looking for a really bold choice, you could also use several different patterned tiles for a bohemian, eclectic look. Patterned tiles like the curved black and white Trebol tile and the traditional Bouznika patterned tile are also great white kitchen flooring options. To perfect the bohemian, eclectic look, make sure your kitchen has lots of house plants too. You can also introduce handmade touches like hand-painted crockery.

White herringbone floor

A herringbone wooden floor is a gorgeous, timeless choice for your kitchen floor. Herringbone wooden floors are luxurious, versatile and appealing. With a unique and distinctive pattern, this type of floor really works with a white colorway too. Look for a white herringbone wooden floor in a pale colorway or white stain. With different styles, finishes, and sizes, you can create the exact floor you are looking for.

No matter what white kitchen floor design choose, quality is essential for a kitchen floor. This is one of the busiest rooms in the house so make sure you choose a floor that is durable. White kitchen floors are a stunning bold design choice. Whether you are looking for a traditional white oak floor or a bohemian mosaic white kitchen floor, Rhodium Floors has exquisite white kitchen floor options that will work for you.

Should I get a Chevron Wood Floor? Is it worth it?

Installing a chevron wood floor is a growing trend, and it is not difficult to see why. It takes all the many benefits of hardwood flooring and “packages them up” with neat designs and fabulous effects.

What exactly is a “chevron wood floor”?

Some people think of hardwood flooring in homes and workplaces as long, lean lines of flawless wooden planks. Clearly, the individual grain of the wood then adds character and visual interest. You can use different types of wood for flooring materials. Plus, the color shade can be varied from almost white and pale honey to chocolate brown. On top of that, you can choose a deep shine or a matte finish for your quality hardwood floor.

That’s all great. However, these days you have even more ways to personalize your hardwood floor and make it truly unique to your property.

One of the best ways to make a statement and match your interior design is to commission the creation of a chevron wood floor.

This involves wood cut into small “tiles” rather than long planks. The tiles are then slotted together to make a distinctive and flowing “v” pattern. How that is laid is a matter of personal choice. For example, the lines of v-shapes could run parallel with the walls, or diagonally across the space.

The color, spacing, and finish of this chevron design can also vary widely according to your preferences. It is generally geometrically perfect; creating a flowing and impressive effect on your floor.

Taking your floor in a bold direction

Perhaps one of the reasons they look so spectacular as a flooring pattern is that chevrons are often associated with strong directions or noble enterprises. Think road signs or military epaulets!

The effect draws the eye and creates interest. It can also make compact rooms appear more spacious. Get the chevrons pointing towards your largest window or an impressive piece of artwork, for example, to highlight your favorite feature in the room.

Chevrons are a timeless design formation that dates back centuries. They have featured on coats of arms. They can even be traced as far back as ancient cave drawings!

Pleasing to the eye and versatile

Modern hardwood flooring manufacturers have brought the chevron right up to date. The beautiful options sold by Rhodium Floors includes a wide range of contemporary designs, as well as distressed effect floors.

Chevron designs are incredibly versatile. They lend themselves to most properties, and rooms used for a multitude of purposes. For example, you could employ the soothing warmth of Vecchio Casale Tobacco Chevron Wood Floor to look clean and pretty in houses by the beach, or in rooms leading to pools or patios.

Alternatively, you could opt for something more unusual and “quirky” such as Vecchio Casale Smoked Chevron Wood Floor to make a statement in a business premises or hallway.

Are chevron wood floors hard to maintain?

It would be easy to imagine that the more elaborate the wood floor pattern, the greater the maintenance burden. This is not the case. Whether you have a simple, straight hardwood floor in a light or dark shade or a striking chevron design, the same rules apply.

Firstly, quality materials obtained from sustainable sources are imperative.

You also need to select a type of hardwood that’s the best fit for your lifestyle and the room’s use. For example, oak if you need a really tough surface.

Secondly, the way the wood is harvested, cut and prepared are all important. A reliable flooring showroom would be able to talk you through the antecedence of products. Rhodium Floors would be proud to discuss how our flooring materials are crafted using modern machinery and long-standing expertise.

This is particularly important for a chevron wood floor. Those individual pieces of wood need to slot together perfectly and smoothly, to create a flawlessly perfect finish for your floor.

This comes to the next “must have”. You need to be sure your quality hardwood flooring is laid and sealed professionally. Even with the most elaborate and intricate chevron wood floor, you should be able to walk across it barefoot and enjoy a seamless and even “warm” effect.

Using quality materials and good wood floor installation sets you up for very easy cleaning and maintenance.

Cleaning

The chevron wood floor will be easy to gently sweep, to remove sand, grit and other debris. Using specialist cleaning products and a microfibre cloth or mop, you can regularly restore the floor to its lustrous shine.

Incidentally, chevron wood floors – just as any other hardwood floors – should not be allowed to stay wet. Remove standing moisture swiftly and never clean up with splashes of water.

This all helps to maintain the integrity of your chevron wood floor, for many years to come.

Restoring a chevron wood floor

Another reason chevron wood floors are a good investment is that restoration work is still feasible and cost-effective. Of course, unlike some matte hardwood floor designs, localized “touch-ups” are more of a challenge. Though that visually interesting design can successfully hide small scratches, scuffs, and other flaws!

