Stain Protection Technology and Spill Shield

Lano SmartStrand Forever Clean technology combines built-in stain protection technology with a nanotechnology spill shield and has been increasing in popularity since first brought to the market in 2005.

These are the only carpets with a permanent built-in stain and soil protection that won’t eventually wear away or wash off. This protection means they are exceptionally durable and can last for many years whilst still looking and feeling brand new.

So, how does SmartStrand stain protection with nanotechnology work? Ultra-fine nanoparticles bond together and encapsulate the SmartStrand fibres within the carpet, creating a spill and soil barrier superior to any other on the market.

Other manufacturers use temporary, topical protections that wear and wash off over time. So, whilst carpet protection is a worthwhile investment as it keeps carpets looking cleaner for longer, other brands don’t last as long as Lano SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets.

Fibres Hold Less Dirt

In addition, Lano SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets don’t hold dirt within their fibres as other carpets do. Independent vacuum testing has shown that Lano SmartStrand carpets release up to three times more dirt than other carpets when vacuumed. Homeowners can relax knowing that their carpets are as clean and as safe as possible for those suffering from conditions like dust allergies.

Long Lasting

As well as being incredibly easy to clean, Lano SmartStrand carpets are made with advanced fibres designed to resist matting and crushing, meaning the fibres will bounce back, and carpets will maintain their new look and great appearance over time.

Eco-Friendly

Another thing we love about the Lano SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets is that they are made partially from annually renewable plant-based materials to reduce the usage of natural resources and limit damage to the environment around us. This process allows Lano to reduce their energy consumption in the manufacturing process and reduce its carbon footprint. SmartStrand fibres are made with 37% natural starch, making them the most eco-friendly yarn available on the market, which is becoming more important to consumers.

We’re proud to offer the Lano SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets as it is the highest-rated carpet in the UK for consumer satisfaction, cleanability and durability. This rating makes it perfect for busy homes, homes with pets and homes with children, where spills happen and dirt is a part of life. Lano’s unique technology ensures carpets are easily kept clean and look and feel great for years.

If you’d like to learn more about Lano SmartStrand Forever Clean carpets, or any of our other types of carpets or flooring, our team are here to help. You can visit our modern showroom on Moorland Road in Bath, or call us on 01225 972 715.

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Different wood and LVT Laying Patterns

If you want to go for something classic that won’t date and you won’t get bored of looking at, some of the more traditional styles might be best. If you’re willing to take a risk, some bolder choices can ensure your flooring is a feature in your space.

• A straight pattern lay is a simple, elegant style that’ll never go out of fashion. In a small space, it can follow the longest wall in the room, giving the visual appearance of a larger area.

• A diagonal pattern lay is the same as a straight pattern, although it runs diagonally from one corner of a room to another instead of from wall to wall. When laid with wood flooring, it can look great in small spaces and rooms that are odd shapes. When used in LVT that gives the impression of tiles, it can look fantastic in a bathroom, utility room or kitchen.

• A herringbone pattern lay is extremely popular and has been around since the 17^th century, proving its enduring appeal. Inspired from the composition of herring fish bones, rectangular planks are arranged at a 45-degree angle to create a staggered zig zag effect across the floor. While it looks its best in large rooms where you can see the full effect of the pattern, it is also effective in smaller areas as it gives the allusion of a bigger area.

• A chevron pattern lay is defined by a V-shape where the planks or tiles meet end-to-end rather than side-to-side. This timeless design has been around since the 16^th century, where it was used in French chateaus and palaces. Chevron flooring works well in both small and large rooms as it can be either a bold feature or a minimal design aspect depending on the colour.

• A basket weave pattern lay is another popular choice and works well for both LVT tiles and wood planks. When used in tiles, it can give a striking, modern look; when used in wood flooring, it’s elegant whilst making a statement.

Whatever pattern you’re thinking of for your wood flooring or Luxury Vinyl Tile, Virtuoso Flooring is on hand to help. In our showroom, we stock wood and LVT flooring, vinyl, carpet, carpet tiles and much more. We also have an experienced team of expert floor fitters who can install your new flooring and ensure you get the pattern you want with the highest quality finish.

