or 01379 652613 | Contact us
Online shop
My source
All about wood floors

Wood ern Flooring Blog

Archive for the ‘Walnut Wood Flooring’ Category

Cooking with Wood…

Wood in your kitchen:

When it comes to choosing a material for your new kitchen floor, more and more people are choosing to go this way forward. There are two types of wood flooring and one of which is very suitable for the kitchen or in general for any area that may experience damp or wet conditions.

The traditional type of wood flooring is called solid wood flooring and as the name suggests, the floor is made from complete solid wood. The alternative is a type of wood floor called engineered wood floor that looks precisely like solid wood, but uses MDF, Plywood and Softwood in addition to real wood. This alternative wood floor is suitable for the kitchen, as its construction can be made waterproof using the right coating. The floor can transform the look and feel of a room. The kitchen is a very important room in everyone’s house, and is often a key selling point. This is why it’s so important that your kitchen floor creates a good impression.

If your floor is old and worn, then it’s time to start considering renovation. Flooring is a very important aspect in a kitchen, and can be extremely costly to replace. If the existing flooring is in good repair, you might be able to restore it instead of installing new flooring. For instance, if your floor is wooden, floor sanding might be the simple and cost effective answer.


The huge number of choices and options available can be confusing and difficult to understand but our knowledge and experience can help you achieve the result you have in mind. Engineered wood flooring does not react to temperature changes or to humidity conditions as solid wood does. Each floorboard is made from three or four layers of syntactic material that are glued together and placed below a layer of real wood, commonly Oak or Walnut. The result is a wood floor that is not only attractive in its design, but also better suited for the kitchen.

Each floorboard is covered in a layer of transparent coating that acts to provide the floor with basic protection from foot traffic, wear and tear. In the kitchen area, a special layer is applied to make the floor waterproof by sealing it. This layer of coating is called lacquered and unlike other coatings such as oil that goes into the wood, lacquered will always sit on top thereby protecting the floor. From time to time you will need to top up the coating, a process that takes just a few minutes.


If you are thinking of kitchen design, wood flooring could be a flexible and stylish choice. Simply fit engineered wood flooring with the right coating and you will enjoy the new design for many many years. If you have ny quieries about your flooring for kitchens, please feel free to cinatct us on 0845 021781


What’s Under Your Carpet…..

Parquet Flooring


For your own home, parquet floors are hard wearing, smooth and easy to clean. Parquet floors have always been known for their longevity as they can often be found under old carpets – once re-finished the parquet floors look as good as new. Parquet floors really do last a lifetime.

Parquet flooring has come a long way in the last 5 years.  Homes are once again embracing parquet floors by either ripping up the old carpets covering original parquet and restoring the floor or fitting new parquet floor in their homes.

Parquetry and Marquetry are often mistaken for each other.  Parquetry is the use of flooring, possibly oak flooring which is entirely geometrical and angular such as squares, rectangles, triangles etc.  Marquetry is the name referred to curved patterns ie. flower shapes and natural shapes.  Marquetry is a very specialised profession which takes a great deal of time to ensure the correct precision of the finished piece.

Parquet has been used regularly in the past for creating patterns on furniture and for flooring.  Marquetry in flooring is also used to create centre pieces and are often found in grand houses in the entrance halls. Solid parquet has long been the traditional floor.

Any queries regarding your flooring, please feel free to contact us on 08456 021781


Create a Sultry Look with Dark Wood Flooring….

Dark wood in your rooms…

A home which looks sultry is generally a home which looks incredibly stylish, and there are now many great ways in which this look can be achieved.Although there are lots of smaller décor items which can contribute to a sultry look, it’s often larger areas of décor which are most effective at creating this look and ambience – with flooring being one such area.

However sultry the rest of décor may look, if floors are covered with brightly coloured or patterned carpets, the combination isn’t likely to be an overly sultry one. Flooring doesn’t come much more sultry that dark wooden flooring- with dark oak styles proving extremely popular at the moment. Oak flooring has been firm floor favourite for a number of centuries now, with darker styles renowned for offering timeless, sultry style.

