SALVAGED v Vinyl
There are myriad di!erent "ooring options for your home, from real to realistic, so how to choose? We ask two experts in the #eld to argue the case for their favourites
Adam Hills, Co-founder and Director at Retrouvius
‘For me, there are many reasons why reclaimed ooring is a good option and one of them is character. If you choose the right type of timber for the history of your house, then it can make it look like you’ve got a really lovely original building or you’ve done a really great restoration – you’ve got to have things that are historically accurate. Another reason is ecological. If you’re taking down a tree in the middle of the forest, chances are you’ve got to take down another 10, 20, or even 100 trees. You have to justify how much damage you are contributing to.
‘A practical thing to consider when buying reclaimed is knowing what’s underneath; such as under!oor heating or whether it’s going on joists, solid concrete or a solid !oor of some type. If it’s a restoration, is there a damp-proof membrane and is it structurally sound?
‘We use a huge amount of reclaimed !ooring on our projects and we have clients source reclaimed !ooring even if we don’t have it in our own stock. It’s useful to do a broad price comparison, so you’re not le" with any shocks. We used to use large quantities of gym !oors: it’s a#ordable, very hard-wearing and easy to put down. If you’re using 18th-century wide oak boards, it’s a di#erent ke$le of %sh and can be more expensive than a cheap gym !oor.’
Ma hew Brook, National Sales Manager at Moduleo UK and Eire
‘Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and engineered vinyl ooring are both popular options for those who want quality, authentic-looking !oors without a he"y price tag.
‘The bene%ts of ‘modern’ !ooring types vary, from quality and !exibility to an authentic aesthetic that rivals natural stone and solid wood. We’re seeing homeowners increasingly turn to these options in recent years as they o#er realistic characteristics of their natural counterparts that give a room plenty of character.
‘LVT is expertly engineered to be more durable and easier to install and maintain compared to natural materials. Scratch and stain-resistant, it provides peace of mind to customers and comes in a wide range of shades and styles. Despite being incredibly robust, LVT is designed to be so" and warm underfoot, with a resilient layer anticipating body weight and o#ering a so" feel.
‘Moduleo’s LayRed is a multi-layered vinyl !oor that combines beautiful design with supreme comfort and unrivalled strength. This product is perfect for uneven !oors as it has integrated underlay, so it can be used straight over existing !oor coverings, including tiles or under!oor heating, making it a dream for renovators.’