Real Oak Floors has recently introduced the full range of Krono laminate flooring on their website. Prices start from £4.65 psm. Choose from a massive range of finishes in:
Krono Vario
Kronofix Original
Krono V-Groove Narrow
Krono Stoneline
Check out the sample of this stunning range below!
Our full range of Krono laminate flooring
Choosing between laminate flooring and real wood flooring can be a tough one. It seems that the price of laminate flooring usually wins over the beauty of real wood flooring. But which lasts longer? Which is better quality? And which looks best in your room?
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is fantastic if you are looking for a wood effect floor on a budget. The best value for money laminate flooring is Krono collection, The Krono collection comes in a range of oak colours and 4 different effects. It comes as an easy click lock installation system so even if you don’t have a degree in construction to be able to fit it. You can also buy quickstep laminate flooring.
The quickstep laminate flooring system was designed for a closer fit between the panels. Finally there is aqua step laminate flooring. This flooring system is waterproof so no more nasty raised planks due to large spillages. The aqua step laminate flooring is especially handy for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. Laminate floor is very easy to clean and maintain. It only needs a sweep and a mop every so often and if you really want to make your laminate floor shine you could even give it a polish. Laminate does have a downside and that is that it doesn’t last as long as a solid wood floor. Remember that when you are choosing your laminate you should find one appropriate for the area. For example if you are laying your laminate in the hallway then you should pick a laminate that is suitable for high traffic areas.
Real wood flooring is the kind of flooring that will transform your room. It will add style to your room scheme and will create warmth in the room. Of course solid wood flooring is more expensive than laminate but you can see the quality of the solid wood flooring compared to laminate. Solid wood flooring is available in hundreds of different colours and styles. You can get real wood floors from pretty much any tree you like. These colours range from the darkest aged oak to the lightest pine. These colours can be adjusted and changed to suit your style with different finishes. These finishes include oiled, no-oiled, lacquered, brushed and even smoked.
Real Wood Flooring
The choice of finish can make your floor look completely different so be sure to choose wisely. Solid wood flooring needs some maintenance. It should be cleaned regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions and should be cleaned with a specialist solid wood floor cleaner. A solid wood floor should also be re-finished every few years or so too. If you do not maintain your solid wood flooring then it will not last to its full lifespan. By ensuring that it is well looked after will mean it won’t need replacing and therefore a more cost effective choice.
So now you have a better knowledge of solid wood flooring and laminate wood flooring, hopefully your choice will be a little bit easier. Remember that investing in a quality solid wood floor can sometimes be cheaper if it lasts a lifetime.
Eco Friendly Engineered wood flooring is a new and innovative product that combines beautiful wood flooring with eco friendly ethics. If you, like so many others, are concerned about climate change yet feel that a wonderful home is equally important then you won’t have to compromise when it comes to engineered wood flooring. Not only will you feel that you are doing your bit for the environment but you will also be able to choose from a multitude of colours, designs and finishes too.
Eco-Friendly Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is available in many different designs. To begin with you have to choose which style you would like. There are four different styles which resemble the planks you would normally find on real wood flooring. The premium option is a single plank which is the most popular type of engineered wood flooring style. The next most popular tends to be the special style. This looks like two shorter planks so it looks more like solid wood flooring. You can also buy engineered wood flooring in two or three strip styles.
Once you have chosen which style you want you can then decide on the colour of the wood. There are so many different choices such as oak, elm, cherry, alder, acacia, walnut, hornbeam, steamed beech, maple, birch, beech and ash. The colour of the wood you choose will depend on your interior scheme and personal preferences. Of course different houses lend themselves to different woods. Modern houses with a minimalistic look will look amazing with a walnut floor while older houses look great with oak. The beauty of engineered wood flooring is that you can even choose which finish you would like. Some people like to wait until their wood floor is in their homes before deciding on a finish while others like to have their floor ready and raring to go so they can use it as soon as it is installed. You can even choose which width plank you would like. The click lock system means that no matter which size you choose they all will be easily installed.
