Decorating a rental property is very different to decorating your own home. While glamming up your own abode is a way to express your taste and personality, with a buy-to-let property you’re trying to create something that suits everyone, will withstand potentially unruly tenants, and on a tighter budget. Whether you’re a new landlord and need some advice on where to start with decorating or even if you’re an experienced landlord and just need some fresh ideas, then we’ve put together some tips and ideas for you. Keep reading to get your ideas flowing…

Walls

Paint the walls neutral colours, as although it belongs to you, your tenants will want to make it their own. That means stay away from boldly patterned wallpapers, bright colours, and try keep all the walls the same colour throughout the house if you can. Unfurnished properties are the most common these days, so a theme that will go with your tenant’s furniture is important. They’ll no doubt be imagining their own belongings in the home when they come to view, so you’ll want to make this vision to come as easily as possible.

Another tip, if you have more than one rental property, paint them all the same colour so you can use the same tin whenever touch ups are needed.

Maintenance and furniture

You’re going to want to reduce the amount of complaints from your tenants and repairs you’ll have to make. Install tough, anti-slam doors, doorknobs that aren’t going to dig holes in the walls and try avoiding too much glass. Objects that look too breakable will put tenants off as they will worry about their deposit and you don’t want to be replacing things either. If you’re letting the property as furnished, then cheap robust furniture is preferable, but don’t have anything unnecessary. In terms of seating, leather sofas are more resistant to stains as opposed to fabric ones but can also be scratched easier- something to bear in mind if you’re allowing tenants with pets. When it comes to colour, just like walls, don’t go for anything that’s too much of a statement; plain sofas are better.

In regards to the bathroom, you should consider installing the shower over the bath as opposed to a shower tray, as the latter is more prone to leaks. Electric showers are preferable too as if you have boiler problems your tenants can still have a shower, you’ll be very grateful for this when it does happen!

Flooring

Flooring is one of the key elements of any rental property, with many aspects to consider, including practicality, durability and style, often in that order. With this in mind, you’ll want to carefully consider which option to choose, which will often depend on areas in which you’re looking to re floor. Although solid and engineered wood flooring products look incredible, they are probably best avoided in rental properties, as they are typically more expensive to buy than other options. Taking this into account, you’ll probably want to consider Luxury Vinyl Tiles, laminate and carpet as our primary flooring options.

LVT and laminate come in a range of colours and styles, including that desirable natural wood look, and are more resistant to stains, liquid and general wear and tear. In addition to this, they’re also a lot easier to clean and maintain too!

Carpet is a common choice in many homes, not just rental properties, but it’s not always the most practical option, as, it doesn’t take well to spillages and stains. The last thing you want after having decorated is to have a tenant accidentally knock over a glass of red wine or drop spaghetti bolognese all over your new cream carpet, so although it may provide additional warmth, it might not be the best option for a rental property in living areas. Having said that, carpet is much better suited to stairs and bedrooms, where there is a lower risk of it getting damaged and needing to be replaced once the tenants move out.

There is really one main rule to remember when doing up your rental property: keep it simple. A fresh, clean and well finished property will be much more successful than a property that’s not been updated and has too much clutter. You want a blank canvas essentially and if you take this advice hopefully your tenants will want to stay for many years…

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When it comes to buying the right flooring, there are so many things to consider that it can become a bit over whelming, especially when you don’t know where to start!

Wood flooring has become increasingly more popular than ever and it’s easy to see why. Its charm and charisma adds sophistication to any home, as well creating a timeless appeal.

So, let’s say you’ve decided to go for wooden flooring, then comes the question of which grade to go for; something you’ll need to be well aware of before picking your dream flooring.

Prime/ A Grade

This grade of wood contains minimal knots offering a clean contemporary look to your living space. This is perfect if you enjoy the look of wood but want something a little plainer and clean cut. Prime grade flooring often compliments any interior due to its neutral appearance, therefore you have a little more freedom when furnishing your home!

Common/ AB Grade

With this grade you can preserve the wood’s natural splendour with all the practical protection. It shows more character and authenticity than a classic grade but less so than rustic. You still get the desirable random variation of knots while achieving that slick look. Its relaxed neutral appearance would suit a bedroom or living room, where calmness is sought after.