Since its humble beginnings, dark oak flooring has evolved massively, and there are now dark oak flooring options available in a great choice of different shades. One of the numerous bonuses of dark oak flooring is that it can complement the look of almost any other styles and types of décor- so it’s certainly a good place to start when creating a sultry, stylish home.

Please feel free to call us with any queries on 08456 021781

Posted in Oak Flooring Walnut Wood Flooring Wood flooring on Wednesday, 28 March 2012 | Comments (0)


Get the Look for a Small Apartment…

Wooden flooring for a small apartment..


Wooden flooring is incredibly popular in every type of home nowadays, as it can look the part when coupled with classic or contemporary décor. In many years gone by, wooden flooring was only accessible to select few- so more often than not; it was only ever seen in large grand homes. Things couldn’t be more different nowadays though, and as well as being a common sight in large properties, it’s also a common sight in smaller ones.


Over the course of the past few years, wooden flooring has become a popular choice with those living in smaller apartments- and it’s really easy to see why. Within small living spaces, the look of larger areas of décor can have a huge impact on the look of the entire property, and with flooring making up the largest area, it needs to look amazing.

Choosing wooden flooring for a small apartment requires careful consideration. Those who want to make a small apartment look a little more spacious often opt for light wooden flooring, as it can create the illusion of more space. On the other hand, those looking to create a warm, cosy ambience often opt for darker flooring- it’s all up to the individual.

Please feel free to contact us on 08456 021781


Sunny and Woody

 Exposure to sunlight: Wood Flooring

 A wood floor loses lustre and colour through direct exposure to sunlight. You must choose curtains or blinds that will prevent direct access to sun rays on the floor. Going for translucent material will allow sufficient light to come in the house. You will find, when it comes to hardwood floors, you have to keep a check on how much natural light they get.

Excessive sunlight may harm your wood flooring, causing the wood to fade, disintegrate or become discoloured. It is possible to stop this from occurring simply by using curtains or window blinds to restrict the level of sunlight your wooden floors receive. You can even go the extra mile and coat your windows with UV protection to minimise sun damage.

Sunlight can cause oak hardwood flooring to fade over a prolonged period of time but couples can prevent this from happening by putting up blinds and curtains. Oak hardwood flooring can be damaged in various ways, with the sun’s UV rays one of the most serious threats. The best way to keep these harmful rays off oak flooring is to invest in suitable blinds and curtains and reducing the amount of sunlight the floor is exposed to. Over time sunlight can discolour your hardwood flooring so use  blinds and curtains to protect your flooring at the time of day when it may be exposed.

Plese feel free to contact us with any queries at Source Wood Floors on 08456 021781


Wood: Which Type are you….

Wood Types

If you are worried about the type of flooring that you must use, you need to understand that solid wood flooring is one of the best decisions that you will ever make. This is because of the fact that it is durable and last for more than a lifetime and future generations can use the same without the fear of any damage being caused to the same. All that is required is occasional care to ensure that wear and tear can be avoided. Definitely people do ask that if they want to go through a major renovation in the structure of the house, what will happen to the floor. Well, wooden floors can be easily renewed. The best part, keeping aside everything, is that the wooden floors increase the valuation of the property which is not possible in case of carpets.

As of today, wooden floorings are available in different types. This was not the situation a couple of decades ago. The increased number of varieties have actually helped the homeowners to get what they want desire. If you are worried about dirt and dust, you can go for strips of pre-finished wood. These strips can resist dust and dirt very well because of the fact that they are laminated.



Solid Wood: Solid wooden flooring is not meant for use anywhere and everywhere. This is because of the fact that solid wooden flooring will need a special layer beneath it so that the wood can be nailed to the layer. They are generally very strong in nature.

