Knock on WOOD

Hardwood flooring has a timeless, classic appeal that connects us with nature and the great outdoors, writes Melanie Farrell

- Melanie Farrell

Ask Greg Veale from Concept Floors, a supplier of engineered oak flooring, about the appeal of hardwood and he will reel off a long list of benefits. “Hardwood floors add elegance and warmth, they are easy to keep clean, strong and durable and will add value to your home.”

WHAT IS HARDWOOD FLOORING?

Hardwood flooring is made from tropical and non-tropical hardwood species, and generally consists of oak, saligna, and teak. South Africa produces softwood, namely pine, but this is not a good raw material for flooring. “We depend on imports to satisfy the domestic demand for hardwood flooring,” says Zahir Bham, director of Azura Distributors, a supplier of BKB and Pergo engineered wood flooring.

SOLID VS. ENGINEERED WOOD

“Hardwood flooring made of solid wood is one of the most popular flooring options,” says Veale. “Engineered hardwood floors, on the other hand, are made of a high-quality plywood core with a thin layer of hardwood flooring on top.”

The advantage of solid flooring over engineered flooring is that it can be sanded down and refreshed if needed, extending the floor’s lifespan, says Veale.