Naturally Wood Floors are proud to announce the launch of our onsite prefinishing unit, allowing us to supply a wide range of bespoke prefinished flooring. Our new unit can carry out a wide range of floor treatments, enabling architects and interior designers to offer bespoke prefinished hardwood floors to their clients, ready for installation.
What is Prefinished Flooring?
Prefinished flooring is flooring that has been textured, stained and finished prior to being installed at the client's premises. Of course, prefinished hardwood flooring is already available - but usually in textures, colours and finishes decided upon by the manufacturer. This inevitably limits the range of prefinished floors available, with other design combinations being achievable only through onsite bespoke finishing.
Our new workshop allows a client or design professional to obtain prefinished hardwood floors in exactly the timber, colour and finish they desire and to see the finished product prior to installation. Our range of prefinished hardwood flooring will include engineered and solid flooring, to suit a wide range of site requirements, with any combination of texture, colour and surface treatment as follows:
Textures - Choose from brushing, band-sawing or tumbling, to emphasise the grain and achieve exactly the aged, distressed or rustic finish to enhance your project, in your choice of wood.
Staining - Match existing flooring or create the perfect foundation for your project's colour scheme by specifying exactly the colour you need.
Smoke Treatments - We treat the timber in our smoking chamber to darken and enrich the natural colour throughout your chosen wood. While smoking has always been a prefinishing process, our unit allows you to more closely specify the depth of colour achieved, and the wood you want to apply it to.
Surface Finishes - Oiling or lacquering is often the messiest part of the installation process, and requires expertise to apply evenly over a large area. We apply any surface finish you require directly and consistently to each piece of timber.
The result is prefinished hardwood flooring that is already finished to the client's exact specification, ready to deliver to site for fast installation.
The Benefits of Prefinished Flooring to Design Professionals
The flooring trade and those involved in the building and interior design business will already be familiar with the many benefits of prefinished hardwood floors. What we are offering here is the availability of bespoke prefinished flooring. Our unit offers all the ease of use benefits of prefinished flooring combined with all the innovation and exclusivity of bespoke flooring. We expect the availability of bespoke prefinished floors to transform what design professionals can offer their clients.
Less work - Quite simply, our unit allows you to offer a bespoke service to your clients, but without having to arrange for the additional finishing stages to be carried out on site. For flooring installers this means less manpower and skill required to complete a project; for architects or designers it means faster installation for your client.
Time savings - A complex finish with staining and surface treatments, can take as long as or even longer than the installation of the floor itself. And while treatments are drying this often means no other work can be carried out in the area of the new flooring. Prefinished floors mean faster installation, benefiting both the installer and the client. Where the installation of prefinished hardwood flooring is just part of a bigger building or renovation project, this can result in significant improvements to the overall project timescales.
Higher quality and consistency - Texturing, staining and final finishingare all expert jobs which, if not carried out expertly, can result in a less than perfect floor. With our quality checking this never has to be a problem again - you only take delivery of flooring that is perfectly finished and ready to lay.
Cost-effective - While the cost of bespoke prefinished flooring will inevitably be higher than an off-the-shelf product or an unfinished product, these costs are usually offset by the savings made on finishing costs which, depending on the complexity of treatments, could involve several days of skilled labour. Our soon-to-be-launched Creations range of textures, colours and finishes will provide great options in prefinished flooring, for projects where budget is a primary consideration.
The Benefits of Prefinished Floors to the End Client
The benefits to design professionals of using bespoke prefinished floors are of course mirrored in direct benefits to the end client:
Choice - Clients can get exactly what they want, even if it's not something generally available on the market. For clients who are working with architects or interior designers, the desire for perfection is often significantly greater than cost considerations.
Exclusivity - The big appeal of any bespoke flooring is the idea that the resulting flooring is unique. Our new bespoke service allows this level of exclusivity to be available to a much wider range of clients.
Quality - With bespoke hand finishing on site there is always the chance that the finished result isn't exactly what the client expected. Access to bespoke prefinished hardwood floors will allow the exact colour and texture required by the design brief to be agreed on and achieved before any flooring is even delivered to site. Our bespoke prefinished floors mean that quality and consistency is guaranteed before a single strip or block is laid.
Faster, Cleaner Installation - Clients who would normally prefer a bespoke finish previously had to put up with the fact that this would mean a much longer time for installation, as well as the presence of messy stains, oils and lacquers on their premises. Our new unit offers the prospect of a bespoke finish but without the mess and with far less disruption. This can be especially important to commercial and retail projects where each additional day spent on flooring installation can translate into thousands of pounds of lost sales.
"Creations" Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
Imagine if you could source prefinished hardwood floors that can't be found anywhere else and which are at the cutting edge of current flooring design - but at keen prices?
With over fifteen years experience of installing floors for private clients, architects and interior designers, Naturally Wood Floors are uniquely placed to know about upcoming flooring trends and where customer demand is heading. Our new unit allows us to turn this intelligence into a range of exciting new prefinished flooring products that are unique to Naturally Wood Floors, giving design professionals even more competitive advantage and our private clients even more choice. The "Creations" prefinished hardwood flooring range is being developed with an eye to current design moods and will continue to evolve as it is inspired and updated by the changes in trend.
For more information on our range of Prefinished Flooring, please contact us.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Monday, 25 February 2013
Is Your Hardwood Timber Flooring on-trend?
While some people’s idea of the perfect home or office is to have a classic or traditional interior, others like to keep up with the latest styles and fashions, whether they are selecting paint colours or hardwood timber flooring.