When it is time to restore your hardwood floor, the chevron pattern doesn’t need to be an issue. A professional wood floor sanding and finishing company will not be phased at all. A light amount of the top surface could be lifted off before the floor is given an appropriate new layer of protection or color.

Beneath the restoration work, your chevron design will still look amazing.

Let’s be honest. Replacing fabric based flooring materials could be a lot more hassle and a great deal more frequent than the occasional refinishing of your chevron wood floor.

This perhaps helps to answer the question of whether a chevron wood floor is a good investment. You get all the interest and aesthetic appeal of a smart carpet, but also all the durability and resilience of a hardwood floor. A true win-win.

To learn more about the design options for a chevron wood floor and discuss the merits in relation to your individual home or workplace, call us at Rhodium Floors. It’s the best direction to take!

Should I get a Chevron Wood Floor? Is it worth it?

Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring

White Oak Grain

When considering red oak vs white oak flooring, it would be easy to imagine they are much the same. Except, perhaps for a slight difference in the lumber colouring.

In fact, the differences are significant. These difference can affect the cost of your hardwood floor, and how well the finished result copes. This includes such things as heavy foot traffic and moisture. Also, they impact the level of pattern work you can incorporate into your floor.

So, what are the relative merits of red oak vs white oak flooring?

Can you tell them apart visually?

The easy answer would be that you can indeed tell the difference between the two by the colour of the grain. On close inspection red oak does have a pinkish tone. Although, this can be a soft amber rather than a “red”. White oak tends to be almost grey or caramel in its most natural form.

However, the difference in colour can vary. This is according to where and how long the original trees were cultivated, and the specific species. There are a wide range of species of trees that come under the titles of “red oak” and “white oak”. Quercus alba is the usual white lumber used, and Quercus rubra is the red.

This colour variation provides the reason why they are named as they are. Although, it is only really visually significant when the wood is in its basic form. Once it has been prepared and finished for flooring use – including staining – this slight colour variation can actually be lost.

Grain effects in red oak vs white oak flooring

On first glance, the grain patterns in red and white oak can look similar. However, if you look closer you can see that the longer growth span endows white oak with straighter and tighter gains. Red oak would feature more swirls, zig zags or deviations in its grain.

Which looks best, white or red oak? That decision is all about personal preference. As always, it also comes down to the skill used in both harvesting and cutting the hardwood variants to take maximum advantage of the character within each section.

Grain in any wood is also a truly unique feature.

Perhaps the biggest difference between white and red oak comes not from what it looks like, but from how it grows.

Red Oak Grain

Different growth rates, different properties

The most important difference between red oak and white oak is that their different timescales to reach maturity bring different practical features.

Red oak grows more swiftly and is therefore a popular type of hardwood to cultivate. This relatively quick growth creates a smooth and pliable material for cutting out hardwood flooring. The lower cultivation and production costs also makes the price lower.

White oak, on the other hand, grows over a longer period of time. This is the basic reason why wood density and workability varies between the two.

Red oak tends to be more readily available and pliable, so it offers a quick turnaround and cost-effective wooden flooring for patterns. White oak is less available and needs highly skilled preparation, but it provides a much tougher finished result.

Clearly, both types of oak are extremely hard. However, as white grows slower it is particularly strong and resilient. In fact, it is probably only beaten by maple in terms of inherent hardness.

Cutting machinery

This makes it important that the supplier uses the right machinery to cut and finish white oak, as many standard saws would not get a clean enough line. With the wrong blade, white oak can splint and break. This means it needs to be prepared by a skilled professional.

This tends to make it too tricky and expensive to use for elaborately patterned wood floors, such as the chevron and herringbone flooring Rhodium often supplies using French oak as a basis.

However, for the custom-made flooring Rhodium crafts for its customers, white oak can be the perfect solution. The end result would be an incredibly resilient floor for areas of heavy foot traffic, for example. Yet it still has inherent beauty and style.

Clearly then, the biggest difference between red and white oak is their relative properties as building materials, especially for tough but beautiful flooring.

Which is best, red or white oak?

When considering red oak vs white oak flooring, which one is best depends on what you’re looking for from this valued construction material.

White oak has a higher resistance to rot, which is one of the reasons why it has been used for outdoor projects and boat building. If your floor is in a kitchen or another room with lots of moisture, having this level of resistance can be very reassuring. Though of course all quality hardwood flooring is sealed and laid to offer a reliable degree of moisture resistance.

Much of the appeal of white over red also comes down to strength. Due to its resilience and aesthetic appeal, white oak has been a much sought after building material for many years. This makes it an ideal choice for reclaimed wood flooring. In the right hands, white oak can be recut and refinished to create flawless antique flooring.

Clearly, white oak’s slower growth and specialist cutting requirements mean it tends to attract a higher price point than red oak, but its benefits can outweigh this consideration.

Which best suits your project?

The final decision when looking at red oak vs white oak flooring comes down to the location of your hardwood flooring, your lifestyle or business operations and how long you need the hardwood flooring to last. Price could also be a factor, as red oak is still fabulously hardwearing but comes in cheaper for most flooring projects.