There are a few different finishes such as oiled, un-oiled, smoked, un-smoked, lacquered and un-lacquered. The advantages of having your wood floor oiled is that it will keep for longer and will also slow down the aging process so you get to keep the colour you originally bought. Having your wood floor lacquered will protect it and make it last longer although some people prefer to have a more natural look to their wood floors and as such choose not to lacquer their floors.
Engineered wood flooring is the ideal solution to an eco friendly wood floor as all of the wood is made from trees that have been sourced from sustainable forests. You really can have a beautiful floor that will transform your home without the guilt of damaging the ozone. If you are conscious about climate change and are looking for a wood floor then look no further than engineered wood flooring.
There are so many choices when it comes to wood flooring that it can be hard to make the right decision. Some people prefer to make the choice once the wood has arrived in their homes while others would rather have the finished product. Whichever you choose you should think long and hard about your choice. Because your wood floor is going to stay in your house for years to come it would be foolhardy to pick something that you didn’t fall in love with. Wood floors come in not just hundreds of different colours but different finishes too. So what do you need to know about unfinished and finished wood flooring?
Unfinished wood flooring is when the floor has been neither lacquered nor oiled. It has come to your home or site pre cut and nothing more. Some people choose to buy un-finished wood flooring because they want to personalise the floor. Others choose un-finished wood flooring because they want to see what it looks lie in its own surrounding before adjusting it. And some people simply like the un-finished look. Old, more traditional houses lend themselves very well to un-finished wood floors especially un-finished antique pine. Without lacquer, a wood floor can add warmth to the room and can create a natural feeling. Some people will get their un-finished wood flooring home and decide that they would like it to e a shade darker or better protected. This is a simple way to ensure that you get the product you want rather than buying it ready finished and then not liking it when you got it home.
Finished wood flooring on the other hand can make a real statement in your room. A beautifully lacquered shiny floor can add light into your room and make your new real wood floor stand out. Most people choose finished wood flooring in high traffic areas or areas that have a lot of furniture. A dining room for example is likely to be used every day and will have lots of movement of the furniture. In this case you need to make sure that the floor is well protected with some lacquer and oil.
Choosing which type of wood you are going to use on the floor can be hard enough but having to make the decision between finished and un-finished can be even tougher. Think long and hard about the decision you are about to make as it will stay with you and your house for quite some time. Remember that if you are unsure how you want the finished product to look then it would be best to go for unfinished, that way you can change it to suit your taste and style.
Good luck in choosing the right real wood floor for you.
When you decide to buy a real wood floor you should understand that not only will it look beautiful but it will need maintaining too. While a sweep and a mop may do for some laminate flooring a real wood floor will need a more thorough approach. So how should you care for your wood floor? Here are seven top tips on looking after your real wood flooring.
Tip 1
Follow the manufactures instructions. Manufacturers spend years and years perfecting their instructions. They take time researching different products and different methods of cleaning their floors and so know what is best for them. By following the manufacturer’s instructions you will get the most from you floor and it will last longer.
Tip 2
Sweep daily. By sweeping your wood floor every day you will clear it of grime and dirt. This dirt, if left unattended, could be ground in the floor by unsuspecting feet and can be almost impossible to remove.
Tip 3
Mop weekly, but only with a slightly damp mop. By mopping the floor it will give you a deeper clean and will also get rid of any germs. Try not to get your wood floor too wet as wood can absorb water especially if it is un-finished.
Tip 4
Ensure you buy the right cleaner. Real wood floor cleaners are a specialist product and your wood flooring manufacturer will usually recommend a cleaner. This is the best to use as the manufacturer will have researched all of the products on the market and decided that this one is best for you specific floor. If you do not have a manufacturer’s recommendation then you should choose a cleaner that is more pH neutral or alkali. Acidic cleaners will strip your wood floor of any varnish or oil that it may have and will damage your floor.
Tip 5
Re-lacquer when required. Lacquer will wear off over time so it is important to re apply if you want to protect your floor. Oiling also needs to be reapplied but more frequently than lacquer.