Just as trends come and go for furniture and accessories, the same applies to hardwood timber flooring. However, for the most part high quality solid wood flooring is a timeless option for the home and will outlast the current craze. We’ll take a look at some of the hottest interior trends for 2012/13 and see if your hardwood timber flooring will help or hinder your efforts to stay in vogue.
We’ll also examine design trends for the coming year and in each case show the types of hardwood timber flooring that can help make the look work - either to directly follow the trend, or simply allow them to shine.
Hardwood Timber Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Design Trends for 2013
Hardwood Timber Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Just as trends come and go for furniture and accessories, the same applies to hardwood timber flooring. However, for the most part high quality solid wood flooring is a timeless option for the home and will outlast the current craze. We’ll take a look at some of the hottest interior trends for 2012/13 and see if your hardwood timber flooring will help or hinder your efforts to stay in vogue.
We’ll also examine design trends for the coming year and in each case show the types of hardwood timber flooring that can help make the look work - either to directly follow the trend, or simply allow them to shine.
Hardwood Timber Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Design Trends for 2013
- Citrus Colours. Citrus colours are leading the way in fashion, furniture and soft furnishings with tangerine likely to become the hot new trend. Citrus against paler wood will help to keep the effect light and airy, while darker wood will add drama and contrast. If you want to bring citrus colours into your choice of wood flooring, European Oak hardwood flooring has a warm honey colour that darkens with age and this type of hardwood timber flooring doesn’t date.
- Bold Colours - Whereas there was a trend towards stark, white, minimalist interiors, 2013 is thought to predict bolder accessories where everyday items feature more colour and decoration, and even items such as chopping boards, pans and salt and pepper pots come in a wide range of colours. This all adds drama and ‘noise’ to a space which traditional timber helps to calm and offset. However, if you want to add bolder colours into your hardwood timber flooring, Padouk is a great option for this as it is medium to dark red, with hints of black, as is Purple Heart. Another choice for a striking impact is American Black Walnut or Wenge, which are among the darker woods used for flooring.
- Scandinavian Design - Scandinavian design is about more than flat pack furniture! It is about simplicity of form and the use of natural and sustainable products such as natural wood flooring and furniture. The popularity of this design has never really gone away, but now there is renewed interest in all things Scandinavian as a result of a crop of popular TV shows from Denmark and Finland, for example, and timber flooring is a natural choice for any Scandinavian-inspired look. If you want to achieve this look for 2013 consider the lighter woods such as Ash, Beech and Canadian Maple.
- Wallpaper - The wallpaper comeback continues and flourishes, with bolder patterns in small or large spaces. Having a bold pattern on one wall, or in an alcove, gives a room an instant splash of energy. A splattering of pattern makes a space feel more roomy and draws the eye from one room to another. This type of wallpaper demands a subtle and neutral flooring to prevent overpowering, such as strip wooden flooring. If this is the look you want to achieve, consider a light coloured floor such as Beech or American White Oak hardwood flooring.
- Large-Scale Decor - This trend looks to bold or outsize furnishings and accessories to make a statement, with functional items being seen as work of art in their own right, along with sculptures and wall hangings. Wooden flooring can also become one large piece of art - especially boleflooring which does not have straight parallel panels but instead follows the natural growth of the tree, causing a wavy effect.
- Upcycling - This trend is all about getting hold of old products and giving them a new take while improving the quality. One example of this would be our Legacy Antique Panels. Old wood is (reclaimed from residential buildings and transformed into elegant wooden flooring.
- Eclectic Fusion - Mixing natural and man-made products produces an eclectic look. For example you could team modern furnishings with aged and distressed finishes. It is all about being unique rather than copying a single look throughout the home. Oak hardwood flooring, for instance, can be a subtle canvas for your choice of eclectic furnishings, or it can be stained and finished with dazzling effect, to become part of the story.
Hardwood Timber Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Friday, 22 February 2013
Responding to Austerity with Natural Wood Flooring
Natural wood flooring is an obvious choice in today’s current climate of austerity; not only because of its obvious aesthetic appearance, but those who invest in quality wood flooring, do so with the knowledge that they have something that will last - not just another 10 or 15 years - but perhaps a lifetime or more.
With the recent announcement from Chancellor George Osborne showing that there is more austerity to come, the trend in the UK to make use of what you have and valuing quality over quantity is set to continue. So there will always be a demand for natural wood flooring and if anything the demand is on the rise.
Here we shall look at how natural wood flooring reflects social and psychological trends in the current UK climate of austerity.
Natural Wood Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
Installing cheap or fashionable flooring only to rip it out again in a few years time does not sit well with many homeowners in the current climate. If you have moved into a home that has an existing solid wood floor and intend to keep it that way, or if you are having new natural wood flooring installed, which is likely to last longer than you are - this is more economical in the long run. The current trend is for people to make their choice not just on aesthetics, but also on long term value, which quality wood flooring has always delivered.
Whether you have inherited natural wood flooring from a previous occupier, or are having a new floor installed, solid wood flooring is not all about the longevity of the product, but it is also good for your conscience too. Wood is one of the most sustainable products there is, so by choosing quality wood flooring this is benefiting the environment and not draining the world of its resources. Naturally Wood are certified by both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Please contact us to find out more about FSC and PEFC products.
Not only this, but looking after solid wood flooring, and restoring an old, well-loved floor, creates a sense of ‘stewardship’ and gives you the knowledge that you are maintaining something for future generations.
Investing In Quality
Ironically, the more austere the times, the more people will value quality over quantity - even if they have to pay more for it. For instance, in the 1940’s when fabric was rationed, you would always choose the best material you could possibly afford - because a single suit would have to last - and it would have to be suitable for many different occasions. Similarly, investing in solar panels for the home is for future gain as it brings with it the prospect of more manageable fuel bills, as well as being economically sound. Quality wood flooring offers a similar balance of worth and savings as once you have had a new floor installed, it will last for the duration and requires minimal maintenance and upkeep.