Classic/ ABC Grade

A classic grade allows the natural variation of wood without too much of the authentic knots and grains to be too obvious. It is worth remembering that the planks will all differ in terms of slight colour difference, knots and grains.

Rustic/ ABCD Grade

This grade is very natural flowing and no limits to the number of knots and grains it contains.The colour may also vary, as this grade is purposely been preserved to keep it as naturalistic as possible.

Although these grades are all very similar, there are subtle differences, both in terms of colour variation and the number of knots in the wood, but if you’re keen on getting everything in place, then pay attention to these grades.

The post Wooden grades- what’s the difference? appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When it comes to buying the right flooring, there are so many things to consider that it can become a bit over whelming, especially when you don’t know where to start!

Wood flooring has become increasingly more popular than ever and it’s easy to see why. Its charm and charisma adds sophistication to any home, as well creating a timeless appeal.

So, let’s say you’ve decided to go for wooden flooring, then comes the question of which grade to go for; something you’ll need to be well aware of before picking your dream flooring.

Prime/ A Grade

This grade of wood contains minimal knots offering a clean contemporary look to your living space. This is perfect if you enjoy the look of wood but want something a little plainer and clean cut. Prime grade flooring often compliments any interior due to its neutral appearance, therefore you have a little more freedom when furnishing your home!

Common/ AB Grade

With this grade you can preserve the wood’s natural splendour with all the practical protection. It shows more character and authenticity than a classic grade but less so than rustic. You still get the desirable random variation of knots while achieving that slick look. Its relaxed neutral appearance would suit a bedroom or living room, where calmness is sought after.

Classic/ ABC Grade

A classic grade allows the natural variation of wood without too much of the authentic knots and grains to be too obvious. It is worth remembering that the planks will all differ in terms of slight colour difference, knots and grains.

Rustic/ ABCD Grade

This grade is very natural flowing and no limits to the number of knots and grains it contains.The colour may also vary, as this grade is purposely been preserved to keep it as naturalistic as possible.

Although these grades are all very similar, there are subtle differences, both in terms of colour variation and the number of knots in the wood, but if you’re keen on getting everything in place, then pay attention to these grades.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When looking for the perfect hardwood floors, each person has their own priorities set. For some, it’s design. For others, it might be price. Many people do have one common priority: practicality. No one wants to break their back trying to keep their hardwood floors looking new and clean. 

With the range of options out there, it might be hard to know where to begin when looking for hardwood floors that are easy to keep. But there are a few aspects that you can take into consideration when picking the right hardwood floors for your home.

Color

Even if you have a design in mind, the color wood you’ll pick can play a big role when it comes to practicality. Darker colors can scratch more easily, and any stains or dirt will be more visible without the right finish. They would be better picks for rooms where there is not a lot of walking around, or where furniture is not moved around too much.

Lighter colors, on the other hand, can hide dust or dirt very well because of the grains, and the color tone of the wood. They would not be so visible in Ash White hardwood floors, for instance. Another great option would be multi-tone hardwood floors, since it already has a naturally “stained” look to it. 

Humidity resistance

One big issue with anything made of wood is dealing with humidity. It can make wood wear out really quickly by contracting and expanding, losing its shape, form, and/or color. While there are many types out there that are resistant, some of the best options are engineered woods. The interior of these woods are produced to prevent warping. But it is important to pick an option with thicker wear layers, as they are more resistant to scratches.

Janka Hardness scale

This scale was made to identify and classify the density of the wood. The reason why this is important is because, the denser it is, the more durable it can be. This means it won’t dent or scratch so easily, making it perfect for most businesses or social spaces. The softest wood ever measured, Balsa, ranked 22 lbf (pounds-force), while the hardest one registered was Australian Buloke, at 5,060 lbf.

Finish

The finish on your hardwood floors can help keep them for longer depending on your choice. Look-wise, there are matte, satin, and gloss finishes. Glossy finishes, while not as popular anymore, are great for maintenance. 