Call us at Rhodium Floors, or request a call back, and we can chat about your individual needs in more detail. This way we can help you make the ultimate choice between red oak vs white oak flooring.

Herringbone vs chevron wood floor: are they the same?

If you are choosing a new wooden floor, the debate between a herringbone vs chevron wood floor may have caught your attention. But what are the differences between them? Is a herringbone and chevron wood floor the same thing? This guide to herringbone vs chevron wood floor will cover all of this and more.

Differences between chevron and herringbone floors

Though they may look similar and both are variations of parquet flooring, herringbone and chevron wood floors are totally different. The shape of the planks is different, as is the pattern and overall effect. Both types of wood flooring provide a stunning option for your home, but it is worth understanding the differences so you can choose the perfect floor for you. The main difference between a herringbone and a chevron wood floor is the fact that a herringbone floor has a more subtle broken zig-zag pattern. With a chevron wood floor, the angles of the wood mean they form an exact point.

Herringbone vs chevron wood floor: are they the same?

The pattern of a chevron wood floor

A chevron wood floor features a continuous zig-zag pattern, unlike a herringbone floor. The chevron wood floor is perhaps a more modern choice, with geometric patterns continuously popular in high-end, modern homes. Continuous ‘v’ shapes are what make a chevron wood floor so distinctive. You can create a variety of effects because of this pattern, from stripes to arrows. The wooden pieces that create a chevron wood floor are cut at an angle and this is another critical difference between a chevron and herringbone wooden floor.

A chevron pattern has pieces of wood set at a 45-degree angle, unlike a herringbone floor where the planks form 90-degree angles with each other. The ends of two planks of wood of equal size are cut on an angle and the ends of the wooden planks are cut at an angle too. When the floor is expertly installed, the two planks are fitted together to create a point. This means that the zig-zag pattern goes along the surface. Chevron patterns are not only seen on floors: you can complement your chevron wood floor with chevron patterned cushions, artwork and lampshades.

The pattern of a herringbone wood floor

If you are going for a traditional, heritage look, then a herringbone floor is a great option. This floor has a timeless appeal only found in a quality hardwood floor. This instantly recognisable pattern is best in a period property or a grand entranceway. A herringbone wood floor is created with rectangular pieces of wood arranged to form a zig-zag effect. The solid wooden planks push against each other to create the herringbone pattern. This means the planks have less tendency to move or expand. For a really stunning herringbone wooden floor, this Natural French Oak Herringbone Floor is warm and inviting, with a timeless appeal.

Different styles of chevron and herringbone patterns

You can choose both types of wood flooring in a variety of colours and sizes. This allows you to create the perfect effect for your zig-zag inspired wooden floor. For a modern look, you can create a Scandinavian-style chevron wood floor using light wood and larger planks. For a very traditional wooden floor, a herringbone patterned floor in a rich dark wood is a perfect match.

A herringbone or chevron wood floor made from long, thin planks will create a tighter pattern. You could use smaller wooden planks for this effect too. This chevron floor with lots of small pieces has a stunning effect with lots of detail. Also, you can choose a range of different colours and finishes. Dependent on the space of the room, you can use the size of the wooden floor planks to create the effect you require. Another great thing about a chevron wood floor is the ability to create a pattern. You can do this with different shades of wood or different colored planks. Though this is quite a bold design choice, for a statement floor, it is perfect. Look for unusual chevron floors and how they use the pattern to create different effects.

A stylish grey herringbone wood floor is a modern industrial twist on the classic herringbone. This floor would be an excellent choice for an office or an ultra-modern home.

A classic flooring choice

A parquet floor is a timeless and classic choice for your home. Both of these patterns have a long history and can be found all over the world. From Roman mosaic tiles to French ballrooms during the Renaissance to grand banqueting halls, a beautiful patterned wooden floor has always been a way of adding elegance and luxury to a room. A herringbone wood floor, with its broken zig-zag design, is perfect for a subtle effect. However, with a chevron wood floor, you get a tighter, more angular look. A herringbone floor is a classic choice, which has remained popular for centuries. Nowadays though, chevron floors are rising in popularity and are much easier to find due to modern techniques.

Choosing your perfect floor

These types of wooden floors, though ancient, have risen to prominence in recent years as we look for more natural and hardwearing design solutions. They are much more appealing than cheap laminate which breaks or carpet made of artificial fibres. If treated correctly, a wooden floor can last for decades, and as an investment, it will add a real wow factor to your home.

For a bold and striking look, a smoky style chevron wood floor creates an amazing first impression. With warm tones and a modern chevron style, this is a great flooring choice. This style floor is a great investment because it will last so long. It will also complement a wide range of interior design schemes so you won’t have to replace it if you redecorate.

Whether you decide a classic herringbone wooden floor or a modern chevron design wooden floor, look for quality hardwood and a finish that you love.