Tip 6
Be sure to protect your floor. If you have pieces of furniture on your real wood floor then you need to protect your floor from scratches, dents and general marks that your furniture may cause. There are many different products that can be fixed onto the feet of your furniture to ensure that they don’t scratch.
Tip 7
Check your floor regularly. Your real wood floor should be checked every week for any problems that may occur. A simple scratch may lead to another; more serious problem so be sure to deal with any dents, scratches or marks that may arise. By maintaining your floor it will last longer and your floor will have a longer life span.
When buying a real wood floor you must be prepared to care for it properly. A quality floor needs caring for and nurturing. By not following the above 7 tips you are likely to have a floor that will last you no more than a few years, rather than a lifetime.
Written by Philippa Wilson
Laminate wood flooring has become so popular in houses over the past 10 years. It is a great way to make a room look welcoming without paying a fortune for carpet.
The best thing about laminate flooring is that you can even lay it yourself! Many self laying kits come with instructions but these can be technical and difficult to read so here is a little secret guide to help you install your laminate floors.
The first step is to be prepared! Many people will begin a DIY task without the proper tools and take hours putting a single bookshelf together because they spent half the time looking for their hammer! If you get all of your tools ready for laying your laminate wood flooring then it will take you half the time. Ensure that you have the laminate flooring, rubber mallet, nails, hammer, tape measure and anything else it asks for in the instructions. Once you are sure you have all of these (do not use alternatives, they never work out and you will only get frustrated) you are ready to begin.
Start by laying the underlay on a clean floor. Cover the whole floor until only underlay can be seen. You can fix it down with tacks or spray adhesive or alternatively leave it as it is.
Krono Stoneline Laminate Flooring Range at Real Oak Floors
One of the best brand of laminate floors is the Krono laminate flooring system. It comes in a range of colours (royal oak, certosa oak and dark oak) and is very easy to lay. It can be used for both heavy traffic areas and lightweight use. It even comes with a 10 year guarantee! The krono laminate range would be a beautiful compliment to a beautiful house so if you are looking for a great laminate floor then I suggest you take a look at the Krono range.
So now you know how to lay a laminate wood floor there is no excuse not to get on and do it! All you need to do is be prepared, be thorough and most importantly be proud of what you have just laid!
Engineered wood flooring is a new and innovative take on wood flooring. It is a collection of custom made flooring to suit the tastes of the consumer. So if you like antique pine or maybe lacquered milano is more your style then you can design your own with the engineered wood flooring.
With engineered wood flooring there are many different options. These include 21 different colours from 4 different categories. These categories are the smoked collection, the oiled collection, the distressed and aged collection and the unfinished collection. You can also choose from many other options once you have picked your colour such as plank thickness, prime grade or rustic grade, brushing options or smoking options, bevelled or square edged boards and lastly the finish. These engineered wood flooring boards are designed to your specification and as such give you a far more personal touch to your floor.
148mm Engineered Oak Natural Oiled Flooring
One decision that often gets people is the choice between bevelled wood flooring and square-edged wood flooring. Square-edged wood flooring gives you a nice clean finish. You could cast your eye over the entire floor and not see a blemish in sight. If you are looking for the minimalist or modern look to your floor then I would suggest the square-edged wood flooring. If you are looking for a more rustic approach then the bevelled wood flooring may be more your style. People often go for the bevelled wood flooring if they want to make it look as if the floor has been there for hundreds of years and would definitely lend itself to the aged and distressed collection. Of course it is your decision and you may choose to be completely different and unique by mixing and matching any of the choices that are on offer to suit you.
Another tough decision is the finish on the floor. Finished wood flooring can look spectacular when it is lacquered and given a good polish but you have to be careful when using cleaning products. Use a cleaner with to high a pH level and you may find your finished wood floor has been stripped of it lacquer! However the lacquer and polish does give protection to items such as heavy furniture, pets nails and women’s shoes. Unfinished wood flooring on the other hand has no such protection. You have to be very careful what you place on it and who you let walk in the room. An unfinished wood floor will look fantastic in a country style kitchen and will also give your room a more natural feel to it.