There is another way to classify hardwood floor finishes, which is by its base. Oil-based polyurethane adds a glow to the wood while also being able to withstand the natural movement of the wood. On the other hand, acrylic urethane (also called water-based) makes the resin more resistant to wear such as scratches, but it is not as resistant to heat or solvents. Therefore, an oil-based finish can make keeping the wood easier in the long term.

It is possible to find a common ground between the design and color you have in mind and a hardwood floor option that won’t be too hard to keep! Just try to check as many items off this list, and you’ll be able to pick the option that best suits your priorities.

While self-installing laminate flooring is relatively simple, navigating areas such as staircases can be tricky. Thankfully, when it comes to how to lay laminate flooring on stairs, there are a few tips and tricks that make the job easier. Here at Discount Flooring Depot, we’ve created a handy step-by-step guide for you to follow and ensure you’re left with a great end result. 

The Steps to Install Laminate on Stairs

Step 1: Remove Existing Flooring and Underlay

Before you start laying your laminate flooring, the first step is to ensure your staircase is prepped and ready. If you haven’t already, start by removing any existing flooring from your stairs, along with the existing underlay. Once you have a bare staircase, ensure you remove any paint and adhesive and hammer down any protruding nails. Next, give your stairs a thorough brush down to create a clean and even surface to start from.

Step 2: Remove any Overhang

You may find your stairs have an overhang from existing nosing (the protruding edge of the stair). You’ll need to remove this before you can install your laminate and your own nosing (we’ll get to that bit later). To remove the overhang, you can cut it away using a jigsaw, or nail a piece of plywood to the riser to fill in the space underneath.

Step 3: Lay Your Underlay

Underlay shouldn’t be considered an optional extra; as it can help muffle sound, improve acoustics and create a more comfortable feel underfoot, it’s particularly important for areas of high traffic such as stairs. Ensure you choose the right underlay for your laminate, before securing it to your stairway, ready to install your flooring.

Step 4: Cut Your Laminate to Size

For each step, you’ll need three pieces of  laminate: 

• The tread piece, which sits on top of the step
• The riser piece, which sits vertically on the front of the step
• And the stair nosing (or trim), which hangs over the front of the step.

To measure the length you’ll need for your tread pieces, lay your laminate plank across the top of the step, ensuring it fits as snuggly as possible on either side. You may need to trim your board down to size to do this. If a single laminate plank is not thick enough to cover the entirety of your step, cut a second plank to size and glue this tongue-to-groove next to your first plank, leaving some room to accommodate the nosing.

Similarly, when it comes to the riser pieces, ensure these are level with the riser on your stairs and that they sit snugly on top of the tread piece. You may also need to cut these down to size to fit your stair length.

When it comes to your nosing, this simply needs to be the same length as your tread and riser. 

Step 5: Lay the Tread

As laminate needs time to dry before you can walk on it, start your installation at the top of the stairs and work downwards to avoid getting stuck upstairs! Using wood adhesive, glue your tread to your first step, ensuring it lies tightly against the back of the step with the tongue facing outwards.

Step 6: Fit the Riser

Next, glue your riser piece of laminate to the vertical front of the step and hold this in place while it sets. If necessary, you can also nail the very top of the riser in place, as this will be covered by your nosing. 

Step 7: Add the Nosing

Once you’ve secured your riser and tread, the next step is to add your nosing, which acts as an edge trim on each step. Unless you’re using a self-adhesive nosing edge, glue it in place with the tapered end over the thread. 

Step 8: Leave for 12 Hours 

Finally, once you’ve completed your entire staircase, leave your laminate to set overnight and avoid walking on it for around 12 hours.

Now you know how to lay laminate flooring on stairs like a pro, you can ensure yours is fitted to perfection and enjoy the complete transformation of your new staircase. 

Remember, if you’re not confident in your ability to self-install, it’s always recommended to seek the help of a professional.

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to finishes on wooden flooring: brushed, oiled, unfinished, lacquered… but what exactly are the differences between them and how do you decide which is best for you? We’ve whittled them together, so you’ve got all the information in front of you…

Brushed

This effect is created by wire being used to pull out the softer spring wood exposing the harder wood. This in turn creates a beautiful, textured surface, which is advantageous as it can disguise scratches. It also adds to the authentic appeal of the floor, great if you’re looking for that rustic look, something growing ever more popular. It is also strategic if you want a more naturalistic authentic surface, as opposed to something too glossy. It can be applied to lacquered and an oiled finish, and is an option on both solid and engineered wood products.