The Battle: Walnut Flooring vs Oak Flooring

A hardwood floor is a beautiful, quality choice that will last for years; whether you choose walnut flooring vs oak flooring is a personal choice. Each type of wooden floor has different strengths and benefits, so we will take a look at which flooring option is best for you and your needs. A stunning hardwood floor is an excellent investment in your home, and it is essential you choose the right one. Walnut and oak are two of the most popular choices for a real hardwood floor, but there are many factors in the walnut flooring vs oak flooring debate. We’ll take a look at what the differences are so you can choose your perfect floor.

Walnut flooring vs oak flooring: the look

Oak aesthetics

Oak is the most commonly found choice for a wooden floor, with a vibrant golden colour and warm tone that can make a home feel welcoming and cosy. The hardwood oak generally comes in white and red varieties, but it can also be finished in many different looks, from rustic and aged to shiny and glossy. A classic American oak wooden floor like the White American Oak Plainsawn Floor has a bright and modern look. But a darker more vintage oak floor like the Rovere Old Acciaio White Oak has a much more rustic appeal.

Red oak has beautiful natural swirls and knots, while white oak is lighter and more uniform. Oak can blend in well with other pieces of oak furniture you might already have in your home, and it has a stunning natural appeal. Oak has a tighter grain than walnut, which can make it more appealing to some people. An oak floor can also be more versatile, and you can choose a wide variety of finishes to suit your room. High-quality real oak floors are great for cosy, family homes and have a stunning timeless appeal.

Walnut aesthetics

Walnut comes in a richer, deeper shade of brown that is great for a classic look. A walnut floor tends to have more variation from plank to plank, so if you are looking for a natural, unusual floor then walnut is a great choice. If you are looking for a unique wooden floor that has a stunning high-end look, then walnut is perfect. Due to walnut’s darker colour, it may be a bit too much for a small space, however, in large rooms, it has a stunning, rich appeal.

A walnut floor is also incredibly difficult to replicate, and artificial versions are nowhere near as effective, so if you want this traditional hardwood floor, real walnut is the best choice. A classic American walnut floor has a beautiful natural appeal, with blonde streaks, a rich chocolate brown colour and a warm, luxurious feel. For grand, large spaces, a walnut floor has incredible aesthetic value.

Walnut flooring vs oak flooring: durability

Hardwood floors are naturally hardwearing and perfect for creating a beautiful and durable floor. The durability of a wooden floor depends on what type of wood it is and how it is finished. The Janka hardness test looks at how resistant a kind of wood is to denting and wear. White oak has an average Janka hardness rating of 1360, and red oak is 1290. On the same scale, walnut has a Janka score of around 1000. Walnut floors usually are softer than oak, as they have a wider grain. However, there are variations in different types of oak and walnut, so it is worth looking at the hardness of the specific variety you are considering.

Walnut flooring vs oak flooring: maintenance and upkeep

An oak floor is relatively easy to maintain, but like with any real wood floor, if you put in a little extra effort, it can last far longer and look much better. You can choose an oak floor which has a finish which will protect it from wear and tear, too. Regularly cleaning your oak floor will help to keep it in excellent condition, and a quick brush over will get rid of dust and dirt which could potentially cause scratches. When cleaning your oak floor, it is important that you don’t use anything that could damage it. You can even purchase natural soaps which are designed for oak floors.

When comparing the upkeep of walnut and oak floors, there is not a massive amount of difference between the two. As walnut is softer than oak, it is worth being a bit more careful. If you really want to protect your walnut floor, you can use rugs to cover high wear areas, and it is always worth avoiding things which can cause unnecessary damage, like wearing stilettos on a hardwood floor.

Walnut flooring vs oak flooring: the price

Oak is one of the most popular choices for a wooden floor and is more readily available. An oak floor is generally cheaper than a walnut floor because walnut is far rarer. Oak is a more traditional material that is grown in the US, so this can also make it cheaper. Walnut is more expensive than oak flooring because of its rarity and the difficulty of sourcing it. Both walnut and oak wooden floors last for decades, so though they may be more expensive than laminate or engineered wood floors, they won’t have to be replaced as often.

The battle: walnut flooring vs oak flooring

When comparing oak and walnut hardwood floors, there is no all-out winner. It completely depends on what you are looking for. For one person a walnut floor will be perfect, and for another person’s home oak will be the obvious choice. If you are looking for an affordable and versatile wooden floor that will be durable and strong, then oak flooring would be your best option. Oak flooring is excellent for a busy hallway, a family kitchen or a playroom. However, if you are looking for a stunning, high-end floor that has the wow factor, then walnut flooring is a better bet. For a grand dining room, a music room or a large bedroom, walnut flooring is the best choice.

How durable is walnut flooring?

There’s no doubt that walnut wood looks beautiful in any interior design. But how durable is walnut flooring?

Putting a sleek and stylish floor in your home or commercial premises is not simply about the “here and now”. You want this investment to last. You also want your flooring to retain its flawless appearance over many years.

That includes it not deteriorating, even when used in family homes and public areas – the sort of places that are prone to heavy foot traffic and lots of activity. Don’t have your room layout to be decided by how best to cover up dints, dents, scratches and other damage on the floor!

To truly answer the question “how durable is walnut flooring”, we need to start by looking at the source of the materials.

The unique nature of walnut

Walnut has been a much-loved material for home and furniture construction for centuries. This includes walnut wood cabinets from 17th and 18th century Europe that are now the star attraction in museums around the globe.

