The Different Types Of Flooring Surfaces

There are so many reasons why wood flooring is so popular today. It is long-lasting, easy to clean, hygienic, offers good resale value and last but not least – it brings a certain atmosphere and sense of style in our home. On top of all of this wood, as a flooring material provides the customer with a choice. A choice when it comes to wood species, grades, types of flooring and most importantly the option to shape our floor into whatever we want. Change its surface, enhance its textures, stain it however we like and completely transform it.

There are many different flooring surfaces and techniques for their creation which can help us achieve the exact look we want. In this article, we are going to take a look at those surfaces and eventually help you out in making the best choice for you.

Brushed wood flooring

This style is about using a wire brush to remove any growths from the floor’s surface to bring out the wood’s natural beauty. The method is usually combined with the application of oil because this type of finish enhances the desired natural look even more. Oils can seep into the wood itself and protect it from the inside but re-oiling has to be performed relatively often.

Distressed flooring

In a time when every floor is perfectly sanded and flat, distressed flooring goes the opposite way by exposing artificially worn and aged surface which gives the impression that the floor has been crafted with individual care. Truth is, that the distressed look is achieved by a machine and if you are observant enough you can even spot the patterns left by it. Hand-scraped floors are more popular now because it is considered that those repeating patterns ruin the “natural” feeling.

Hand-Scraped Flooring

There is this expression "Everything new is well-forgotten old." Hand scraping is an old technique turned into a modern trend and the only real difference from distressed flooring is the fact there is no machine involvement. As the name implies, the ageing has to be done by hand and this is reflected in the higher costs. Hand-scraped flooring also comes with some practical benefits like extended durability and lower maintenance needs. Any marks, dents or scratches are hardly noticeable on such a floor, even in high traffic areas and cleaning such a hard surface will require minimal effort.

Reclaimed floors 

Reclaimed wood is a highly sought after flooring option because it offers great benefits which cannot be found on any other type of wood flooring. It involves the recovery of reclaimed timber from old buildings and reusing it for modern projects. Because of this, reclaimed wood already has its character and history, a certain kind of uniqueness. It is an eco-friendly solution which on top of everything else is more durable than any modern hardwoods of the same type. Some dislike the non-uniform appearance but the quality and toughness of such floors are beyond question. Reclaimed wood’s only real downside is the price but if you want something truly special you must be prepared to spend more money on it

Stained floors 

The variety of colour choices on the market today is overwhelming. You have the opportunity to find pretty much any shade you want. The staining process involves a lot of work and the arguably hardest part of it is the colour matching. If you want to go for a specific tint of a certain colour, you will probably need the help of a professional. Getting just the right shade is almost an art of its own because different wood species react to stains in their own, unique way. On the good side of things, staining and refinishing is an excellent way to restore the look of an already worn floor and it’s your best option if you want to restore its original beauty.

Painted Floors 

It is an alternative to staining but not as common. One of the biggest cons lies in the fact that a painted floor will never be as durable as a stain or finish. It also chips and cracks over time while the resale value goes down because not every new owner will enjoy the look.

If you, however, do not plan to sell your property and more importantly - if you feel an artistic urge to express yourself, this is a great way to do it! The floor is like a canvas and if there is a way to make it truly unique and unmatched by anything else this is it!

Fumed (smoked) flooring 

To get the darker look, the floor is treated with ammonia fumes for extended periods until a dusky shade, ranging from rich brown to nearly black, is achieved. The longer the exposure, the darker the colour. This style is particularly effective in modern settings with the right design choices.