Oiled

An oiled finish provides your wooden floor with surface protection as well as a defence against anything that might penetrate it beyond the surface. It keeps the wood’s glorious natural premise without it being completely exposed. Generally speaking, it’ll give you a smooth matt finish.

Although it requires a little more cleaning and upkeep than other choices of finishes; because of the penetrating protection, it’ll provide you with a longer lasting flooring with more resistance to stains and scratches.

Lacquered/ High Gloss and Chalk

This is similar to a modern varnish, which sits on top of the wood as opposed to oil which seeps past the surface. This finish is perfect if you’re wanting a clean cut, smooth aspect to your flooring. For this reason, it’s ideal in heavy footfall rooms where you’re desiring that grand, glossy look.

The varnish makes lacquered somewhat water resistant, however we wouldn’t recommend allowing large abundances of water coming into contact with it.

If you are wanting to go one step further and dazzle your guests with a floor which gleams in the light, then you may also want to consider a High Gloss finish.  Not only does it provide a stunning polished look, but also has an added layer of protection as a result.

The disadvantage of lacquered flooring is that it is more likely to show scratches than its competition. Because of this, it may need sanding down and refinishing more often than other finishes.

It is also possible to get matt lacquered finish, however it is worth being aware that there will still be a slight shine, so if you’re wanting something with no gloss, then look at products with an oiled finish instead.

Hand Scraped

If you’re after a flooring with an added bit of character and rustic appeal, then hand scraped is perfect. The planks are made no differently, however the surface has been scraped by hand before a lacquered or oil finish is applied. This means that no two planks are the same, creating an interesting variation of pattern as well as giving it a rustic charm. It comes in difference widths, lengths, thicknesses, type of wood and colour, meaning you can select what exactly it is you’re after.

Unfinished

This one speaks for itself, it is simply the raw exposed wood. This is not something that you’d lay down as it is, as raw wood will stain and wear away a lot quicker than one with a finished applied. People often opt for this flooring if they are wanting to apply the finish themselves.

Invisible Oiled

A relatively new concept in the flooring world, this is ideal if you’re wanting all the protection of an oiled finish but without compromising that authentic rustic look. Behind the scenes the oil is working its magic, penetrating the wood and protecting your flooring from the wear and tear of everyday life.

It’s always a good feeling when you have your heart set on a particular finish, however understanding the story behind it will help protect your flooring so you can enjoy it for years to come, worry free.

Distressed

This is where the wood has been purposely aged in order to achieve a worn appearance. An interesting process, imperfections are added to the surface to increase charisma and character. This look is very popular in rustic homes, as its honest, realistic appeal charms any rustic interior perfectly.

Whitewashed

If you’re looking for a fresh, clean airy look to your wooden flooring then this finish is ideal. Adding a whitewashed coat, consisting of a mix of white paint and water will create a shabby chic interior. Or even if you’re ready for a change in colour scheme or want to mix things up a bit.

Smoked

This is where oak flooring has been treated to alter its colour, usually making it darker. However, the top layer can become slightly pale or faded as a result of this process, increasing the rustic appeal. It involves putting the oak in an environment which ammonia is introduced into the atmosphere, this in turn changes the colour.

This is great if you’re looking for more traditional décor or even striving for that industrial appearance, something very on trend this year!

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to finishes on wooden flooring: brushed, oiled, unfinished, lacquered… but what exactly are the differences between them and how do you decide which is best for you? We’ve whittled them together, so you’ve got all the information in front of you…

Brushed

This effect is created by wire being used to pull out the softer spring wood exposing the harder wood. This in turn creates a beautiful, textured surface, which is advantageous as it can disguise scratches. It also adds to the authentic appeal of the floor, great if you’re looking for that rustic look, something growing ever more popular. It is also strategic if you want a more naturalistic authentic surface, as opposed to something too glossy. It can be applied to lacquered and an oiled finish, and is an option on both solid and engineered wood products.