This enduring popularity is easily understandable.

It is one of the most appealing American hardwoods for its appearance and natural features. Responsible growers can provide a sustainable supply of this fantastic wood, for many domestic and commercial applications.

Walnut is a deciduous hardwood that is strong, but also more pliant than other wood species.

There are various species of walnut used in different applications, including quality flooring. This includes dark black walnut but also American, Asian and Brazilian variations.

The grain of walnut – the fine patterns you can see when the tree is cut – is straight. However, this grain becomes wavier if the wood is cut closer to the roots.

The advantages of walnut for flooring

Walnut’s timeless appeal comes largely from the fact it is visually beautiful. Its color can vary from light to intense brown, depending on both the part of the tree and the species that is being used.

Though it is incredibly strong, as already mentioned, walnut wood is often more pliant than other hardwood.

The relative degree of resistance offered by different woods is measured by something called the Janka hardness scale. It is traditionally calculated by the amount of force needed to drive a steel ball into a wood sample. Here in the US, the results are expressed in pounds-force (lbf).

The variation in the Janka hardness of various flooring materials is wide. And the different species of walnut also provide different readings. For example, we stock Brazilian walnut that has a high Janka score.

Rhodium Floors is always happy to discuss this measure of hardwoods, as well as other grading rules and industry standards

It is true that if you need a highly resistant and impervious flooring surface, there are tougher options than some species of walnut.

How durable is walnut flooring for households and commercial premises?

For example, if you have flooring that is likely to be the victim of heavy or constant impact, then teak or cherry wood may be a better option if Brazilian walnut is too expensive. If something hefty hits your walnut flooring, such as a large piece of equipment, it could dent its more pliable surface.

However, for normal household and commercial premises, all the walnut flooring we supply can withstand all other forms of wear and tear extremely well.

That’s because its moderate density but high strength makes it shock resistant. It can also cope with some of the environmental features that could crack or warp other woods. In a nutshell, harder woods are more vulnerable to decay than softer woods.

The relative pliability of walnut compared to other hardwoods can be an advantage in other ways too. It lends itself well to carving and modern manufacturing equipment. Surface integrity and smooth cuts can be easily achieved, in the right hands.

That last point is highly significant though, when answering the question “how durable is walnut flooring”.

Manufacturing, laying and maintenance matters

Much depends on the manufacturing techniques and expertise use to turn walnut wood into flooring. You need a quality supplier. Rhodium Floors sources from mills that take wood seriously,

Many experts recommend that prefinished walnut flooring materials are the best option. They tend to be more durable particularly for family rooms, hallways and other areas of the home where there’s lots of activity.

How the flooring is laid is also crucial to its durability and resilience. Whether you choose strip, plank or parquet flooring, expert installation ensures that you get a surface that can withstand a substantial amount of use over many decades.

The third factor that affects “how durable is walnut flooring”, is how the property owner looks after it!

Hardwood flooring is always relatively low maintenance, one of the main factors of its enduring popularity. Unlike carpeting and other options, keeping it clean and in good condition is easy.

However, walnut flooring – just like other wood options – can be affected by harsh chemicals or abrasive motions on its surface. This means that maintenance to keep it resilient and looking good largely involves not interfering with it too much!

After many years of use, you may need to refinish walnut flooring. In expert hands, it can be a quick and affordable process to simply restore the surface to its best. In fact, walnut flooring can be made to look “as good as new” for a fraction of the cost of replacing it with other materials.

What to look for

As mentioned, finding good quality suppliers and installers goes a long way to safeguarding the durability of your walnut flooring. You can discuss with them the space you need to cover and the best options in terms of species and styles.

Incidentally, the straight grain is one of the key features of walnut flooring. Though you can choose dark stains that obscure much of the effect. Take a look at the range of finishes that Rhodium Floors offers to select your own personal preference.

However, the natural color and grain of walnut are among the reasons it’s superior for flooring. Not only do these features add character, they also help to disguise minor damage that could be obvious on other flooring materials.

The distinctive structure of walnut, making it more pliable than other woods, also provides a degree of shock absorbency – and soundproofing!

Are there harder options? Yes, there are, unless you specify Brazilian walnut.

However, for some homeowners and specifiers, the only way forward is walnut flooring, and all species used by Rhodium Floors have their individual merits.

Which tiles are better for flooring in different rooms?

The advantages of having tiled surfaces in homes, workplaces and public buildings are clear, but a common question is “Which tiles are better for flooring?”.

A frequently asked additional question is, which type of floor tile is best for which room?

Contemporary tile designers and manufacturers offer limitless opportunities to stamp your own preferences and tastes on any wall, floor, staircase or suitable surface. You’re going to be spoilt for choice!

Tiles are always a beautiful and hardwearing option to cover large areas such as floors (which is why they’ve been used for that purpose for thousands of years).

However, to ensure a flawless finish and a long life for your tiled floor, it is important to consider the different products and best solutions on a room by room basis.

Can you use all tiles on floors?

First, let’s tackle a myth. Not all tiles can be used on floors!