To view our extensive range of flooring options suitable for residential and commercial customers, visit our showroom on Moorland Road in Bath. You can also contact our team to request an on-site visit from a specialist. Give our team a call now on 01225 972 715.

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Neutral Colours

Neutral colours have long been popular in homes worldwide and will remain popular for the rest of 2022 and into 2023. Neutral colour choices, especially flooring, allow you to easily change other design aspects in your home, such as accessories and wall colour.

Neutral colours also give homes a soft, cosy feel, making them a comfortable and relaxing place to spend time.

Geometric Patters

Geometric patterns have always been popular and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. This trend has been around for thousands of years and is still a popular choice in wallpapers, tiles, flooring, soft furnishings and much more.

Colour Pops

There are many ways to add a splash of colour to your home, and we love the creative ideas we see our customers use. Colour pops are a great way to add interest and depth to your home decor. This could be a brightly coloured feature wall, pops of colour in cushions or other home accessories, using colour in flooring in small rooms such as bathrooms or utility rooms and much more

Herringbone and Chevron Flooring

Herringbone flooring is very popular with our clients, and we don’t expect that to change anytime soon.   However, as consumers are always looking for the next best trend, we have a feeling that chevron might take over. Although the herringbone is extremely popular, we think the chevron will be the next favourite style. It’s a great and unique alternative in homes; it still provides the beautiful zig-zag shape people love, but in a uniform alignment that shows off the colour of each plank, whether in LVT or wood.

The beauty of wood flooring laid in these patterns (or any other way for that matter) is that when looked after correctly, wood flooring can last for decades. This longevity makes it a very sustainable and cost-effective choice for homeowners.

Sustainable Flooring

More people are choosing sustainable home flooring options as they become increasingly aware of their carbon footprint and how their buying choices affect the environment.

Sustainable flooring options such as wood, natural plant-based carpets, rubber, wool, and sisal have become popular recently, and we can’t see their popularity waning anytime soon.

If you’re looking for stylish and trendy flooring for your home to keep up with the current fashion, Virtuoso Flooring is here to help. We have a wide range of carpets, vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, wood flooring and, of course, a range of sustainable flooring options.

Our new showroom can be found on Moorland Road in Bath and is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Alternatively, you can call us on 01225 972 715 or email info@virtuosoflooring.co.uk, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Here are some sustainable flooring options we offer to keep our impact on the environment around us as low as possible.

Sustainable Wood Flooring

At Virtuoso Flooring, we’re proud to offer a wide range of sustainable flooring options that look amazing in homes or businesses and are hard-wearing and long-lasting. Wood is one of the most sustainable flooring options; it is natural, biodegradable, hygienic, and anti-allergenic.

As well as all of this, wood also has brilliant thermal properties, helping to keep your home warm or cool depending on the season, and it also offers acoustic insulation. These insulating properties make it the perfect choice for any home and many business settings.

Virtuoso Flooring is proud to stock the most extensive selection of solid and engineered wood flooring in Bath. We stock flooring from highly regarded brands such as Ted Todd, Boen and Woodpecker Flooring. These brands create some of the best and most chic wooden floorings, and they also share our commitment to sustainability.

Other Sustainable Flooring Solutions

We also have a range of other sustainable flooring solutions, including natural and renewable materials such as wool, sisal (other natural plant-based carpets), and rubber. There’s something within our range to suit any home or place of business.

Sustainable Econyl

On some projects, the use of natural materials simply isn’t suitable, and, in these cases, we recommend using Econyl. Econyl is a nylon that is 100% recycled using materials such as old fishing nets and fabric scraps regenerated into new products such as soft, comfortable carpets.

This new generation of yarn can be further recycled, recreated, and remoulded countless times to create new products without the waste and excess from using new resources.

Recycling Scheme

We are delighted to be members of the vinyl take-back scheme, Recofloor. This scheme is a collection and recycling scheme for commercial waste vinyl that provides an eco-friendly and cost-effective method of waste disposal from founders Polyflor and Altro. The collected vinyl is remoulded back into new flooring to minimise waste as much as possible.