Oiled

An oiled finish provides your wooden floor with surface protection as well as a defence against anything that might penetrate it beyond the surface. It keeps the wood’s glorious natural premise without it being completely exposed. Generally speaking, it’ll give you a smooth matt finish.

Although it requires a little more cleaning and upkeep than other choices of finishes; because of the penetrating protection, it’ll provide you with a longer lasting flooring with more resistance to stains and scratches.

Lacquered/ High Gloss and Chalk

This is similar to a modern varnish, which sits on top of the wood as opposed to oil which seeps past the surface. This finish is perfect if you’re wanting a clean cut, smooth aspect to your flooring. For this reason, it’s ideal in heavy footfall rooms where you’re desiring that grand, glossy look.

The varnish makes lacquered somewhat water resistant, however we wouldn’t recommend allowing large abundances of water coming into contact with it.

If you are wanting to go one step further and dazzle your guests with a floor which gleams in the light, then you may also want to consider a High Gloss finish.  Not only does it provide a stunning polished look, but also has an added layer of protection as a result.

The disadvantage of lacquered flooring is that it is more likely to show scratches than its competition. Because of this, it may need sanding down and refinishing more often than other finishes.

It is also possible to get matt lacquered finish, however it is worth being aware that there will still be a slight shine, so if you’re wanting something with no gloss, then look at products with an oiled finish instead.

Hand Scraped

If you’re after a flooring with an added bit of character and rustic appeal, then hand scraped is perfect. The planks are made no differently, however the surface has been scraped by hand before a lacquered or oil finish is applied. This means that no two planks are the same, creating an interesting variation of pattern as well as giving it a rustic charm. It comes in difference widths, lengths, thicknesses, type of wood and colour, meaning you can select what exactly it is you’re after.

Unfinished

This one speaks for itself, it is simply the raw exposed wood. This is not something that you’d lay down as it is, as raw wood will stain and wear away a lot quicker than one with a finished applied. People often opt for this flooring if they are wanting to apply the finish themselves.

Invisible Oiled

A relatively new concept in the flooring world, this is ideal if you’re wanting all the protection of an oiled finish but without compromising that authentic rustic look. Behind the scenes the oil is working its magic, penetrating the wood and protecting your flooring from the wear and tear of everyday life.

It’s always a good feeling when you have your heart set on a particular finish, however understanding the story behind it will help protect your flooring so you can enjoy it for years to come, worry free.

Distressed

This is where the wood has been purposely aged in order to achieve a worn appearance. An interesting process, imperfections are added to the surface to increase charisma and character. This look is very popular in rustic homes, as its honest, realistic appeal charms any rustic interior perfectly.

Whitewashed

If you’re looking for a fresh, clean airy look to your wooden flooring then this finish is ideal. Adding a whitewashed coat, consisting of a mix of white paint and water will create a shabby chic interior. Or even if you’re ready for a change in colour scheme or want to mix things up a bit.

Smoked

This is where oak flooring has been treated to alter its colour, usually making it darker. However, the top layer can become slightly pale or faded as a result of this process, increasing the rustic appeal. It involves putting the oak in an environment which ammonia is introduced into the atmosphere, this in turn changes the colour.

This is great if you’re looking for more traditional décor or even striving for that industrial appearance, something very on trend this year!

The post Solid and engineered wood flooring- finishes explained appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

Homeowners love to get imaginative about living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, fantasising what flooring will go best with their furniture and which will aesthetically enhance their home the most; but everyone forgets about the stairs.

When in fact, the stairs are among the heaviest foot traffic areas in the house. With people using them nearly every day (if not every day), then you do need to consider which flooring it most suitable.

You may or may not have noticed, but often homes have snazzy new flooring in the main rooms, but the stairs haven’t been blessed with such a privilege, frequently sporting a rather out of date and weary looking carpet. This is for the simple reason people forget to update them, they are there for practicality rather than to impress. Nevertheless, you’d be surprised by how much livelier your home can look if you were to invest in fresh new floors for your stairs, here are some of the best options we’d recommend…

Carpet

 The clear choice for stairs. It’s comforting underfoot and homely. Often stairs are leading up to the bedroom, which usually has carpet in it too, therefore it fits with the theme nicely. Falling down the stairs is certainly something you do not want to do, and carpet largely stops any slipping due to its grip, even if something is spilt. If you’ve got children running up and down the stairs, carpets would significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Again, children often play on them, sliding down and all sorts; a softer landing therefore being a safer option.