Wall tiles are manufactured to create a durable moisture barrier and for decorative purposes. Floor tiles are constructed to be stronger and more resilient to pressure and friction. They are harder to scratch for example.

Quality floor tiles are also created with a smooth, slip-resistant top, to provide a great flooring finish. These days there are many tiles that include raised motifs and highly tactile surfaces. These textured tiles are great for decorative effects for walls. If they were used for flooring they would be uncomfortable if you were walking around barefoot or in thin-soled shoes.

So, if you were wondering which tiles are better for flooring in general, the answer is ones designed and manufactured for that purpose. Manufacturers generally categorising their products as either floor or wall tiles. If in doubt, check with a knowledgeable supplier.

Quality matters in choosing the right floor tile

Another important issue when considering which tiles are better for flooring in general, is craftsmanship.

If you buy cheap floor tiles, you could end up with a product that’s far from perfect. How tiles are made, is as important as their components. For example, tiles that are too porous (too many tiny holes) or badly glazed are prone to become more brittle and fragile. They stain easily and hold water. Making them wholly unsuitable for flooring!

With this in mind, let’s look are floor tile recommendations room by room.

Ideal floor tiles for heavy duty

Which tiles are better for flooring in areas of heavy footfall, such as foyers in public buildings or hallways in private residences? Slate or stone tiles undoubtedly offer the toughest and most enduring option. It’s why they have “stood the test of time” in public areas and walkways since Roman times!

Is this a ground floor or basement room? It’s advisable to use larger and more weighty varieties of floor tiles for high impact.

Utility and laundry rooms would tend to suit porcelain or stone tiles for floors. They cope well with moisture and variations in temperature. If you want tiles for functional rooms that stand up well to heavy objects and vibrational force, you can’t go far wrong with high quality, natural stone tiles. Unlike other flooring materials, tiles won’t drag or warp.

Slate or stone tiles can look beautiful but serve a practical purpose in rooms connected to the outdoors too. This includes porches and walkways with exterior doorways. Particularly if you use the right adhesive and grouting to withstand temperature variations, water and shoes dragging in soil!

Floor tiles choices for bathrooms

The joy of bathroom interior design and renovation is that you have incredible freedom of choice when deciding which tiles are better for flooring. Most types can be wiped clean easily and offer ease of maintenance for many years.

Smaller and more intricate floor tiles and patterns can look amazing in bathrooms. There are some gorgeous glass and quartz tiles that can be used for mosaic bathroom floors. Using good quality moisture resistant grout and smaller tiles, you create a naturally textured surface, making it safer to walk across a damp floor.

Having a well thought-out floor made from smaller, brighter tiles can make your bathroom seem bigger and better lit.

If you use larger glass or quartz tiles on bathroom floors, check with the supplier that they have good slip resistance.

Or, you could create a uniform surface for your bathroom using quality slate tiles.

Matt or gloss ceramic tiles are another popular option for bathroom floors. They stand up well to splashes and condensation and look beautiful.

Whichever type of tile you choose for your bathroom floor, you could continue the colour scheme or design by using similar tiles for splashbacks and countertops.

Which tiles are better for flooring kitchens?

The stain and moisture resistance provided by tiles is crucial for kitchen floors. Especially in family homes or commercial kitchens, where the floor is going to take a considerable hammering.

This can make ceramic and porcelain tiles a good fit for kitchen floors. Stone tiles work well too.

Many homeowners opt for stone if they have a large kitchen floor space to cover. It can be an advantage if there is a backdoor that could invite high foot traffic. Stone flooring tiles are particularly resistant to having lots of heavy objects dropped on them and excessive movement.

Glass tiles on kitchen floors can look amazing and offer an easy to clean surface, but their brilliance and shine can seem out of place on a floor that may become slippery due to spills, splashes and condensation. Glass tiles in kitchens are best used as splashbacks on for decorative walls.

Tiles for general living space floors

What about living rooms and other multi-use spaces in homes or workplaces? The floor tiles most often selected are ceramic or porcelain ones.

Ceramic tiles are now produced in a stunning range of colours and effects. They provide a degree of warmth and comfort for your living room floor. As they can be wood effect, they make a durable, low maintenance alternative to hardwood flooring. You can wipe clean spills and dirt, rather than worrying about stains on wood or carpet!

Best floor tile for bedrooms?

The bedroom is one of the best places to get creative with floor tiles, varying colours, themes and patterns to suit your own personality. You could even zone your bedroom by using different floor tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular in bedrooms, not least because the range is so diverse these days.

Getting down to what matters to you

For any room, a lot hinges on your lifestyle and preferences.

For example, some homeowners use a single colour and design theme for tiling across their whole ground floor. It can create a reassuring flow and a feeling of extra space and cohesion.

Other people have each room with its own separate identity and design. Right down to purpose created flooring using quality tiles in different styles, types and effects.

The only real limit is finding quality floor tiles that will keep their appearance and integrity for many, many years. That often starts with finding a supplier with experience, who is happy to match your needs to the right floor tile for your rooms.

Choosing the best hardwood floor for your money

This expert wood flooring guide will help you find the best hardwood floor for your money.

