Wood flooring types 'often misunderstood by DIYers'

The different types of wood using in wood flooring often leave many DIY enthusiasts confused, it has been revealed.

Writing in his Telegraph column, home improvement expert Jeff Howell said that builders and DIYers are often left perplexed by trying to figure out the differences between hard and softwoods.

"This is a botanical classification. Hardwood is from deciduous trees that shed their leaves in autumn and softwood is from coniferous, or evergreen, trees," he said.

Mr Howell went on to note that some builders assume hardwoods are stronger or more resistant to decay simply because of the way they are named.

However, he pointed out that softwoods can often be more resistant than their hardwood counterparts and gave the example of the durable timber Pinus rigida, which is a softwood.

In a previous post, Mr Howell advised one couple that wood flooring is a better option for their Victorian-era home than concrete.

By David Steel
 

Date : 20/10/2010
Category: Flooring home improvement news