Nevertheless, like any flooring it comes with its negatives. Stairs lose their colour over time especially when they come into contact with sunlight, therefore if a window faces your stairs it is something to consider when buying new flooring. As mentioned previously, stairs experience a high amount of foot traffic. Over time, a carpet becomes worn and sometimes flat, taking away from its original visual appeal.

Another factor worth contemplating when choosing your flooring for stairs is maintenance and cleaning. As I am sure you already know, carpets need hoovering and more often if the floor is heavily used, consequently more upkeep required. Hoovering stairs is significantly more effort than hoovering a room, due to carrying the hoover up and down the steps. Someone who is elderly or disabled may find this a more difficult task, so if you fall into either of these categories it may be worth considering when picking.

Real wooden flooring

There’s no doubt that your stairs would look glam, as nothing compares to the classy fine-looking look of real wooden flooring. Plus, it is a popular choice for hallways, which most of the time matches the stairs. Real wooden flooring is also exceedingly durable, ideal for high traffic areas, as well as adding value to your home when you come to sell.

Buyers usually want rooms such as hallways to have neutral flooring and walls, which is why real wooden flooring would be unbeatable. It never goes out of fashion, so you can rest assured you won’t feel like you’ll need to update in a few years due to a change in trends.

No doubt your real wooden staircase will impress anyone visiting your home, however they can be slippery, especially if liquid is spilt on them. Falling down the stairs can cause considerably more damage than slipping on a flat surface, so it is indeed something to bear in mind.

If you have pets which have paws that can scratch, real wooden flooring may not be the best option, especially if they are scrambling and playing up and down the stairs. Here at Luxury Flooring we offer real wooden flooring that have ridges to help disguise any scratches. So, if you’re prepared to accept the odd scratch here and there then there is no objection for it as an option. Of course, keeping your pet’s paws trimmed can help reduce the amount of damage your stairs takes.

So what is the answer? If you place a runner on your stairs you can still enjoy the crisp look of real wooden flooring without the slipping hazard and fear of scratches. Here at Luxury Flooring we would always say that wooden flooring is the best for most rooms and stairs, due to their beautiful appearance and practicality.

The post Which flooring is best for stairs? appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

Homeowners love to get imaginative about living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, fantasising what flooring will go best with their furniture and which will aesthetically enhance their home the most; but everyone forgets about the stairs.

When in fact, the stairs are among the heaviest foot traffic areas in the house. With people using them nearly every day (if not every day), then you do need to consider which flooring it most suitable.

You may or may not have noticed, but often homes have snazzy new flooring in the main rooms, but the stairs haven’t been blessed with such a privilege, frequently sporting a rather out of date and weary looking carpet. This is for the simple reason people forget to update them, they are there for practicality rather than to impress. Nevertheless, you’d be surprised by how much livelier your home can look if you were to invest in fresh new floors for your stairs, here are some of the best options we’d recommend…

Carpet

 The clear choice for stairs. It’s comforting underfoot and homely. Often stairs are leading up to the bedroom, which usually has carpet in it too, therefore it fits with the theme nicely. Falling down the stairs is certainly something you do not want to do, and carpet largely stops any slipping due to its grip, even if something is spilt. If you’ve got children running up and down the stairs, carpets would significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Again, children often play on them, sliding down and all sorts; a softer landing therefore being a safer option.

Nevertheless, like any flooring it comes with its negatives. Stairs lose their colour over time especially when they come into contact with sunlight, therefore if a window faces your stairs it is something to consider when buying new flooring. As mentioned previously, stairs experience a high amount of foot traffic. Over time, a carpet becomes worn and sometimes flat, taking away from its original visual appeal.

Another factor worth contemplating when choosing your flooring for stairs is maintenance and cleaning. As I am sure you already know, carpets need hoovering and more often if the floor is heavily used, consequently more upkeep required. Hoovering stairs is significantly more effort than hoovering a room, due to carrying the hoover up and down the steps. Someone who is elderly or disabled may find this a more difficult task, so if you fall into either of these categories it may be worth considering when picking.

