Irish Daily Star

Wooden it be nice

You should always use water-resistant laminate flooring

- ■■Rachel BERESFORD

REDECORATI­NG your house is an exciting time but sometimes knowing where to start with the big decisions causes us a lot of stress.

For example, when it comes to flooring there are so many options on the market these days it’s hard to know where to start.

Floors are also a huge investment so you want to make the best decision for your needs — is price your main concern? Or do you have a big budget and want to invest in something hardwearin­g that will last a long time?

The biggest decision facing most people when they are getting new floors is choosing between laminate and solid wood.

If you are currently facing that choice, we have tips from Charlie Hamilton, the managing director at wood flooring specialist Canadia.

Hamilton says: “Hardwood flooring has been used in properties for centuries and even though there are several flooring options on the market now, it still remains a popular choice amongst homeowners.

Durability

“Solid wood flooring is known for its natural beauty and impressive durability — trust me, you won’t regret installing hardwood flooring in your home.

“(But) if you’re contemplat­ing investing in oak wood flooring, understand­ably maintenanc­e and cleaning is something you will need to think about.

“Generally speaking, this type of flooring is easy to keep looking its best, however there are some key dos and don’ts that all homeowners should be aware of when installing hardwood flooring.”

DO vacuum your flooring

One of the best ways to remove dust, dirt and debris from your hardwood flooring is to use a vacuum, and it’s crucial to vacuum regularly as debris can scratch and damage your oak flooring.

While you can sweep your floors with a broom, this usually just pushes the dirt into the cracks and crevices of your flooring, and it’s more beneficial to suck the dirt up with a vacuum.

 ?? ?? CHOICE: Choosing between solid wood flooring or laminate can be tricky — Canadia’s Charlie Hamilton is sharing his advice on how to keep your hardwood floors clean and what will work best in areas where water may fall
CHOICE: Choosing between solid wood flooring or laminate can be tricky — Canadia’s Charlie Hamilton is sharing his advice on how to keep your hardwood floors clean and what will work best in areas where water may fall

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