We Work with Trusted Suppliers Who Care About Sustainability

We choose to build relationships and work with trusted suppliers who share our passion for the environment and for reducing their carbon footprint. We work with companies who invest time and resources into figuring out how they can reduce their overall waste.

If you’d like to learn more about our range of sustainable flooring options, why not visit our brand-new showroom? You’ll find us located at 10 Moorland Road in Bath. Alternatively, you can call us on 01225 972 715 or email info@virtuosoflooring.co.uk, and someone will reply to your enquiry as soon as possible.

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“The global standard for products that are safe, circular and responsibly made. Cradle to Cradle has been assessing the safety, circularity and responsibility of materials and products across five categories of sustainability performance – material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship and social fairness” [source].

For products or materials to become certified under the Cradle to Cradle Product Standard or to receive a Material Health Certificate, an independent assessment body works with businesses to ensure their item meets the rigorous standards. They must be within the scope of certification, not use any banned chemicals, meet eligibility requirements and much more. Accredited bodies assess products and materials, and data and documentation must be created and submitted. Once certified, the product will be re-tested every two years to ensure it still meets all the criteria.

One of the C2C certified products we supply and install is Econyl. Econyl is 100% regenerated nylon from fishing nets and other fabric scraps. The manufacturer transforms these materials into beautiful carpets that can be recycled, recreated, and remoulded, creating new products from old resources.

As part of our commitment to the environment and reducing our impact, we choose to work with suppliers who share our ethos and passion for reducing our carbon footprint. We work hard to ensure all suppliers we work with invest time and resources into reducing waste and ensuring their products are as environmentally friendly as possible.

In addition to this, we also try to recycle old flooring as much as we can, and that’s why we are proud to be members of Recofloor, founded by Polyflor and Altro. Recofloor is a recycling scheme specifically for commercial waste vinyl. It allows old commercial waste vinyl to be recycled and transformed into brand new flooring, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills and the obvious burden this has on the environment.

We also like to work with the best British brands, such as Cormar Carpets, Abingdon, Woodpecker, Ted Todd, Brockway and Furlong. Working with British brands means products don’t have to travel too far to get to us, therefore reducing this aspect of our environmental impact.

If you’re looking for Cradle to Cradle sustainable flooring in Bath, our flooring experts are here to help. Our team can offer impartial advice on eco-friendly flooring solutions for residential and commercial customers. We work with only the best suppliers who have high-quality flooring built to last and which have as little negative impact on the environment as possible.

Why not pop into our showroom on Moorland Road today? We’re open from Monday to Friday between 9 am, and 5:30 pm and from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday. Alternatively, you can give our team a call on 01225 972 715.

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What is Safety Flooring?

Specifically engineered to help reduce the risk of injuries and keep everyone safe in bustling environments, safety flooring is often referred to as anti-slip flooring. While this attribute is true, it tends to offer so much more than just a heightened abrasive surface. Safety flooring is a highly resilient and stain-resistant solution for businesses where spills and contamination are commonplace. It is there as a hardwearing and practical option, fitting in with both budget and safety requirements alongside the legal restrictions put in place in certain settings. In short, safety flooring is a heavy-duty solution for the toughest of environments.

Where is it used?

There are many commercial environments where safety flooring comes into play.

Hospitals

The risk of spillages of bodily fluids, medicines and other potentially harmful liquids is high in hospital environments. From inside operating theatres through to the wards, there is a need for a floor to provide the stability and safety needed to treat patients safely. Antibacterial floors reduce the risk of cross-contamination while an impervious surface prevents liquids and other harmful substances from ingraining themselves within the walkways. It is also important that nurses, Drs and other healthcare professionals can move around this bustling environment safely with secure and non-slip grounds for them to walk in.

