Reply to: Floorboards or fitted floor?

[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.)

[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)....

[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.

[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.

[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....

[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.

[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.

[northernladuk]

Don't bother with the sanding business. The floor boards have to be in great nick for it to look any good and they are bloody awful to try and keep warm. The smallest crack can have a force 9 gale running through it. I did this and the floor looked pretty good before i started. Spent 2 days just hammering in proud nails let alone the bloody crap the sander threw up and in the end it looked just ok.

Have a look around, some of the modern wood flooring is beautiful. Very expensive in some cases but well worth it if you are house proud. Forget laminate and go for the slotted wood stuff. Looks the dogs danglies, feels great and much better to keep warm. I did it in one bedroom and everyone comments on it. So much cheap carpet and laminate around a real wood laid floor stands out a mile.

[Moscow Mule]

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

I've just bought a house, I've not got the finance in place to buy the Tate Modern!!!

[gingerjedi]

Have you thought about pouring concrete? Don't do it upstairs though.

[threaded]

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

[Gibbon]

Kardean, only way to go really. Looks good, extremely durable and has good insulation properties.


It is expensive though.

[Moscow Mule]

Was in a similar boat a year or so ago. Brought up all the carpets to find a filthy wooden floor, with all kinds of stains and marks all over it. Looked into getting a new floor fitted but went with the sanding as it seemed much cheaper.

Hired a floor sanding specialist who came in with some serious kit which made light work of the job and kept dust etc at a minimum. The dust was actually re-used in the sealant and gap filler he put down after. Looks brilliant and never looked back.

Found a company in South London who do this for £20 sqm which seems pretty reasonable, bearing in mind the cost of a new fitted floor at around £50 sqm (roughly). I think we'll give them a go and see how it looks.

[MrRobin]

Was in a similar boat a year or so ago. Brought up all the carpets to find a filthy wooden floor, with all kinds of stains and marks all over it. Looked into getting a new floor fitted but went with the sanding as it seemed much cheaper.

Hired a floor sanding specialist who came in with some serious kit which made light work of the job and kept dust etc at a minimum. The dust was actually re-used in the sealant and gap filler he put down after. Looks brilliant and never looked back.

[doodab]

Is there any cost benefit in just whacking down some fibreboard underlay & real wood floor rather than getting the boards done properly?

There is a massive lack of hassle benefit. Sanding floorboards is hard work and not very pleasant with all the dust etc, esp in this weather it will not be fun.

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

That's in the eye of the beholder isn't it. Personally I prefer fitted floors unless it's in a "rustic" setting.