Hardwood - Beech, Oak, Walnut - strong and durable. The
type of hardwood flooring most widely available is mosaic
block flooring in panels. These panels are flexible and
the easiest type to lay. Low risk of allergy because it
is an easy to clean, natural product.
Softwood - Cedar, Deal, Pine
Wooden flooring is usually waxed or sealed, which stops
dirt penetrating the surface and improves the surface appearance.
It is therefore easy to maintain.
Sweep and clean with solvent-based wax. If the floor is
darker than you would like, apply bleach to lighten them,
always testing an obscure area first. You could also use
a coloured polyurethane varnish.
Even better use a wood stain, which colours the timber
and complete by sealing with a clear polyurethane varnish.
Some flooring is factory treated with lacquer, and requires
only vacuuming and wiping over with a damp-dry cloth.
A rug is advisable where there is heavy usage to avoid
scuffing.
