9-point crash course on wooden flooring

1. What’s the difference? Wooden flooring is available in different categories: Laminated, Solid Wood, Engineered Wood, Bamboo Wood and Deck Flooring.

2. How is it made? High Density Fibre (HDF) and Medium Density Fibre (MDF) are often used in the manufacture of laminated flooring. In this, fine paper, bearing the wood-print, is pasted on to either HDF or MDF and laminated. The topmost transparent layer of a laminated floor is called the wear layer. After this, comes the layer of decorative paper. And then, there’s either HDF or MDF. Over and above this, there may be an added layer for durability. Engineered wood features a top layer of veneer, which is 3.5 mm thick. The next two layers are made of wood, such as pine wood. The total thickness of these three layers is about 14 mm. On the other hand, solid wood requires no lamination, and can be directly used as a flooring material.

The topmost layer of a laminated wooden floor, is the wear layer – which is subjected to foot traffic and maintenance procedures. You can clean such floors with a wet mop that has been wrunf as dry as possible.

3. Do I have a choice of colours? Solid wood is available in different shades: American Walnut, Oak, Natural wood, etc. Bamboo wood is available in natural (light) and carbonated (dark) hues. Laminated flooring is available is a variety of shades that resemble wood.

4. How is it installed? Faux or true wood floors are neither stuck nor nailed to the existing floor. The room is first lined with polythene so that no seepage occurs from underneath. This is then followed by polyurethane as double protection and for cushioning. No matter what kind of wood, the planks are interlocked using the tongue-and-groove technique. The planks are locked with each other starting from one corner of the room such that they stay in place firmly. This way, the flooring doesn’t loosen up or warp. Interlocking also means that the material can be simply disassembled and moved, if needed. The edges are left vacant for skirting/profiles. For instance, the area near a door will be fixed with a door profile for correct finishing and fitting.

5. What are the sizes? Engineered wood is usually available in 1200 mm x 125 mm x 14 mm; bamboo in 960 mm x 96 mm x 15 mm; and solid wood in 910 mm x 120 mm x 18 mm.

6. Can these floors be polished? Since it is natural homogenous material, solid wood can be repeatedly polished. This isn’t the case with a laminated product: once ruined, you have no choice but to replace it. Plus, laminated planks should never be polished. However, if you maintain it well, laminated flooring can last for 10 to 15 years.

While installing laminate/engineered flooring, the room is first lined with polythene to prevent seepage from underneath, followed by polyurethane as double protection and for cushioning. The planks are interlocked using the tongue-and-groove technique.

7. How do I maintain these floors? To maintain these floorings, keep in mind that excessive water is their enemy. Any kind of spill needs to be mopped quickly. You can clean such floors with a wet mop that has been wrung as dry as possible. Plus, these flooring materials should not be fixed in places with direct sunlight as the colours might bleach out. Also, never drag any furniture on the wood as this will leave scratch marks.

8. Where can I use wooden/laminate flooring? As deck flooring is waterproof, it should be used in places that are exposed to the elements. Unlike tiles, a wooden floor tends to be warm, which makes it great for cold regions. Apart from giving a luxury and natural look, the wooden floors are slip-resistant. Wooden floors can be used anywhere in a home except in places with high moisture/water presence.

9. What’s the cost? The range for wooden flooring varies from 100-200 INR per square foot for the laminated variety to 250-700 INR per square foot for the others.