Pay Careful Attention to all Details

Solid oak flooring gives a warmness and even cosy feeling wherever it is installed.  In comparison with tiled floors, wooden floors somehow create a different atmosphere, perhaps one which isn’t easily defined however it does give a different impression.  In specific rooms of course tiled floors may perform better, for instance bathrooms and shower rooms.  Possibly a kitchen would fit into a similar category.  However, apart from the above, oak flooring is better although that may depend upon individual opinion.

In a commercial setting of say, a wine bar, then a wood floor is beautiful.  A solid oak floor is made from single boards which have cut from one piece of wood.  They are not bonded onto other materials.  The solid oak board can be supplied either as “unfinished” which means that, apart from cutting and sanding it is exactly as sawn from the tree.  When it has been laid it will require a small amount of hand sanding and then a finish – varnish, stain etc – will need to be applied immediately, as previously chosen by the client.  An unfinished board is cheaper than the prefinished floorboards however the additional work required after installation may negate that lower price.  Another disadvantage is that the floor can’t be used until it has been finished.  The advantage though, is that the oak floor can be finished to almost any colour requested by the client.  

Those clients choosing a prefinished board will, after installation, be able to walk on the floor almost straightaway.  There is a wide choice of treatments, oils and varnishes which the client will have decided on during the ordering process some time earlier.  The most important thing to remember is to have an oak floor installed by an expert as the appearance can be completely spoilt by a shoddy amateurish job.  Additionally any warranties may be invalid and as solid oak floorboards may have upwards of a ten year guarantee this could well be an expensive error.

The choice of an oak floor in any restaurant or informal bar is ideal.  It is particularly hard wearing and easy to maintain.  Each day, or even several times each day any crumbs can be brushed away enabling any drinking or dining area to always appear clean and tidy.    Every decision which needs to be made before the opening of any new business, or for those businesses which are being refurbished needs careful consideration.  Any mistake which is made early in the building process may escalate and by the time that error has been noticed it may be too late to rectify it. Take great care with the planning and the end result will give years of pleasure.