Supermarkets

How many times have you been in a supermarket and either dropped or seen someone drop a product? While many supermarkets deal with these spills quickly and efficiently, safety flooring is designed to offer a buffer and reduce the risk of hazards further. It also offers that impervious layer we mentioned above, reducing the risk of stains and marks if food products do come into contact with the floor. And, safety flooring in these environments allows trolleys, pushchairs and wheelchairs to be easily manoeuvred without an increased risk of slipping.

Commercial Kitchens

Another environment where spills and pools of liquid are common is within commercial kitchens. From cooking oils through to washing up liquids and spills of food, the risk of slips, trips and falls here is high. Safety flooring provides a clean, safe and reliable solution to help those within the catering industry meet the needs of their guests with more ease. Again, the impervious surface prevents staining while the heightened durability of safety flooring also minimises the risk of damage due to impact – for example, if a knife or heavy cooking pan was accidentally dropped.

Leisure Clubs/Swimming Pools

Walking to and from a swimming pool, stepping out of a shower or even moving around after an intense workout session. All of these activities carry with them a heightened risk of slips and trips. Any moisture on the ground, specifically if the water is found on both the ground and the feet of those walking by, can inhibit stability and reduce contact. In swimming pools specifically, the risk of slipping by young children who are running or playing is increased. And the potential impact of these falls can be significant. Safety flooring offers an anti-slip solution that still works when wet and doesn’t encourage the growth of mould, mildew or other moisture-related organisms.

What are the Main Properties?

The range of safety flooring available on the market is vast. There is a solution to suit every commercial environment, specifically tailored to offer the exact features needed. At Virtuoso Flooring, our selection has been tested to meet the most stringent criteria with a host of technical specs and features to choose from. The main properties you will find with safety flooring include:

• High slip resistance throughout the lifespan of the flooring, even when wet.
• High resilience against foot traffic and impact.
• Good stain resistance over time.
• Reliable antibacterial surface to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
• An impervious finish to minimise absorption, staining or further damage.

Many of our options are also fitted with capping and coves to the wall. This acts as a barrier against moisture and dirt penetration, further extending the lifespan of the floor and reducing the build-up of unwanted contaminants over time.

Selecting the Right Safety Flooring?

Safety flooring doesn’t just fall into a single category. There are a host of choices out there and it’s important that you choose the right one. There is also a financial implication that comes with choosing these specialist floor options. And, while they are unavoidable for many businesses, some of the other commercial flooring styles such as resilient flooring or carpet tiles may better fit your needs. Ask yourself questions such as:

• How frequently do we experience spills in the workplace?
• Is there an increased risk of viral or bacterial contamination in our environment?
• Have we logged a high number of slips, trips or falls in the past year?
• What measures do we have in place already to prevent accidents due to slips, trips and falls?

Gaining a good understanding of what you’re looking for from your new flooring option is the best way to begin working your way through the range of options. Here at Virtuoso Flooring, we have over 20 years of experience in supporting commercial businesses when choosing the right safety flooring. Our Bath-based team also has the capacity to visit your workplace to understand your project with a selection of samples that you can view, touch and experience before making the final choice.

If you’re interested in learning more about safety flooring or would like to speak to one of our commercial floor installers today, you can request a callback or contact us directly via our website today.

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Choosing The Best Flooring For Your Rental Property

Before you delve into the carpet shops, you need to establish the right type of flooring for your property. This will depend on several factors – although one of the most important is certainly cost. You also need to take into account:

• The style and type of property
• The total size/floor space of the property
• Who you expect your tenants to be – young families, students, single tenants, etc.

For example, if you’re renting a large period home, you’ll likely want to ensure the flooring stays in keeping with the surrounding architecture. Equally, if you expect to have small children running around the halls of a two-up, two-down detached home, you may want to consider carpet to prevent injury. All of these considerations will help drive you towards the best type of flooring to choose. Here at Virtuoso Flooring, we have a large number of landlord clients who regularly ask us to source high-quality, durable and cost-effective carpets. So, let’s take a look at some of the benefits below.