Wood Flooring Suits All
There is something very unrestricted and egalitarian about natural wood flooring. The type of wood or the finish chosen may give different effects but quality wood flooring can look just as good in a one-bedroom studio flat as in a historic country setting. The beauty of wood is that it comes in so many different shades and variations - red tints, yellow tints, flecks of gold, knotted appearance etc - so it can suit all sorts of interiors from contemporary, minimalist settings to rustic farmhouses.
If you are unsure of which wood type to choose, or how it will look in your home or office, our team of experts at Naturally Wood will be able to talk through the various options with you. We also have a great sample service, so you can see at first-hand how the finished floor will look.
The Honesty of Wood
In an uncertain economic climate, there is a yearning to surround ourselves with materials and designs that are authentic and which we can depend upon. While carpet and laminate can hide a multitude of imperfections, wood has always been an ‘honest’ material - as what you see is what you get.
This is one reason why wide plank flooring is so popular, because it reveals the true beauty of the wood to its full effect - as do our Bolefloor products, with each board following the natural growth of the tree (as opposed to straight, parallel boards). Of course, our Legacy Antique Panels, constructed by hand from reclaimed wood, create a naturally aged, authentic floor that is simply stunning. Similarly, distressed solid wood flooring is also a popular choice in today’s climate, as it contributes to an authentic look.
About Naturally Wood
Naturally Wood supply and install a full range of quality wood flooring and also provide restoration services throughout London, Kent, Hertfordshire and East Anglia.
Natural Wood Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
With the recent announcement from Chancellor George Osborne showing that there is more austerity to come, the trend in the UK to make use of what you have and valuing quality over quantity is set to continue. So there will always be a demand for natural wood flooring and if anything the demand is on the rise.
Here we shall look at how natural wood flooring reflects social and psychological trends in the current UK climate of austerity.
Natural Wood Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
Installing cheap or fashionable flooring only to rip it out again in a few years time does not sit well with many homeowners in the current climate. If you have moved into a home that has an existing solid wood floor and intend to keep it that way, or if you are having new natural wood flooring installed, which is likely to last longer than you are - this is more economical in the long run. The current trend is for people to make their choice not just on aesthetics, but also on long term value, which quality wood flooring has always delivered.
Whether you have inherited natural wood flooring from a previous occupier, or are having a new floor installed, solid wood flooring is not all about the longevity of the product, but it is also good for your conscience too. Wood is one of the most sustainable products there is, so by choosing quality wood flooring this is benefiting the environment and not draining the world of its resources. Naturally Wood are certified by both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Please contact us to find out more about FSC and PEFC products.
Not only this, but looking after solid wood flooring, and restoring an old, well-loved floor, creates a sense of ‘stewardship’ and gives you the knowledge that you are maintaining something for future generations.
Investing In Quality
Ironically, the more austere the times, the more people will value quality over quantity - even if they have to pay more for it. For instance, in the 1940’s when fabric was rationed, you would always choose the best material you could possibly afford - because a single suit would have to last - and it would have to be suitable for many different occasions. Similarly, investing in solar panels for the home is for future gain as it brings with it the prospect of more manageable fuel bills, as well as being economically sound. Quality wood flooring offers a similar balance of worth and savings as once you have had a new floor installed, it will last for the duration and requires minimal maintenance and upkeep.
Wood Flooring Suits All
There is something very unrestricted and egalitarian about natural wood flooring. The type of wood or the finish chosen may give different effects but quality wood flooring can look just as good in a one-bedroom studio flat as in a historic country setting. The beauty of wood is that it comes in so many different shades and variations - red tints, yellow tints, flecks of gold, knotted appearance etc - so it can suit all sorts of interiors from contemporary, minimalist settings to rustic farmhouses.
If you are unsure of which wood type to choose, or how it will look in your home or office, our team of experts at Naturally Wood will be able to talk through the various options with you. We also have a great sample service, so you can see at first-hand how the finished floor will look.
The Honesty of Wood
In an uncertain economic climate, there is a yearning to surround ourselves with materials and designs that are authentic and which we can depend upon. While carpet and laminate can hide a multitude of imperfections, wood has always been an ‘honest’ material - as what you see is what you get.
This is one reason why wide plank flooring is so popular, because it reveals the true beauty of the wood to its full effect - as do our Bolefloor products, with each board following the natural growth of the tree (as opposed to straight, parallel boards). Of course, our Legacy Antique Panels, constructed by hand from reclaimed wood, create a naturally aged, authentic floor that is simply stunning. Similarly, distressed solid wood flooring is also a popular choice in today’s climate, as it contributes to an authentic look.
About Naturally Wood
Naturally Wood supply and install a full range of quality wood flooring and also provide restoration services throughout London, Kent, Hertfordshire and East Anglia.
Natural Wood Flooring - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Wide Plank Flooring: A Top Interior Design Trend
Wide plank flooring shows that bigger really is better! Hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood are embracing this new design trend. Wide plank floors were historically popular in the grandest of homes but now this form of flooring is enjoying a comeback. Demand for antique flooring such as Naturally Wood’s Legacy range of antique panels - and wide plank floors is growing, not just for large country houses but for contemporary, open plan properties too.
The definition of ‘wide plank flooring’ might mean anything over around 180mm wide and although these floors were commonplace in large properties some 200 years ago, they can also be a stylish option in contemporary homes. Wide plank flooring in modern homes is favoured by many architects and interior designers and specialist hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood can supply planks in widths of up to 500mm and lengths of up to five metres, in their Legacy range of hardwood floors.