If you are looking for laminate wood flooring at the moment but can’t decide which to go for then why not take a look at the engineered wood flooring collection? There are so many different choices that there is little risk of you finding the same floor anywhere else. If you want a unique look with a personal touch then I would definitely recommend an engineered wood floor.
Prefinished Oak Flooring at Real Oak Floors
Many people are choosing oak floors for their homes but due to the financial climate not all of us can afford the beautiful oak flooring we have to offer. This is why we are all choosing our oak flooring on a budget (believe me it can be done!). If you want a bespoke oak floor for a great price then look no further.
Being British we all have a love affair with the old oak tree. An oak tree can be defined by a very old saying that goes “from little acorns grow mighty oak trees” and this is very true. The oak tree is renowned for its solidness and strength which is why we love to lay oak flooring. The grain and texture of oak makes it a beautiful wood to work with and you will often find it is a favourite amongst cabinetmakers and carpenters alike. Of course as with anything oak changes as it ages. It becomes darker and almost seems like a different wood altogether. There are also many different varieties of oak that range from across the world so you will always be able to find a colour you like.
Oak flooring comes in a whole variety of options and finishes. Real Oak Floors has 18 different styles of oak flooring ranging from the most traditional unfinished oak floor to the American lacquered oak floor. You can buy wide planks or slim planks, lacquered planks or un-finished planks. In fact you can buy any oak floor design you can think of! You can even buy engineered oak flooring which gives you a whole range of finishes including smoked or brushed.
The big question when it comes to oak floors is the finish. Some people like to leave their oak floors to breathe and become a part of the room by leaving them unvarnished or without polish. This can have a stunning affect on the room, especially if you have a lot of wooden furniture in there but it can also cause a lot of heartache when it comes to maintenance. Unfinished floors are harder to keep clean and will scuff, dent and even absorb stains more than their lacquered contenders. Lacquered oak flooring on the other hand is easy to maintain, keep clean and copes well in heavy traffic areas such as the hallway. You can also choose from oiled or no oiled. This will make the wood look darker but will also make it last longer. After all there is no point in having a beautiful brushed oak floor when it won’t last forever.
So if you are looking for some oak flooring that is affordable yet stylish then why not have a browse at the different oak floor collections now? With so many different choices you will be surprised what gorgeous flooring you can get for your money.
Written by Philippa Wilson.
Solid wood flooring is something that should be admired and cherished. When you see real wood flooring you can tell instantly and can almost feel it underneath your feet, which is why it is so important to get the right wood flooring for you.
Solid wood flooring tends to last a very long time and you can almost watch it change with you as you and your family grow up, so does your floor. The beauty of having wood floors is that you have a living material right under you and as a living material it adapts to its surroundings. For example if it happens to be very cold your floor will shrink (only ever so slightly) and if it is very hot it will expand. Seeing your floor change is a beautiful thing and worth every penny of the price you paid!
Solid wood flooring comes in all different materials. Pre-finished and un-finished oak. Oak is especially pretty when it changes colour as it gets older. Aged and antique oak flooring is also lovely in the right settings such as an old farmhouse.
Lacquered Solid Oak Flooring at Real Oak Floors
Choosing which solid wood flooring is right for you can be a difficult choice. It will depend on the style of the room, the age of the house, where you are going to put it and what look you are trying to achieve. Wood floors are becoming so much more popular than carpet because they give the room so much more character and with each different wood comes a different look. Even with the designs of the grain it can make a huge difference. So when you decide which wood to use for your wood floors be sure to pick the one that you feel happiest with and not just the one that the interior design magazine said would look great!
Written by Philippa Wilson.
Wood Floor Blog is now offering a selection of guides, tips and info on wood flooring via PDF for easy reference. Check out our profiles on:
Every time we add a new guide to our blog we will automatically embed the PDF into the post so you can download at your own leisure!