Benefits Of Carpet In Rented Accommodations

At first glance, carpet may not feel like the most suitable option. After all, with all those fibres, there is an increased need for maintenance and a higher risk of stains if this isn’t followed. However, it is actually one of the most popular and versatile choices available. Carpet can:

• Make a property feel cosy and homely
• Help to withhold heat, reducing the household bills for your tenants
• Reduce noise – especially important

Carpets can help a house feel like a home. It can encourage viewers to sign on the dotted line and help them envision a family space where their kids can grow.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Carpet

There are certain factors you should take into consideration when choosing carpet for your property. Firstly, most landlords understand that the likelihood of a tenant caring for the property as if it were their own is slim. You need to invest in hardwearing, durable and long-lasting options that can withstand rough foot traffic. Consider whether or not you would expect a family with young children to make sure dirty boots are taken off before they enter the property. Or, whether a ‘no shoes upstairs’ rule is necessarily going to be mandatory.

Many landlords opt for carpet in certain rooms – such as bedrooms and living rooms. This helps these relaxing spaces to feel homely without risking excessive damage. On top of location, you should:

• Choose a carpet with low-pile to help with easy cleaning
• Opt for synthetic fibres (such as nylon or polypropylene). These have high stain resistance and durability against traffic and heavy furniture
• A dense carpet will be more durable. Take this into consideration
• Consider comfort – especially in the bedroom
• Opt for durable base material – one manufactured from fibre will hold up the longest while foam bases are more comfortable
• Consider the colour – grey is always a popular and versatile choice while neutral tones allow tenants to put their twist on the property

Best Carpet Options For Rental-Properties

Once you have decided that carpet is the best choice for rooms within your property, here is our suggestion of the best carpet options on the market.

Polypropylene Carpets

High resistance to stains and exceptional durability are just two of the reasons we recommend polypropylene carpets. They are very easy to clean and hold onto their colour well. On top of this, you’ll generally find that they are very cost-effective and offer good value for money – even if you’re carpeting a larger area.

Loop Pile Carpets

These durable carpets have a twisted yard design that creates an even pile surface. If you opt for a low and densely woven loop, you’ll have a carpet that is hard wearing and durable. They are perfect for rooms with high foot traffic, such as landings and hallways, or in homes that allow pets.

High-Density Carpets

Calculated by combining the number of fibres woven in a single area and the weight of each one, denser carpets are more durable. You can get high pile, dense carpets that feel more comfortable underfoot, but they don’t tend to offer the longevity that lower-pile styles do. You want something that will look great through numerous tenants – otherwise, you’ll end up spending more to replace it regularly.

How Can Virtuoso Flooring Help?

With over 20 years of experience in our industry, Virtuoso Flooring has long been providing low-cost and durable carpet options to landlords. From residential through to commercial properties, we offer a wide variety of colours, designs and styles. With our team of specialists, we’re able to match your needs with the right carpet – in terms of colour, durability and stain resistance.

Carpet is such a versatile flooring option that helps bring warmth into a property, protects the flooring underneath and reduces noise pollution for neighbours too. With our help, we’ll find you the best floor that ticks every single box, whether you’re dressing a flat in Longwell Green or a 3-bedroom family home in Peasedown St. John. For more information, book an appointment with us today. Or get in contact with your local Virtuoso Flooring carpet fitter who can schedule a visit to your location for a consultation that includes quotations and our expert advice too. You can also request a callback or contact us on 01225972715.

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Living Room-Specific Demands For Flooring

We’ve mentioned above that the living room is one of the most highly frequented rooms in the house. For many, it is the natural gravitation point and a space of calm. Therefore, you need to account for high foot traffic. The floor you choose needs to be durable and hardwearing, capable of being used countless times in a day without damage. Living rooms are also used by all members of the family. Small toys, animal claws and even the daily crafting session all need to be taken into account. You want a floor that can withstand these sorts of impacts and still come out the other end looking flawless.

And, let’s not forget about comfort. In the evenings, the living room is where you resign to watch the next episode in your favourite soap or the latest film release. It may even be your favourite reading spot. Therefore, you want a floor that feels cosy and one that helps you to switch off from the day’s activities.

How To Choose The Right Living Room Flooring?