Here we shall look at the types of wide plank flooring available through hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood and why this type of flooring is undergoing a revival. It is important to note that the species of wood that successfully function as a wider plank is obviously dependent on the growth habit of the tree and the stability of the timber, which is why Oak is such an obvious choice for wider boards.
Hardwood Flooring Company - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Why the Appeal of Wide Plank Flooring in Design Today?
Wide plank flooring looks impressive in modern properties or period homes, and follows the current design trend of taking inspiration from vintage themes. The effect is elegant and majestic and there is real beauty in a wide plank floor stretching impressively across a room. It feels more substantial than thinner boards and gives the impression of quality and luxury - just as wider plank floors did in some of the magnificent and imposing properties of bygone ages. Wide plank floors and antique style flooring provide a more relaxed or open feel in a room, which is why they have such an appeal in modern, spacious, open plan interiors.
What is Driving their Appeal?
One of the reasons behind their appeal is that wide plank floors are a twist on something that is already popular: hardwood flooring. Many interior designers, architects, hardwood flooring companies and blogs are bringing to people’s attention the design possibilities of wide plank floors and this has been well received. The interest stems from a variety of reasons, including its visual appeal. Wide plank floors have a very natural look as they show solid wood flooring in its purest state, which is aesthetically appealing.
How is It Being Used?
Naturally Wood hardwood flooring company supply and install hardwood flooring for homes and businesses in a variety of timbers and in any stain or finish. However, a wide plank floor is especially effective when combined with a distressed or aged finish as it produces a more natural, antique style of flooring, which is highly desirable.
Availability of Wide Plank Flooring
In addition to the wider planks available in their Legacy range of solid floors, hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood also supply boards of up to 220mm wide as part of their Fusion range. These can either be filled and sanded (for final finishing on site) or prefinished with oil or lacquer, for ease of installation. Also within this range, Naturally Wood supply and install a fantastic selection of distressed Oak boards up to 240mm wide, and these are available in both natural and smoked engineered oak - and a variety of coloured oil finishes -perfect for creating an antique flooring effect. One of the many wonderful benefits of distressed flooring is that this type of finish enhances the beauty of the wood and gives wide boards in particular, a real depth of character. Distressed or antique flooring is also far easier to maintain as small marks or scratches simply add to the overall character of the floor.
Hardwood Flooring Company - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
The definition of ‘wide plank flooring’ might mean anything over around 180mm wide and although these floors were commonplace in large properties some 200 years ago, they can also be a stylish option in contemporary homes. Wide plank flooring in modern homes is favoured by many architects and interior designers and specialist hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood can supply planks in widths of up to 500mm and lengths of up to five metres, in their Legacy range of hardwood floors.
Here we shall look at the types of wide plank flooring available through hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood and why this type of flooring is undergoing a revival. It is important to note that the species of wood that successfully function as a wider plank is obviously dependent on the growth habit of the tree and the stability of the timber, which is why Oak is such an obvious choice for wider boards.
Hardwood Flooring Company - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Why the Appeal of Wide Plank Flooring in Design Today?
Wide plank flooring looks impressive in modern properties or period homes, and follows the current design trend of taking inspiration from vintage themes. The effect is elegant and majestic and there is real beauty in a wide plank floor stretching impressively across a room. It feels more substantial than thinner boards and gives the impression of quality and luxury - just as wider plank floors did in some of the magnificent and imposing properties of bygone ages. Wide plank floors and antique style flooring provide a more relaxed or open feel in a room, which is why they have such an appeal in modern, spacious, open plan interiors.
What is Driving their Appeal?
One of the reasons behind their appeal is that wide plank floors are a twist on something that is already popular: hardwood flooring. Many interior designers, architects, hardwood flooring companies and blogs are bringing to people’s attention the design possibilities of wide plank floors and this has been well received. The interest stems from a variety of reasons, including its visual appeal. Wide plank floors have a very natural look as they show solid wood flooring in its purest state, which is aesthetically appealing.
How is It Being Used?
Naturally Wood hardwood flooring company supply and install hardwood flooring for homes and businesses in a variety of timbers and in any stain or finish. However, a wide plank floor is especially effective when combined with a distressed or aged finish as it produces a more natural, antique style of flooring, which is highly desirable.
Availability of Wide Plank Flooring
In addition to the wider planks available in their Legacy range of solid floors, hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood also supply boards of up to 220mm wide as part of their Fusion range. These can either be filled and sanded (for final finishing on site) or prefinished with oil or lacquer, for ease of installation. Also within this range, Naturally Wood supply and install a fantastic selection of distressed Oak boards up to 240mm wide, and these are available in both natural and smoked engineered oak - and a variety of coloured oil finishes -perfect for creating an antique flooring effect. One of the many wonderful benefits of distressed flooring is that this type of finish enhances the beauty of the wood and gives wide boards in particular, a real depth of character. Distressed or antique flooring is also far easier to maintain as small marks or scratches simply add to the overall character of the floor.
Hardwood Flooring Company - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Friday, 30 November 2012
What to Look for in a Wood Flooring Company
If you are thinking about having solid wood flooring for your home or business, it is not only the quality of the product that you should consider but you should also choose a reputable natural wood flooring company to install it.
A hardwood floor is a long term investment which, if installed correctly, will last for decades and beyond. So the quality of workmanship will need to be high with attention to detail at every stage: from the initial contact with the customer, right through to the installation, and afterc are service.
Here we shall consider what to look for in a wood flooring company to ensure the best quality materials, craftsmanship and service.
