Floorboards or fitted floor?

[norrahe]

I know the people who did the Tate Modern's wooden flooring if you want to go that route.

Not sure that OP wants a gaping hole in his living room. if their previous work is anything to go by.

[minestrone]

We have floorboards, I think they look vastly superior but it rarely got above freezing outside for 3 weeks this winter and they are not ideal.

Fitted floors look like BTLs if you ask me.

[Drewster]

We have floorboards, I think they look vastly superior but it rarely got above freezing outside for 3 weeks this winter and they are not ideal.

Fitted floors look like BTLs if you ask me.

I think you are right about lots of cheap fitted floors.... they are no better than lino - but the good ones are (and look) very good....

[norrahe]

I think you are right about lots of cheap fitted floors.... they are no better than lino - but the good ones are (and look) very good....

If you do want to go for fitted floor boards, then get decent wood and not laminate and get someone in to fit them for you. If you are feeling adventurous, then DIY, but I would recommend getting a professional in.

[minestrone]

I think you are right about lots of cheap fitted floors.... they are no better than lino - but the good ones are (and look) very good....

They do, my previous previous place had solid oak fitted floors but they were laid directly on the joists. My previous place had oak fitted floors directly on the wood underneath, it never looked right, quarter round on the skirting to cover up the overlap. Floorboards should go under the skirting and if they do not it looks crap no matter what the floor is.

[Drewster]

......... Floorboards should go under the skirting and if they do not it looks crap no matter what the floor is.

Oh Yessss! Even el-cheapo laminate should go under the skirting..... looks so much better.

and preparation is key.... if the floor underneath is not sound or is lumpy then whatever you put on top will be tulipe.... whenever I've had it put down on concrete the fitters have screed the floor first... I haven't had any on joists..... but direct to joists sounds right or on top of "underlay" - although I expect that would lead to doors needing trimming etc (and small step/lip between rooms)....

[Sysman]

Is it more desirable (aesthetically) to have floorboards rather than a fitted floor?

What style of construction is the house?

The best floors I've had were in apartments in Europe - just like bowling alley lanes.

(with underfloor heating on top of a concrete base - they do need a solid underpinning.)