Floor is a big decision for any household. Not only financially but also in terms of look. Some homeowners love the adventure of redecorating their space with running trends and finding unique ways to dress each room. Others opt for classic tones, choosing instead to redecorate once and love it for many years. The style of floor you choose will vary depending on preference. But it pays to think about how long-lasting and durable your chosen floor needs to be. Consider:

• Maintenance: As one of the busiest rooms in the house, you want a floor that is easy to maintain. If you have to wash it and leave it to dry for hours on end, you’ll find this space being used less and less. Also think about the type of products you want to use and how much time, per week, cleaning the living room needs to take up.
• Comfort: We mentioned it above and we’ll mention it again. Your living room should be cosy. It should be a place you can’t wait to kick off your shoes and settle down into. Therefore how cosy does the floor feel underfoot? Do you want to consider investing in underfloor heating to keep the temperature stable?
• Budget: All large-scale household decisions should be made with a budget in mind. There is no end to the options available, however, knowing how much you want to spend will help to narrow it down. Be mindful that a small budget doesn’t mean you have to go low quality – the right research and support will help you find the perfect choice without fail.

Types of Living Room Flooring

So, what are the best types of floor for living rooms?

Carpet

If we’re talking cosy, you have to consider carpet. With a wide range of luxury and cost-effective options available out there, the right carpet is heaven to your feet. The material brings warmth to a room, removing any echo and making a space feel more inviting instantly. If you choose the right type, maintenance will simply involve weekly hoovering and monthly washing. Make sure to consider the heavy foot traffic in these environments when choosing your style – thinner options are more likely to get worn down. Thicker choices will feel more supportive underfoot but may also hold on to dirt and stains more firmly.

LVT

LVT or luxury vinyl tiles are one of those floor options that are perfect for nearly every room – especially living rooms. They are hard wearing – perfect for high foot traffic. The range of styles allows you to play with tile, wood or coloured styles without worrying about the impact that spilt drinks or high temperatures may play. LVT flooring requires minimal maintenance – just a simple wipe and clean every week will suffice. And, they are incredibly long-lasting. If you’re worried about warmth, consider pairing them with underfloor heating.

Real wood

If you’re looking for true opulence, there’s no other option like real wood. Giving you a host of choices, style-wise and natural warmth, you can see why these are an ideal option. Being an elastic material, wood feels great to walk on and has very good durability to deal with high foot traffic. For added warmth, consider adding in rugs and additional soft furnishings for that feeling of comfort and luxury underfoot during colder nights.

Finding The Right Living Room Flooring For You

Living room flooring is just as unique as you and your family. It’s important to do your research, understanding all of the options available within your budget and choosing one that’s going to last. Here at Virtuoso Flooring, we have a team of specialists with over 20 years of experience helping homeowners do just that. Whether you’re looking for a realistic LVT floor, a thick and luxurious carpet or a stylish wood floor to transform your space, we’re here to help. If you’re looking to remodel your living room and need more assistance, please do get in contact with our team here today.

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Kitchen-Specific Demands for Flooring

Every room in your home will serve a different person and be the home of various activities. The flooring you choose needs to support this and withstand daily use. The kitchen is no exception – in fact, it may be one of the most challenging environments in a home. Not only do you cook meals for your loved ones, which raises the internal temperature and creates grease /food-related splashes. Kitchens are also a place with high moisture content, from the washing-up, dishwashers and kettles. Temperature fluctuations can impact certain materials, such as wood, causing it to expand and contract. In the same belt, too much moisture can cause swelling in materials that don’t have good water resistance.

Additionally, kitchens are busy places. You’ll likely spend a significant portion of your time at home frequenting the kitchen. This means the flooring you choose needs to withstand high foot traffic. And, it needs to do this without becoming damaged easily or requiring excessive repairs.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Flooring?