A hardwood floor is a classic feature for any house and remains one of the most popular flooring choices out there. The lasting quality, durability and style of a hardwood floor makes it an excellent option for a wide range of homes and spaces. Choosing a wooden floor is an important decision for any homeowner, and there are many different things for you to consider. There are many options available to you, from hardwood to laminate to engineered wood flooring.

Before you decide on what type of hardwood floor you want for your home, it is essential to do some research into the various options available to you. Every kind of wooden flooring has its strengths and weaknesses, and it is a good idea to look at which benefits are most important to you.

Real wood floors

Real wood floors are a classic choice and have been used for years to create a warm and inviting home. A beautiful real wood floor can also be a great investment in your home, making it more attractive to future buyers. Hardwood floors continue to be popular due to their natural finish and the vast variety of styles and colors available. The warmth of a natural wood floor is perfect for creating a warm and inviting home and it will go with a wide range of furniture and interior design schemes.

Because it is a natural product, real hardwood floors come with unique textures, grains and patterns, giving it a distinctive feel. You also have the option of a reclaimed wood floor which is excellent for the environment and adds a unique and historic appeal to your home.

Laminate flooring

The cheapest type of hardwood floor available to you is laminate flooring – a multi-layered man-made product that is designed to imitate real wood. The quality of laminate flooring has increased a great deal over the last few years and for a short-term solution can be the best hardwood floor for your money. Despite this, the repeating patterns of a printed laminate floor mean that they don’t have the natural finish and variety of grain that a real wood floor has. It is important to shop around to find the very best quality wood flooring you can afford with your budget. Though the standard of laminate flooring has improved a great deal, it is still obviously not real and doesn’t have the natural appeal of a hardwood floor.

Laminate flooring isn’t as durable as a hardwood floor so it needs to be replaced more often. It also will need to replaced if it gets damaged rather than sanded down like a hardwood floor. Laminate flooring is often much easier to install, with a snap in place installation system. Some options also have a durable top surface and built-in UV protectants. Laminate flooring is also highly resistant to moisture so it is often a popular choice for bath and shower rooms. However, laminate flooring is far more costly to repair than a hardwood floor, especially if it was installed using the glue down method as it cannot be sanded or refinished. Even if individual planks are damaged and replaced they can look out of place compared to the rest of the floor.

Engineered wood floors

Engineered wooden flooring is a newer flooring option consisting of planks made with a thin layer of hardwood bonded to other layers of wood. They are designed to create opposing forces within the board that restrict the movement of wood that happens naturally. If you choose a cheap option, then it can be a lower quality and less durable option.

Engineered wooden floors are often a cheaper alternative to hardwood floors but have a better look than laminate flooring. Like a hardwood floor, the top layer of an engineered wood floor can be sanded down and refinished. However, because it only has a thin layer of real wood you can’t do this as often as on a hardwood floor, so it will have to be replaced sooner. Engineered wood floors can be stylish and durable but it is important you get the best hardwood floor for your money as quality affects longevity.

Upkeep and maintenance

Hardwood floors can last for decades, and this can mean that you don’t need to replace it as often as other floor options, giving you the best hardwood floor for your money. You can also choose a range of finishes and treatments to protect your hardwood floor. When your hardwood floor eventually starts to look worn or old, you only need to sand down a thin layer to restore the original beautiful appearance. Hardwood floors can be high maintenance – they are susceptible to moisture and water leaks can be hugely damaging to them. It’s also important to keep up maintenance on a hardwood floor so that it lasts and keeps its stunning appearance. Solid wood flooring can be sanded up to 6 or 7 times and can last for a lifetime.

To find the best hardwood floor for your money, it may be worth looking closer to home. Domestic species can cost less due to reduced import costs. If you’re in the USA, species like White Oak, Maple and White Ash can be great cost-effective options for a real hardwood floor as they are domestic trees and don’t have to be imported.

Certain types of wood are more durable and hardwearing than others, and if you want to find the best hardwood floor for your money, it’s important to look at the Janka rating of the floor. This rating is a way of categorizing woods by hardness – the higher the number, the harder the surface. If you want a wooden floor that will last for a long time, choosing a really hard and durable type of wood from a hardwood flooring expert like Rhodium Floors can save you money in the long run.

Real wood is long-lasting

If you’re looking for a long-lasting and high-quality hardwood floor, then a real wood floor can be the best hardwood floor for your money. That’s compared to other synthetic options that may be cheaper initially but more costly to replace over time.

Hardwood floors can also be sanded down and refinished, which is far cheaper than replacing the whole floor which is the case with laminate. It is also important to consider what finish you want on your hardwood floor. Choosing a prefinished wooden floor can save you a great deal of time and effort, and you can also select an option that will increase durability, saving you repair costs in the future.

2019 Definitive Guide To Eco-Friendly Flooring

American passion for eco-friendly flooring is growing. In fact, there has been a general swing towards “keeping things real” in homes and workplaces. People seek out timeless and natural products. This enables them to be environmentally conscious and to reduce the toxins in their living and working spaces. To make the most of this trend, manufacturers and suppliers have sometimes created marketing campaigns promoting products as being green and eco-aware.

However, some have buried the less environmentally friendly aspects of their range under marketing-speak!