Real wooden flooring

There’s no doubt that your stairs would look glam, as nothing compares to the classy fine-looking look of real wooden flooring. Plus, it is a popular choice for hallways, which most of the time matches the stairs. Real wooden flooring is also exceedingly durable, ideal for high traffic areas, as well as adding value to your home when you come to sell.

Buyers usually want rooms such as hallways to have neutral flooring and walls, which is why real wooden flooring would be unbeatable. It never goes out of fashion, so you can rest assured you won’t feel like you’ll need to update in a few years due to a change in trends.

No doubt your real wooden staircase will impress anyone visiting your home, however they can be slippery, especially if liquid is spilt on them. Falling down the stairs can cause considerably more damage than slipping on a flat surface, so it is indeed something to bear in mind.

If you have pets which have paws that can scratch, real wooden flooring may not be the best option, especially if they are scrambling and playing up and down the stairs. Here at Luxury Flooring we offer real wooden flooring that have ridges to help disguise any scratches. So, if you’re prepared to accept the odd scratch here and there then there is no objection for it as an option. Of course, keeping your pet’s paws trimmed can help reduce the amount of damage your stairs takes.

So what is the answer? If you place a runner on your stairs you can still enjoy the crisp look of real wooden flooring without the slipping hazard and fear of scratches. Here at Luxury Flooring we would always say that wooden flooring is the best for most rooms and stairs, due to their beautiful appearance and practicality.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

If you’ve ever had hardwood floors or wooden furniture, you know about the dangers of staining. And there is nothing more dreadful to the material than water! Some of them are clear, some of them are dark, and most of them can be permanent. 

Unlike what some may believe, however, it is possible to remove them, even the older ones. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of these stains:

ATTENTION: Before starting, always make sure to clean the floors and wipe away the dust. This will help avoid any scratches or additional wear. 

Dark Stains

If water gets through the finish of the hardwood floors, it will then darken the actual wood. This means you’ll need to get through the finish layer. 

Steel wool. This is only recommended for people that have a good eye and can use their hands well. Slightly rub the stained area in order to remove the stain. Do it very lightly. Also apply pressure to unstained areas close to the stain, blending it in so there’s not a major bump.

Sandpaper. While the steel wool might not work for some, it’s unlikely that filing with sandpaper won’t help. Do it the same way as suggested for steel wool, filing through the stain and blending slightly to the unstained areas.

Vinegar. An ingredient common to every household, vinegar can help remove the layers of the stain. Just soak a damp rag and put it on the stained area, leaving it there for 5-10 minutes. You might need to apply it more than once to remove it completely, or for bigger stains.

Chlorine bleach. A more chemical and effective option would be using chlorine bleach. Since it might be a bit strong, start with a solution that’s four parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Apply it with a white cloth and let it work for around 10 minutes. Let the floor dry and see if the stain was completely removed. If not, do it again until it does, but strengthen the solution slightly every time.

Hydrogen peroxide. Some people might not like to work with chlorine bleach, and might want another chemical option. Hydrogen peroxide might be the way to go, since it is not as strong as bleach. Do the same as you would for chlorine bleach, but instead of starting with a 4:1 ratio, do two parts water to two parts hydrogen peroxide.

Apply finish, and finish! Now, the last step would be to apply finish that matches your floor to make it match again. Should there be any visible bumps, use 0000 steel wool to rub it away until it is evened out.

Light Stains

These are your run of the mill, superficial stains, most often ones left by moist glasses.

Pastes. There are many products you can use to remove it in a few minutes that work as a paste. Baking soda paste (1 part water, 1 part baking soda), salt paste (salt with only a few drops of water), even toothpaste. You can rub them gently and apply nail polish once you are done.

Petroleum jelly. Sometimes, these faster tricks might not work. Another alternative that can be easily bought is petroleum jelly. It can be applied and left to work overnight. You’ll just need to wipe it away the next morning!

With the right trick, the right amount of effort, and patience, you can get that water stain out in no time, and forget about cloths, mats, and rugs to cover them up!