What Should I Consider When Choosing Wood Floor Boards

What Should I Consider When Choosing Wood Floor Boards

Selecting the right floorboards is essential to creating a wooden floor that meets both your design vision and practical needs. From the type of board to its thickness and finish, here are the key factors to consider:

1. Board Construction: Engineered or Solid Wood

Most modern wood floorboards are tongue and groove (T&G) and come in two main types:

  • Solid Wood: Made entirely from solid wood.
  • Engineered Wood: Solid wood above the T&G with a stable, cross-layered plywood base beneath.

Engineered boards are more stable and better suited to environments with fluctuations in humidity and temperature. However, it’s critical to consider the amount of real wood above the T&G, as this determines the floor's lifespan.

  • More wood above the T&G = longer lifespan.
  • Recommendation: Choose a minimum of 4mm of wood above the T&G, with 6mm being ideal for maximum durability.

For structural installations, boards should be at least 20mm thick, but only if they have a 6mm top layer. This combination ensures better insulation, soundproofing, and the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times.

For lighter traffic areas or budget-conscious projects, 15mm boards can be a great option. Additionally, their thinner profile makes them ideal for use with underfloor heating, as they allow better heat transfer than 20mm boards.

2. Timber Grade

Timber grade significantly influences the appearance of your flooring:

  • Prime Grade: Clean and uniform boards with minimal knots or color variation—ideal for modern spaces.
  • Select Grade: Small knots and subtle variations for a balanced character.
  • Classic Grade: A more rustic feel with visible knots, sapwood, and natural colour changes—perfect for traditional or country styles.
  • Rustic Grade: Bold and character-rich with large knots, heavy filling, and wide colour variation for a dramatic, rustic aesthetic.

3. Board Width and Length

  • Width:

    • Wide boards (220-300mm): Create a spacious, seamless look, perfect for large rooms.
    • Narrow boards (150-190mm): Offer a more traditional, intricate feel, suited for smaller spaces.

  • Length:
    Longer boards create fewer visible joins, enhancing the flow and elegance of the floor. A minimum length of 1.8m is recommended, though shorter pieces may be included to ensure a randomized pattern during installation.

4. Board Thickness

  • For structural installations: Boards should be at least 20mm thick  to provide durability, insulation, and soundproofing.
  • For lighter traffic or budget considerations: 15mm boards are a great choice. They are also ideal for underfloor heating due to their better heat transfer compared to 20mm boards.

5. Edge Bevels

Floorboards can have either a square or beveled edge:

  • Square Edge: Creates a smooth, seamless surface, perfect for modern and contemporary designs.
  • Micro-Beveled Edge: Adds depth and texture by highlighting individual boards.
    • 4-sided bevel: Accentuates all edges for a well-defined, textured look.
    • 2-sided bevel: Highlights the long edges, giving the impression of elongated boards.

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