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 Wood Floors
Wood floors can be split into two kinds, both of which can be termed solid
wood.
Engineered, this consists of multiple layers of wood, each layer has
the grain at right angles to the one above and below. This makes the
floor stable and can then be floated, or glued down, over most other types
of floor including solid. However when fitting over concrete floors the
floor must be dry and have a damp proof membrane fitted.
Surface finishes can again be broken into two types.
- Lacquer (some times called seal) this is a clear finish, similar to
varnish, that is absorbed into the top of the floor and gives a very hard
wearing surface. It generally does not need a lot of maintenance, just an
occasional wipe with a refresher, and an application of a emulsion polish
will make it last for many years. However at some point in the future it
will need to be sanded of and the lacquer reapplied. The time for this
operation obviously varies on the type of lacquer used and the wear on the
floor. Areas like bedrooms may never need this doing, hallways may need it
after 10 years.
- Oil or wax finish this is generally clear but tends to bring the colour of
the wood out better than lacquer. Oil and wax are absorbed into the wood
more and will need a regular application of maintenance product in the areas
of wear. As you can treat the floor on an ongoing basis you may not have
to resand the floor. Oil and wax are softer looking than lacquer and give
the wood a more natural look. Oil or wax is more suited to a floor with an
aged look or bevel edges as with you not having to resand the floor to
reapply the floor protection, it will keep these features and will indeed be
added to over the years.
for more information please click the links on the left.
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J. T.
Shakespeare & Co. Ltd. 