Wood Flooring Company - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Time in Business
One of the first steps in choosing a wood flooring company is to find out how long they have been in business. If a company has been operating a long time, it is a testament to the quality of their products and service as generally the longer the company has been in business, the greater their skills and reputation.
Naturally Wood has a history in the hardwood flooring trade that can be traced back 100 years, when much of the work was carried out by hand. Today, its company directors have a wealth of experience in the flooring trade and take a very proactive role including talking through the customers’ requirements and supervising the works.
In-House Installers
A company that employs an in-house trained team of installers brings many benefits as workers takes pride in the jobs they do and constantly strive to achieve high standards of excellence.
A wood flooring company with an in-house team has an eye for detail and strives to achieve the best possible results for their customers, as opposed to subcontractors who may not have any special connection to the company.
In addition to this, an in-house team is more likely to have the training appropriate to each flooring type, and can offer advice as and when necessary so the client receives the right product to suit their requirements.
Naturally Wood has an in-house team of installers and floor restorers, and we supply and install superior flooring to a standard that meets or exceeds our customers’ expectations.
Attention to Quality
It is vital to choose a company that takes pride in the quality of their materials so they can lay flooring that not only looks beautiful but will last.
Naturally Wood is committed to high standards of excellence and lay great importance on the quality of our materials. We regularly carry out quality control checks at the factories in Germany, Holland and the Netherlands, so we can see the materials at first hand and view the methods of production.
Wood Flooring Specialists
It is always best to choose a company that are wood flooring specialists as they are experts in their field, rather than all-rounders.
General flooring fitters may not have the extensive knowledge and wide range of expertise a specialist flooring fitter, such as Naturally Wood, can provide.
Advice from the Experts
To get your flooring just the way you want it, you will need time to consider the various options and find out which of these will work best in your interior.
Instead of pushy sales techniques, you will want a company that understands choosing solid wood flooring isn’t a snap decision.
Naturally Wood is passionate about hardwood flooring and we give our customers as much time as they need to think about the different possibilities, so they can gain the right flooring for their needs.
Free Sample Service
A free sample service means that you can view flooring types in the comfort of your own home to help you make the right flooring choice.
Naturally Wood provides a free sample service and can send flooring samples of 200mm in length direct to your home - just order samples via our website or direct from Naturally Wood.
Although the majority of our flooring samples are free, we do charge for some of our flooring panels, such as parquet panels and borders, as these have to be made specifically to order.
Survey Before Quoting
It is always best for a company to carry out a full survey before any work starts, so they can fully understand the job in hand.
Naturally Wood do just that which means that we can factor in any special requirements before quoting, so there are no nasty surprises when you get the bill.
Large Samples to View
Viewing large samples at first hand helps you decide on whether you have chosen exactly the right flooring for your interior.
Hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood guide you at every stage so you are completely satisfied with your flooring.
Once you have made your flooring selection, we will bring large sample panels for you to view so that you are fully confident of your decision before you give us the go ahead to install your new floor.
View Past Work
Find a company that is willing to show you their past work so you can see the quality of their work at first hand.
At Naturally Wood we receive much of our work through recommendation so you can be assured of superior results. Click on the link below to view our portfolio and find out more.
Hardwood Flooring Company - Click here to view examples of work from Naturally Wood.
Traditional with Modern
Look for a company that combines traditional values and techniques with modern flooring innovations such as under-floor heating.
Naturally Wood is a solid wooden flooring company that provides the best of both worlds and offers a wide range of traditional and modern flooring options including Bolefloor, the latest flooring product.
A hardwood floor is a long term investment which, if installed correctly, will last for decades and beyond. So the quality of workmanship will need to be high with attention to detail at every stage: from the initial contact with the customer, right through to the installation, and afterc are service.
Here we shall consider what to look for in a wood flooring company to ensure the best quality materials, craftsmanship and service.
Wood Flooring Company - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products
Time in Business
One of the first steps in choosing a wood flooring company is to find out how long they have been in business. If a company has been operating a long time, it is a testament to the quality of their products and service as generally the longer the company has been in business, the greater their skills and reputation.
Naturally Wood has a history in the hardwood flooring trade that can be traced back 100 years, when much of the work was carried out by hand. Today, its company directors have a wealth of experience in the flooring trade and take a very proactive role including talking through the customers’ requirements and supervising the works.
In-House Installers
A company that employs an in-house trained team of installers brings many benefits as workers takes pride in the jobs they do and constantly strive to achieve high standards of excellence.
A wood flooring company with an in-house team has an eye for detail and strives to achieve the best possible results for their customers, as opposed to subcontractors who may not have any special connection to the company.
In addition to this, an in-house team is more likely to have the training appropriate to each flooring type, and can offer advice as and when necessary so the client receives the right product to suit their requirements.
Naturally Wood has an in-house team of installers and floor restorers, and we supply and install superior flooring to a standard that meets or exceeds our customers’ expectations.
Attention to Quality
It is vital to choose a company that takes pride in the quality of their materials so they can lay flooring that not only looks beautiful but will last.
Naturally Wood is committed to high standards of excellence and lay great importance on the quality of our materials. We regularly carry out quality control checks at the factories in Germany, Holland and the Netherlands, so we can see the materials at first hand and view the methods of production.
Wood Flooring Specialists
It is always best to choose a company that are wood flooring specialists as they are experts in their field, rather than all-rounders.
General flooring fitters may not have the extensive knowledge and wide range of expertise a specialist flooring fitter, such as Naturally Wood, can provide.
Advice from the Experts
To get your flooring just the way you want it, you will need time to consider the various options and find out which of these will work best in your interior.