At Virtuoso Flooring, we believe that flooring should be a personal choice for every household. While sticking to a budget may take priority for some, others may be looking to invest in something unique to match their statement interior design. However, there should always be a consideration for practicality. Think about:

• Maintenance – Expect spills, sprays and mess in your kitchen – even if you’re the most careful chef. How much time do you want to spend scrubbing marks from your floor? Do you have the time or money to invest in tailored cleaning products or do you want marks to lift with just the swipe of a wet cloth?
• Safety – If your new kitchen floor gets wet, how slippery will it become? Is this a particular hazard because of family members, such as the elderly or small children?
• Disruption – Having flooring laid will always cause some disruption to your daily life. However, some floors require more time to dry or set. How much time can you realistically set aside for this project before it becomes an inconvenience?
• Price – There are flooring options for every single budget. Do you have a clear understanding of your top-end budget or the exact amount you would like to spend? The right flooring supplier will be able to find the best option without asking you to spend more.
• Longevity – If you’re investing in flooring, you want it to last. Consider how hard-wearing and durable your chosen floor will be to ensure you only need to invest once.

Types of Kitchen Flooring

Let’s take a look at the different types of kitchen flooring available on the market today.

Laminate

Known for its exceptional strength, laminate flooring is a popular choice for kitchens. It provides a host of benefits, including stain resistance and scratch resistance. When paired with an underlay, laminate flooring offers good waterproof properties meaning it won’t damage if splashed during a vigorous washing up session. If you choose a soundproofing underlay, your new kitchen flooring will also help keep the rest of the home quiet and relaxing. The material’s durability can easily withstand heavy foot traffic and it comes in a diverse selection of colours and styles. You can choose to add pops of colour or create a wood-like effect without the price tag.

LVT

LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tiles are ideal for kitchen environments. As a new generation of vinyl flooring, it is manufactured from multiple sheets which give it heightened strength and durability. The materials used mean it has exceptional moisture resistance – again making it ideal for demanding kitchen environments. It is also less susceptible to damage caused by impacts, such as dropping a knife or plate. For longevity, LVT has good stain resistance and requires minimal cleaning to keep it looking its best. And, if you’re someone who ventures into the kitchen for your morning coffee, it has a cushioning feel underfoot that makes the experience more enjoyable all-round.

Wooden Flooring

While it may seem like an unusual choice, engineered wood is actually a practical option for kitchens. We’ve written a blog post about this topic here. Due to its construction, engineered wood isn’t as susceptible to temperature fluctuations or moisture. Therefore you reduce the risk of warping or damage throughout the seasons while gaining that luxury wooden look in the process. With so many options out there in terms of grain, varnish and finish, wooden flooring in kitchens is an investment that’s worth making. And, it’s worth considering that wooden flooring can increase your home value too, making it a worthwhile choice.

Tiles

Another big investment choice and popular option for kitchens is tile flooring. These hardwearing, water-resistant and easily maintained work perfectly in these challenging environments. However, they do come with a high price tag. Additionally, tiles become very cold unless you use an underfloor heating system and they are a hard slip hazard that may not be entirely suitable for young children.

Finding the Right Kitchen Flooring for You

As we mentioned above, kitchen flooring should tick the boxes for both style and practicality all in one. When choosing the right option for you, it pays to work with an experienced and professional team. Here at Virtuoso Flooring, we have over 20 years of experience having worked with homeowners in Bristol and Bath. Our flooring solutions spread across a diverse range of choices, from laminate and LVT right through to stylish wood flooring. If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please do get in contact with us here today.

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This is why, today, we’ve pulled together our Wooden Floors Guide with everything you need to know about choosing the right wood floor for your building.

Why Choose Wooden Flooring?

As we mentioned above, wooden flooring has always been a popular option within our range. This is largely due to the host of benefits it offers, including:

• Durability – Wood floors are the ideal option for everyday use. They are very hard-wearing and can withstand repeated impact in high-traffic environments.
• Warm – Being a natural material, wooden floors have a warmth to them that artificial alternatives don’t. This means they’re enjoyable to walk on all year on.
• Easy to Maintain – Wood floors just need to be swept or hoovered to keep them looking their best. We recommend that spills are cleaned as quickly as possible.
• Hypoallergenic – Wood is a natural hypoallergenic. It doesn’t hold on to parasites or dust in the same way as carpet does, making it ideal for those with allergies such as asthma.
• A Good Investment – Wooden floors can boost the value of your property – especially if you invest in high-quality, solid wood options. This means it’s easier to sell or rent your home with them as a feature.