Unfinished Wood Floors: The wood surface is sanded and left bare, ready for any finish you wish. There is a vast range of coloured oils available in both matt and satin finishes to really make the floor your own.

Oiled Wood Floors: The wood is impregnated with layers of specially designed oils that sink deep into the layers of the wood, protecting it from dirt and dust. The oil is more or less transparent, unless you choose to go for coloured oil. Oiled floors require a little maintenance as they need oil re-applied every now and again, but are useful in that small areas of damage can be touched up without the need for major work.

Engineered Wood Flooring: This type of flooring when compared to solid wood has its own advantage. Engineered wood flooring does not require any kind of special base. They can be installed directly on the concrete or any other base similar to concrete. These are not affected by heat and moisture because they are layered wood.

Matt Lacquered Wooden Floors: Matt Lacquer gives the floor a very natural look very similar in style to an oiled floor. The main difference between oiled and matt lacquer is that matt lacquer does not require the same periodic maintenance. All that is required is a quick sweep and wipe over. However unlike oiled floors, you cannot do small touch ups.


Warm up your Wood

Wood Floors With Rugs

Hard surfaces (tile, hardwood, laminate) are very popular flooring choices, but sometimes too much wood can leave the room looking bare and cold. A great way to counter this is to use an area rug over your hard surface flooring. Area rugs can add warmth, soften sound and create a focal point for your room. Many older homes feature wood floors throughout. While wood flooring helps to provide charm which wall to wall carpeting certainly lacks, they can leave your home feeling hard and uninviting.

Wall to wall carpeting is the common alternative to wood flooring for individuals who don’t prefer the upkeep and care required for their wood floors. However, carpet after years often needs to be replaced. If you have young children or frequent foot traffic in your home, your carpet will likely experience stains and show its age after time. Rather than carpeting your floors, why not consider rugs and runners?

A rug can help to make your family room feel more comfortable and inviting. Runners help to add style and a softer texture to your hallways. If you have wood flooring that you want to show off but enjoy the benefits of carpeting as well rugs and runners  will help to bring warmth and to soften the feel of your wood floors. Rugs  and runners help to soften the spaces in your home and provide a sense of warmth. There are such a wide variety of colours and styles available to suit everyone’s taste. Whether your home features oriental decorations, is more traditional or contemporary; a well-placed area rug can be a great anchor for the accessories in the room.

Area rugs fit well in front of a settee, under a coffee table, dining room table and the foot of the bed. You can add a spark to your room with fluffy shag or elegant wool. There are even water-resistant rugs that are designed for outdoor areas such as patios and lanais.

If you’d like a little more personal advice on the best  hardwood flooring for your home – room by room – get in touch with our experts on 08456 021781


Entertaining…Wood it be Nice

Wooden Flooring is Ideal for Entertaining Areas

You might love nothing more than entertaining guests in your home. There is something deeply satisfying about having friends and family around, whether it is for a simple cup of coffee, an evening meal, a full-blown party or anything else.

Not only do such occasions provide a chance to show off your lovely house or flat, they are also excuse to have a great time yourself. Of course, it is important that your abode is set up for having people over. One consideration you may benefit from taking into account is flooring. After all, this can make a huge impact on the aesthetics of space.

For example, if you generally entertain people in your living or dining rooms, you might want to consider investing in hardwood flooring. This can look stunning and help add an air of sophistication to your home. These days, there are many different products available, meaning you should be able to achieve the exact visual effect you are aiming for.

And it is not only in terms of looks that engineered hardwood flooring is perfect for entertaining. It is also highly practical. Because these surfaces can easily cope with spillages of food and drink, they can enable you to feel much more relaxed than if you had carpets. For example, if a guest waves his or her red wine glass around a little too enthusiastically, you needn’t panic. If the worst comes to the worst, you can simply wipe the floor clean in a matter of moments.

Here at Source Online, we specialise in engineered hardwood floors and so should have exactly what you are after.