Instead of pushy sales techniques, you will want a company that understands choosing solid wood flooring isn’t a snap decision.
Naturally Wood is passionate about hardwood flooring and we give our customers as much time as they need to think about the different possibilities, so they can gain the right flooring for their needs.
Free Sample Service
A free sample service means that you can view flooring types in the comfort of your own home to help you make the right flooring choice.
Naturally Wood provides a free sample service and can send flooring samples of 200mm in length direct to your home - just order samples via our website or direct from Naturally Wood.
Although the majority of our flooring samples are free, we do charge for some of our flooring panels, such as parquet panels and borders, as these have to be made specifically to order.
Survey Before Quoting
It is always best for a company to carry out a full survey before any work starts, so they can fully understand the job in hand.
Naturally Wood do just that which means that we can factor in any special requirements before quoting, so there are no nasty surprises when you get the bill.
Large Samples to View
Viewing large samples at first hand helps you decide on whether you have chosen exactly the right flooring for your interior.
Hardwood flooring company Naturally Wood guide you at every stage so you are completely satisfied with your flooring.
Once you have made your flooring selection, we will bring large sample panels for you to view so that you are fully confident of your decision before you give us the go ahead to install your new floor.
View Past Work
Find a company that is willing to show you their past work so you can see the quality of their work at first hand.
At Naturally Wood we receive much of our work through recommendation so you can be assured of superior results. Click on the link below to view our portfolio and find out more.
Hardwood Flooring Company - Click here to view examples of work from Naturally Wood.
Traditional with Modern
Look for a company that combines traditional values and techniques with modern flooring innovations such as under-floor heating.
Naturally Wood is a solid wooden flooring company that provides the best of both worlds and offers a wide range of traditional and modern flooring options including Bolefloor, the latest flooring product.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Ten Design Reasons to Opt for a Hardwood Floor Installation
Why opt for a hardwood floor installation for a home or business? Among the many reasons is that solid wood flooring is not only highly durable and practical, but it also forms the perfect foundation for the rest of your décor.
However, there are plenty of other reasons why a hardwood floor installation is a great choice compared to other types of floor coverings - and here’s our top ten:
Hardwood Floor Installation - Click here to find out more about our wood flooring products
1. Versatility
Hardwood flooring is extremely versatile as it increases, rather than limits the possibilities of décor schemes. It works alongside any home style from shabby chic, eclectic, contemporary loft style, period properties, modern and minimalist homes, bright and airy interiors or time-honoured and sumptuous homes.
2. Bridging Old and New
Hardwood flooring works well in either classical or contemporary interiors. Wooden flooring can be fresh, innovative and work to soften stark, minimalist schemes (by installing curved flooring for instance), or you can choose hardwood flooring that is light, bright and airy to open up a small space in a modern home, or dark wood flooring for a more intimate feel. The right choice of flooring will revamp an interior and also make traditional schemes feel more up-to-date.
3. Wide Variety
From aged and distressed flooring to floors with a glossy finish, there is a wide range of solid flooring available to create just the right look for your home or business. With such a large number of wood types, finishes and stains, you can choose flooring that will strongly steer the design direction.
4. Neutral
Choosing a hardwood flooring installation makes a great starting point for the rest of the home. It gives a room a blank canvas to work with and you can choose solid wood flooring to work with any colour range.
5. Doesn’t Date
Solid wood flooring is a classic style choice as it has been in use for hundreds of years. It dropped out of fashion during the 1960’s and 1970’s when wall to wall carpets became the floor covering of choice, but since then has risen in popularity because it is timeless, elegant and easy to clean and care for. A solid wood floor that is well looked after and maintained will last for generations.
6. Economical in the Long Run
Updating a décor scheme can be extremely costly; however, a hardwood flooring installation will significantly reduce the cost of redecorating as, unlike a patterned carpet, for instance, it does not have to be updated to suit the style of your interior. A solid wood floor outlasts many other floor coverings (such as carpet or vinyl for instance) which makes it extremely economical.
7. Play with Space
How wooden planks are arranged, the colour of the flooring and the style, can subtly affect how big or small the space feels. For example, wooden planks arranged on the diagonal can make a space appear larger. Also the lighter the flooring, the bigger the space appears. If you want a spacious room to appear more intimate, go for patterned wood floors such as parquet or choose a motive. If you want a smaller space to appear larger, choose a plank design laid in the direction that you want to feel bigger (e.g. lay widthways to make a room feel wider).
8. Adds Texture
Solid wood flooring that adds texture is especially useful for a contemporary, minimalist interior. A parquet or mosaic design, for instance, or the natural grain on stripped wooden flooring injects some texture to a scheme without detracting from a very neutral palette. One of the most popular designs of parquet flooring is herringbone, a zig-zag type pattern which mimics the skeleton of a fish. It was one of the first parquet patterns in Europe and has maintained its popularity.
9. Backdrop for Rugs
If you want to refresh your décor or bring in new colours, rugs are far cheaper to buy than a fitted carpet. They provide the warmth and comfort of carpet in selected areas, while retaining the practicality and good looks of the wood surrounding them. By using a rug, this allows you to be braver with your choice of colour and pattern. Most people will feel more confident about buying a vibrant, colourful rug than having wall to wall carpets in the same design. Changing a rug is also far easier than getting a new carpet installed, and is great for people who like to make impulsive design changes, or perhaps like to adjust their decor to match the seasons.
10. Appeals to buyers
If you are thinking of selling your home, a hardwood flooring installation pays off as it is popular with buyers. Buyers can be put off by a carpet they don’t like or one that looks tired or shabby, because they would prefer not to stump up the cost of replacing it. However, buyers will generally not feel the same way about a hardwood floor even if they decide they want to get it sanded and refinished after they buy. They perceive a hardwood flooring installation as part of the structure of the house, whereas carpet is seen as a more disposable item.