When it comes to wooden floors, there are two main options – solid wood and engineered wood. Let’s take a look at the differences between them now.

Solid Wood vs Engineered Wood

The main difference between solid and engineered wood floors is the construction. However, there are other reasons why one may be a more suitable option for you.

Solid Wood Flooring

As the name suggests, solid wood floors are made of solid wood. This has been cut directly from the tree and made into a plank. They are made using a variety of different wood types and finishes. To add your own style, these planks can be finished with varnish or paints. During installation, solid wood planks need to be secured directly to the subfloor. It cannot be floated over an underlay as other wood options can. Because it requires good-quality and solid wood to create each plank, this type of floor is more expensive than engineered. It is thought to be more luxurious and add more value to your home.

Advantages of Solid Wood Flooring

• Luxurious finish.
• Hardwearing and durable.
• Long-life expectancy.
• Can be sanded and refinished several times.
• Available in a variety of lengths and widths.
• The traditional tongue and groove fitting system is well-established.
• Comes in unfinished or prefinished.

Disadvantages of Solid Wood Flooring

• Expensive to buy and install.
• Impacted by humidity and fluctuations in temperature.
• Can be damaged by wood-thriving insects.
• Not suited for moisture-rich rooms.
• Can be scratched by unprotected furniture and high heels.
• Planks can creak or click with wear-and-tear.

Engineered Wood Flooring

In contrast, engineered flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood placed on top of each other. The most durable layer (the top one) is also known as the wear layer. It is this layer that dictates how your floor looks and what wood you choose to display. Engineered flooring can be stronger and more stable than solid wood because of these multiple layers. Again, you can finish the surface with different oils, lacquers, and finishes.

Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

• Generally more cost-effective than solid wood.
• Looks very similar to solid wood.
• Less impacted by temperature and humidity.
• Very stable when installed.
• Can be fixed to the subfloor, if needed.
• Two types of installation available.
• The top layer can be sanded and refinished, as needed.

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

• Low-cost options may have more weaknesses to them.
• Can only be lightly sanded once or twice because of the thin upper layer.

Best Rooms for Wooden Flooring

Wood flooring is favoured for its versatility. Other than moisture-rich environments, such as bathrooms or kitchens, it can be used in nearly every room in the house. The durability makes it ideal for hallways and living areas where foot traffic is expected to be high. Equally, wood’s ability to hold on to heat makes it comfortable and stylish enough for bedrooms and offices too. There are such a wide variety of wood finishes and colours available, you can stick with your original decor style while benefiting from the host of options above.

Different Wooden Flooring Finishes

If you’re nearly sold on a wooden floor, don’t forget about the range of finishes available. There are always new colours and oils emerging onto the market, allowing you to add your own unique twist. Some of the most popular finishes include:

• Polyurethane – A clear finish that dries quickly.
• Oil-based Polyurethane – Very durable finish that is suited to high-traffic and commercial areas.
• Moisture-Cure Urethane – Very, very hard wearing and dries to a high shine.
• Wax – low-sheen finish but take quite a while to apply.
• Shellac – Natural and sustainable option.
• Oil Sealer – Allows the grain to show through but isn’t very durable.
• Acid-Cured Finish – Best suited to elaborately patterned floors, such as parquet designs.
• Aluminium Oxide – Hardest and most long-lasting finish.

Wooden Flooring at Virtuoso Flooring

Here at Virtuoso Flooring, we are constantly singing praises for wood flooring. Being biodegradable, hygienic, anti-allergenic, and naturally thermal, this stylish floor option suits the needs of many different clients. We work with the best suppliers to bring you high-quality wood flooring in Bristol, Bath, and across the UK. We also have a team of parquet flooring fitters who have experience in this specialist field and we have also supplied hard-wearing options to commercial environments too.

If you are interested in having a wooden floor installed in your residential or commercial property, get in contact with our flooring consultation team here today.

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