Light or Dark: That is the Question

Dark or Light Wood Floors

Deciding to get wooden floors can be an exciting time. Ripping up old, worn out carpets and laying this classic material can transform the appearance of your home. Meanwhile, such products also have many practical advantages. For example, they are long-lasting and easy to clean. However, your choices do not end there. The world of wooden floor products is vast and the options you face are many. So, it is important that you take a while to think about which particular materials meet your aims best.

For example, if you want to create real impact with your floors, you might want to opt for a stained oak product. These can be dramatic in appearance and can complement a range of interior design features. Dark hardwoods floors are both dramatic and sophisticated, from elegant ebony to a ruddy cherry. Pair dark floors with light furnishings for a thoroughly modern combination. Use dark floors as a foundation for rooms filled with light-coloured slip covers and area rugs.

The Pros of dark wood is  dark stains enhance a wood’s grain. Dark hardwood floors absorb light and are not susceptible to fading. Many dark woods such as mahogany and walnut  provide a rich sumptuous look providing an overall luxurious effect. For floors that hide the dirt choose walnut or medium dark woods. Natural clear finishes wear better than high gloss. The cons of certain woods, such as maple don’t take stains very well. This may be a factor if you are refinishing floors as opposed to installing new.

Dark woods show dust and pet hair. Scratches tend to show more on dark hardwood floors. On the other hand, if you want to create a more homely, subtle feel in your abode, you might want to opt for a lighter oak or a walnut floor. Of course, as well as aesthetics, you will also have to bear in mind cost. After all, such flooring varies in price and it is crucial that you do not exceed your budget.

Light hardwood floors offer a crisp modern look or a casual traditional feel depending on the space. The Pros of Light hardwoods are perfect in rooms that don’t get a lot of natural sunlight. Light hardwood floors make a room appear larger, light floors look cleaner longer and camouflage wear better than dark floors. And the cons are, for a more contemporary look try beech or bamboo. Unstained floors will darken faster than dark woods. Use a protective finish that incorporates UV protection.  Some light woods – white ash and beech are too soft for high traffic areas. Harder varieties – oak, maple, yellow birch are better for kitchens, and mudrooms to find an impressive range of engineered hardwood flooring products to choose from, you can use our website here at Source Online.

We are passionate about such offerings and go out of our way to supply our customers with the very best at highly competitive prices. So, if you want to investigate the engineered wood floors we provide, simply take a look at our catalogue.

Posted in Solid wood floors Walnut Wood Flooring Wood flooring on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 | Comments (0)


Love your Dog: Love your Floor

Dogs and your Flooring

Wood will mark and is not impervious to wear and tear but the wearing of wood floors can really be a positive thing, it ages and gains character and the floor that you choose to put down then becomes over time and integral part of the house. But there are a few simple do’s and don’ts that can help you prolong the life of your floor and keep it looking great.

Wood floors are stylish and practical, and they’re easy to clean. So, while having a dog is a joy and most rewarding, some of you have been through the horrors of house-training, the odd urine accidents and the odour can linger long after the stain has gone, causing an unpleasant scent! And many dog owners choose hardwood over carpet to make cleaning up after their pets easier. Wood floors tend to be durable, but dog urine can still cause problems if not removed from the wood immediately.

Sometimes your lovely pooch can scratch the floor with long toenails; deep scratches can mar the floors. Removing these marks can be done but it is easier to protect than repair hardwood floors. So here are tips to stop pooch paws from scratching floors, maybe place a rug in the hallway, and if you keep your bowl on the wood floor, maybe put a mat underneath to protect from the inevitable spills and slobber that happens at the watering hole!

But hey, we the English love our dogs, and if you get a scratch or mark on your floor, it is part and parcel of having a wooden floor, and certainly having a distressed flooring is a good bet so if scratching does occur it won’t stand out, in fact it will fit right in with the style!

There you have it, one more reason to encourage your purchase of a good wood floor from Source wood flooring  for your home. You will love it and so will the dogs!


Member: National Wood Flooring Association