Hardwood Floor Installation - Click here to browse our solid wood flooring products
However, there are plenty of other reasons why a hardwood floor installation is a great choice compared to other types of floor coverings - and here’s our top ten:
Hardwood Floor Installation - Click here to find out more about our wood flooring products
1. Versatility
Hardwood flooring is extremely versatile as it increases, rather than limits the possibilities of décor schemes. It works alongside any home style from shabby chic, eclectic, contemporary loft style, period properties, modern and minimalist homes, bright and airy interiors or time-honoured and sumptuous homes.
2. Bridging Old and New
Hardwood flooring works well in either classical or contemporary interiors. Wooden flooring can be fresh, innovative and work to soften stark, minimalist schemes (by installing curved flooring for instance), or you can choose hardwood flooring that is light, bright and airy to open up a small space in a modern home, or dark wood flooring for a more intimate feel. The right choice of flooring will revamp an interior and also make traditional schemes feel more up-to-date.
3. Wide Variety
From aged and distressed flooring to floors with a glossy finish, there is a wide range of solid flooring available to create just the right look for your home or business. With such a large number of wood types, finishes and stains, you can choose flooring that will strongly steer the design direction.
4. Neutral
Choosing a hardwood flooring installation makes a great starting point for the rest of the home. It gives a room a blank canvas to work with and you can choose solid wood flooring to work with any colour range.
5. Doesn’t Date
Solid wood flooring is a classic style choice as it has been in use for hundreds of years. It dropped out of fashion during the 1960’s and 1970’s when wall to wall carpets became the floor covering of choice, but since then has risen in popularity because it is timeless, elegant and easy to clean and care for. A solid wood floor that is well looked after and maintained will last for generations.
6. Economical in the Long Run
Updating a décor scheme can be extremely costly; however, a hardwood flooring installation will significantly reduce the cost of redecorating as, unlike a patterned carpet, for instance, it does not have to be updated to suit the style of your interior. A solid wood floor outlasts many other floor coverings (such as carpet or vinyl for instance) which makes it extremely economical.
7. Play with Space
How wooden planks are arranged, the colour of the flooring and the style, can subtly affect how big or small the space feels. For example, wooden planks arranged on the diagonal can make a space appear larger. Also the lighter the flooring, the bigger the space appears. If you want a spacious room to appear more intimate, go for patterned wood floors such as parquet or choose a motive. If you want a smaller space to appear larger, choose a plank design laid in the direction that you want to feel bigger (e.g. lay widthways to make a room feel wider).
8. Adds Texture
Solid wood flooring that adds texture is especially useful for a contemporary, minimalist interior. A parquet or mosaic design, for instance, or the natural grain on stripped wooden flooring injects some texture to a scheme without detracting from a very neutral palette. One of the most popular designs of parquet flooring is herringbone, a zig-zag type pattern which mimics the skeleton of a fish. It was one of the first parquet patterns in Europe and has maintained its popularity.
9. Backdrop for Rugs
If you want to refresh your décor or bring in new colours, rugs are far cheaper to buy than a fitted carpet. They provide the warmth and comfort of carpet in selected areas, while retaining the practicality and good looks of the wood surrounding them. By using a rug, this allows you to be braver with your choice of colour and pattern. Most people will feel more confident about buying a vibrant, colourful rug than having wall to wall carpets in the same design. Changing a rug is also far easier than getting a new carpet installed, and is great for people who like to make impulsive design changes, or perhaps like to adjust their decor to match the seasons.
10. Appeals to buyers
If you are thinking of selling your home, a hardwood flooring installation pays off as it is popular with buyers. Buyers can be put off by a carpet they don’t like or one that looks tired or shabby, because they would prefer not to stump up the cost of replacing it. However, buyers will generally not feel the same way about a hardwood floor even if they decide they want to get it sanded and refinished after they buy. They perceive a hardwood flooring installation as part of the structure of the house, whereas carpet is seen as a more disposable item.
Hardwood Floor Installation - Click here to browse our solid wood flooring products
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Hardwood Flooring Companies - Traditional or Modern?
With so many hardwood flooring companies to choose from, you will want to know how best to narrow down your search. One thing to consider is whether it is better to opt for a traditional hardwood flooring company, or a more modern organisation that offers the latest flooring innovations.
One of the many appeals of solid wood flooring is that the end result is beautiful, elegant and timeless. However, whether you have a contemporary home or business, or a traditional interior, wooden flooring also has to work on a more practical level.
So the question you should ask yourself is: Do you opt for a long-standing company with an in depth knowledge of materials and the traditional skills needed to produce a high quality finish? Or do you opt for a more forward thinking company that takes into account modern requirements and offers you the newest flooring products?
Here we shall look at the two types of hardwood flooring companies and consider how Naturally Wood offers the best of both worlds.
Hardwood Flooring Companies - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products.
Traditional Hardwood Flooring Companies
If you are thinking of investing in solid wood flooring, there are many benefits in selecting one of the traditional hardwood flooring companies to complete the work.
Firstly, by choosing a long-standing hardwood flooring company, you can benefit from the experience of staff with many years in the trade. As they have expert knowledge of their field, they are well placed to understand your requirements and will take time to discuss all the flooring options with you.
In addition to this, a traditional company with an experienced team of staff has a deep understanding of the materials they use. This means they can explain how the overall result will look and offer specialist advice on the type of flooring that will best suit your home or business.