This means that homeowners and commercial specifiers are also now taking more interest in the credentials of the products they use. This includes not just accepting construction materials at face value. Buyers want reassurances that materials are sustainable and harvested in a responsible way. They also need to know they are manufactured by companies who share their environmental concerns.

There is also a greater awareness of the need to include recycled components in materials and projects. Or at least, to use things that can be ultimately recycled. This is the sort of thinking that could well be going into your 2019 construction project, refurbishment or upgrade.

For some of you, the top of your list of priorities will be the floor! Starting from the base of the room or entire building makes sense. Once you have a firm “foothold” on that, you can start considering other interior design features. In 2019, many architects, interior designers and owners of homes could be prepared to ramp up their use of eco-friendly products. As well as introducing energy-saving initiatives.

So, here is a guide on how to make your floor a central part of your “green credentials”.

Eco-Friendly flooring materials are provided by nature

When you consider environmentally conscious flooring, you may well think wood, stone, tile, cork and bamboo. Mother Nature has kindly provided materials that represent strong eco solutions. However, when you specify your eco-friendly flooring, you need to also consider the carbon footprint that each option offers. As well as other aspects of its production.

Materials such as cork and bamboo are natural. However, the limits on their harvesting and reduced lifecycles do raise questions. As well as how far they travel to get to US wholesalers and suppliers.

Bamboo is growing in popularity, not least as it creates an aesthetic effect similar to hardwood flooring. The perception is that as it is grass it’s more environmentally sound than wood options, such as oak or pine. These take longer to grow back. This is not necessarily true though. There are some concerns about deforestation and the environmental impact of harvesting too much bamboo.

An alternative that has impeccable eco credentials is cork. Its harvesting does not kill the tree and it is easy to re-grow. Cork flooring is long lasting and a great insulator. It is also a relatively inexpensive eco-friendly flooring material.

However, cork is certainly not to everyone’s tastes. For many homeowners and businesses, the best eco option for flooring remains stone, marble, or hardwood.

Stone, tile and hardwood floors have the added advantage of being highly durable. You will not have to replace them for a long time. This is another way they help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Hardwood, tile and stone floors are also easy to maintain. You don’t have to buy products containing harsh chemicals or use electrical devices to keep them looking good.

Sustainable flooring solutions

One concern people sometimes have is whether these natural, eco flooring materials are sustainable. Particularly as they are growing in popularity!

Natural stone and marble have been used to construct floors since Roman times. So, they are certainly not going out of fashion any time soon! Did you ever wonder though, “Could the world’s supply of marble and natural stone run out?”. This is impossible to predict for hundreds of years in the future. Certainly, for now, there is no need to panic.

Marble is usually made from compressed and buried limestone, which is a process known as metamorphism. Limestone is very abundant on planet earth, and therefore new marble is being constantly found and quarried.

Natural stone is also readily available.

Tiles are produced from natural clay and other plentiful raw materials. This means they are also an option for anyone who wants to use naturally occurring materials in their eco flooring. Recycled components are increasingly used in tile production too (see below).

Wood floors are also a sustainable environmental decision if you buy from a respected source. Ethical flooring suppliers only buy hardwood from sustainable enterprises. These are the ones that plant as many trees as they fell, and harvest using responsible means. They are often organisations that carry the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standard.

Recycling and reclaiming

This leads to another important consideration for eco-friendly flooring. One of the reasons that natural building materials are so sustainable, is that they can be recycled, reused and repurposed. In fact, the US construction trade and manufacturers in this sector are very good at regenerating natural materials. Including incorporating them into new products or projects.

This gives buyers the option to use flooring materials partially or wholly made from recycled components.

When creating eco-friendly flooring in 2019, you could specify reclaimed wood as your base material. This could be reclaimed wood from barns, for example, re-purposed into beautiful flooring planks.

One of the great advantages of this is the character and authenticity it brings to your floor. Reclaimed wood tends to have knots, cracks and patterns. These make it clear that this aged building material has already stood the test of time. Incidentally, there are more advantages from constructing wood floors from reclaimed timber. It is well seasoned and once installed it doesn’t move.

In 2019, there could well be more tile companies manufacturing products featuring recycled glass too, including former television screens and windshields!

Eco friendly flooring adhesives

So now you have chosen your preference for eco friendly flooring. Next, you may want to check whether other materials you are using are environmentally aware.

Adhesives used in flooring have been of great concern in the past. They can contain harmful toxins, that can release gases into your living and working environment. To get around this, you could choose a natural, sustainable and recyclable flooring product that does not require adhesive. This could include an engineered hardwood floor that floats. There are also wooden flooring options that you nail down.

Other variations require a certain amount of adhesive for fixing wooden flooring in place.

If you do use adhesive, choose one with low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) and avoid any containing “formaldehyde”. Read the labels of other associated products carefully too. This includes selecting a primer for your wood floor that is water-based. There are also no-wax biodegradable formulas to clean and add shine to wood floors, tiles and marble.

The last bit of advice on eco friendly flooring?

When specifying your floor, talk to a knowledgeable supplier who has a genuine interest in this topic. One who scrupulously checks the credentials of all organisations in its supply chain.

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