Solid wood flooring is one of those things people either love straight away… or feel unsure about because of all the mixed advice online.
You’ll hear things like
“it lasts forever”
“it moves too much”
“it’s the best you can buy”
Truth is, all of those can be true depending on the situation.
We fit solid wood floors across Taunton and Somerset regularly, so here’s a clear, no-nonsense look at when it’s a great choice, and when it’s not.
What is solid wood flooring?
Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of timber, usually around 18–20mm thick (sometimes as thin as 10mm).
No layers, no backing, just real wood all the way through.
That’s what gives it that proper, traditional feel that a lot of people love.
Why do people choose solid wood flooring?
One of the biggest advantages is how long it lasts.
Because it’s solid all the way through, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. So even if it gets worn, scratched or dated, it can be brought back to life.
We’ve worked on floors in Somerset homes that are decades old and still going strong.
What types of properties does it suit?
There’s something about solid wood that’s hard to beat.
The depth of the grain, the natural variation, the way it ages over time, it just feels more “real” under your feet.
It works especially well in:
- Period properties
- Cottages
- Older homes with character
Can it add value to your home?
Buyers like wood flooring, especially solid wood.
It’s seen as a long-term feature rather than something that’ll need replacing in a few years.
What are some of the downsides of solid wood flooring?
Solid wood is great, but it’s not perfect.
It moves with moisture and temperature. This is a big one. Wood naturally expands and contracts depending on humidity and temperature. In the UK, and especially around Somerset, that can be quite a bit through the year.
If the conditions aren’t right, you can get:
- Gaps in winter
- Expansion in summer
- In worst cases, cupping or movement
That’s why installation and environment matter so much.
What rooms should you install it in?
From what we see locally, solid wood flooring is a great choice for:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
……. If the conditions are right! Basically, areas that stay dry and stable year-round.
Because of moisture, solid wood isn’t usually the best choice for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Utility rooms
Spills, steam and humidity can cause problems over time.
Tips for installation
Solid wood isn’t very forgiving.
It needs:
- Correct acclimatisation before fitting
- A stable, dry subfloor
- Proper fixing (usually nailed or glued)
This isn’t one we’d normally recommend for DIY unless you’ve got experience.
When you should use alternatives
A lot of homes these days are better suited to engineered wood.
Especially if you have:
- Underfloor heating
- Open-plan kitchen spaces
- New builds or extensions
- Areas with changing temperatures
Engineered just handles those conditions better.
Solid wood is generally more expensive than engineered, both in materials and fitting.
That said, it can work out better long-term if looked after.
Not sure what’s right for your home?
A lot of people come in thinking solid wood is automatically “the best”.
It isn’t always.
The best flooring is the one that suits your home and how you live in it, not just what sounds good on paper.
In all honesty, most of the floors we fit are engineered – simply because most homes nowadays are more suited to it and the fact that it is such a stable product.
We’re based in Taunton and work across the Southwest, helping homeowners choose flooring that works long-term, not just something that looks good on day one.
Get in touch to request your free quote.