When it comes to installing your floor, traditional hardwood flooring companies will place great emphasis on the quality of materials and workmanship. A traditional company is dedicated to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction - from the initial survey, through to installation and aftercare stage when they advise on long term care and repair of your flooring and the right products to use. They are also in a better position to deal with more unusual or bespoke requests, and the end result will be high quality flooring with attention to detail.
Finally, if your floor looks tired or worn and is need of a revamp, traditional companies have the skills not only to install new flooring, but also restore and repair existing flooring to ensure it looks as good as new.
Modern Hardwood Flooring Companies
Modern hardwood flooring companies are fresh, new and forward thinking and can offer you the latest flooring products which can bring a fantastic creative slant to a contemporary home.
A modern company will offer the newest flooring products that take into account not just current fashions, but all the practical aspects as well, such as under-floor heating. Modern flooring companies can also introduce products that are more unusual so your interior stands out from the rest. This includes more exotic woods such as Teak, Iroko, Merbau or Wenge, which look stunning against a backdrop of contemporary furniture, accessories and wall art.
Other products that they can offer for your home or business include Bolefloor bespoke curved flooring, which is truly unique and steers away from the traditional parallel flooring as the boards are cut to follow the natural growth of tree.
In addition, modern companies know they are in a competitive market and strive to keep their costs down so they can offer competitive pricing. They use up to date marketing and communications techniques and have an extensive website where you can research the products online and make contact via email.
The Best of Both Worlds
Naturally Wood is a wood flooring company that combines the best of both worlds. Our years of experience in the hardwood trade means we can offer traditional techniques, combined with the latest machinery, technology and products.
We have an in-house trained team of staff who have an eye for detail and are committed to achieving the highest standards of customer service, so we can offer you complete customer satisfaction.
In addition to this, we offer only the finest quality materials, so your flooring is designed to last. We offer a complete range of flooring products including the most popular options, such as oak parquet, solid and engineered flooring as well as more unusual products like our Inception range of end grain flooring, exotic varieties of timber, and we can also offer innovative, eco-friendly products such as Bolefloor curved flooring.
So although we are a traditional company with a long history, we also pride ourselves on being one of the most innovative hardwood flooring companies you’ll find.
Hardwood Flooring Companies - Click here to browse our solid wood flooring products
One of the many appeals of solid wood flooring is that the end result is beautiful, elegant and timeless. However, whether you have a contemporary home or business, or a traditional interior, wooden flooring also has to work on a more practical level.
So the question you should ask yourself is: Do you opt for a long-standing company with an in depth knowledge of materials and the traditional skills needed to produce a high quality finish? Or do you opt for a more forward thinking company that takes into account modern requirements and offers you the newest flooring products?
Here we shall look at the two types of hardwood flooring companies and consider how Naturally Wood offers the best of both worlds.
Hardwood Flooring Companies - Click here to find out more about our solid wood flooring products.
Traditional Hardwood Flooring Companies
If you are thinking of investing in solid wood flooring, there are many benefits in selecting one of the traditional hardwood flooring companies to complete the work.
Firstly, by choosing a long-standing hardwood flooring company, you can benefit from the experience of staff with many years in the trade. As they have expert knowledge of their field, they are well placed to understand your requirements and will take time to discuss all the flooring options with you.
In addition to this, a traditional company with an experienced team of staff has a deep understanding of the materials they use. This means they can explain how the overall result will look and offer specialist advice on the type of flooring that will best suit your home or business.
When it comes to installing your floor, traditional hardwood flooring companies will place great emphasis on the quality of materials and workmanship. A traditional company is dedicated to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction - from the initial survey, through to installation and aftercare stage when they advise on long term care and repair of your flooring and the right products to use. They are also in a better position to deal with more unusual or bespoke requests, and the end result will be high quality flooring with attention to detail.
Finally, if your floor looks tired or worn and is need of a revamp, traditional companies have the skills not only to install new flooring, but also restore and repair existing flooring to ensure it looks as good as new.
Modern Hardwood Flooring Companies
Modern hardwood flooring companies are fresh, new and forward thinking and can offer you the latest flooring products which can bring a fantastic creative slant to a contemporary home.
A modern company will offer the newest flooring products that take into account not just current fashions, but all the practical aspects as well, such as under-floor heating. Modern flooring companies can also introduce products that are more unusual so your interior stands out from the rest. This includes more exotic woods such as Teak, Iroko, Merbau or Wenge, which look stunning against a backdrop of contemporary furniture, accessories and wall art.
Other products that they can offer for your home or business include Bolefloor bespoke curved flooring, which is truly unique and steers away from the traditional parallel flooring as the boards are cut to follow the natural growth of tree.
In addition, modern companies know they are in a competitive market and strive to keep their costs down so they can offer competitive pricing. They use up to date marketing and communications techniques and have an extensive website where you can research the products online and make contact via email.
The Best of Both Worlds
Naturally Wood is a wood flooring company that combines the best of both worlds. Our years of experience in the hardwood trade means we can offer traditional techniques, combined with the latest machinery, technology and products.
We have an in-house trained team of staff who have an eye for detail and are committed to achieving the highest standards of customer service, so we can offer you complete customer satisfaction.
In addition to this, we offer only the finest quality materials, so your flooring is designed to last. We offer a complete range of flooring products including the most popular options, such as oak parquet, solid and engineered flooring as well as more unusual products like our Inception range of end grain flooring, exotic varieties of timber, and we can also offer innovative, eco-friendly products such as Bolefloor curved flooring.
So although we are a traditional company with a long history, we also pride ourselves on being one of the most innovative hardwood flooring companies you’ll find.
Hardwood Flooring Companies - Click here to browse our solid wood flooring products
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