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We’re delighted to announce that we have been recognised as “eCommerce Company of the Year – Small” at the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards.

On our success, Managing Director and Co-Founder Cameron Christie said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have picked up this award. It recognises the hard work, time, and dedication to the business demonstrated by the whole team.

“As a company, we’ve seen considerable growth over the course of this year, and have undergone some significant changes over the course of this year, including across our marketing efforts, operational procedures and how we deal with customer queries, and so far this has paid off.

“We were shortlisted in the same category last year, but unfortunately just missed out, so it’s great to be able to go one better this time around.”

The company was also shortlisted in three other categories at the Northern eCommerce Awards, which were “Best eCommerce Search/Marketing Campaign”, “DIY, Home, Furniture & Interior Design eCommerce Website of the Year” and “B2C eCommerce Website of the Year”.

The full list of winners on the night can be found here.

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

We’re delighted to announce that we have been recognised as “eCommerce Company of the Year – Small” at the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards.

On our success, Managing Director and Co-Founder Cameron Christie said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have picked up this award. It recognises the hard work, time, and dedication to the business demonstrated by the whole team.

“As a company, we’ve seen considerable growth over the course of this year, and have undergone some significant changes over the course of this year, including across our marketing efforts, operational procedures and how we deal with customer queries, and so far this has paid off.

“We were shortlisted in the same category last year, but unfortunately just missed out, so it’s great to be able to go one better this time around.”

The company was also shortlisted in three other categories at the Northern eCommerce Awards, which were “Best eCommerce Search/Marketing Campaign”, “DIY, Home, Furniture & Interior Design eCommerce Website of the Year” and “B2C eCommerce Website of the Year”.

The full list of winners on the night can be found here.

The post Luxury Flooring scoop eCommerce Company of the Year – Small at Northern eCommerce Awards appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

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

When choosing the right floors for your home, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important points to think about is, ‘who will be using your floors?’. For instance, if you’re a pet owner it’s essential to find a flooring option that will withstand the general wear and tear by your furry friend.

 Over time the impact of your dog or cat will begin to show on your floors. As such, you will need to find a flooring option that will not only minimize any damage caused by your pet but offer longevity as well. With your furry friend in mind, these are the major points of consideration when selecting your flooring: protection from scratches and stains, resistance to damage, the comfort of your pet and the traction of your pet. It’s also important to note here that floor durability not only encompasses scratch resistance but should consider impact and moisture. All in all, when selecting flooring material, you want to choose something that is not only friendly to your pet but also appealing to your interior design.

 To ease the selection process, we have compiled a list of 5 pet-friendly flooring options.

 

Bamboo

 Bamboo is a popular option for pet-friendly homes. This is because bamboo possesses natural durability that makes it both stain and scratch-resistant. Bamboo’s sturdiness is ensured by its high Janka flooring rating; essentially, the higher the rating means the harder the wood. In this case, the high score guarantees that bamboo is not only a sustainable flooring material but will also survive the constant onslaught of your pet’s claws.

 In addition, bamboo is an antimicrobial material which means that your home will be kept free from mold and other allergens. Aside from being incredibly easy to clean, bamboo is also allergen resistant, ensuring that it will not harbor pet fur or other debris.

 

Laminate

 If your furry friend is overly active, laminate flooring is a great choice. Since laminate floors are known for their incredibly tough top layer, this option is fairly scratch-resistant against your dog or cat’s claws. Like bamboo, laminate is extremely stain-resistant and easy to keep clean. However, it’s essential to note that laminate is prone to making a louder and more hollow noise under-foot, as opposed to a more solid material. This option may, therefore, amplify the sound of your pet’s footsteps.

 

Vinyl

 A popular option among pet lovers is vinyl sheet flooring which is considered a resilient flooring material that sustains long-term endurance. If vinyl is installed correctly, this option will wear well allowing for minimal scratches. Also, vinyl has water-resistant qualities so stains and messes from your pet will be easy to clean. An additional benefit of this option is that it is great for softening the sound of your pet’s nails.

 

 Engineered Hardwood

 Again, when ensuring that your hardwood flooring option is pet-friendly it’s best to go with a material that ranks high on the Janka hardness scale. Specifically, you should choose wood species that have a rating of 1,250 or over. Some great engineered hardwood options include Brazilian cherry or white oak. But, even for the sturdiest wood, it’s still important to protect them in order to prolong their longevity. Getting your floor coated in urethane will help minimize any damage sustained through scratches or stains.

 

 Solid Hardwood

 Solid hardwood floors are an incredibly durable option. Although some will say that this option is suitable for pets, this is not necessarily true. However, if the correct protective measures are put in place, hardwood floors can withstand your pet’s habits and behaviors. When cared for properly, by applying a protective coating and conducting regular sanding, hardwood floors can last anywhere between 80-100 years.

 Ultimately, when it comes to selecting the flooring option that is not only right for you but also your animal friend, it’s essential to consider longevity. As such, selecting an option that is primarily scratch-resistant and stain-resistant will ensure that the quality of your floors remain in tip-top shape, allowing you to enjoy them for longer.

 

 

 

New for 2019, our Herringbone LVT flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) range combines style and character with practicality and function, while remaining at a low price. This new range of flooring replicates the look and feel of real wood Herringbone Flooring, with the added benefits of LVT flooring.

We’ve perfectly replicated the look and feel of wooden herringbone, with all of the benefits of luxury vinyl tiles. Our Herringbone LVT features a range of different tones and colours; choices vary from warm, darker colours, such as Golden Oak, to light grey tones, such as White Rustic Oak.

 

A closer look at the Herringbone LVT flooring range

The Herringbone LVT range is practical, tough and durable; a great choice for any busy home. Below is a list of features that our Herringbone LVT includes.

• 2.5mm tile thickness
• 1.25m² coverage per pack
• 0.55mm wear layer
• 613mm tile length
• 102mm tile width
• 20 year residential warranty
• 10 year commercial warranty
• Water resistant 
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Real wood feel textured surface
• Suitable with underfloor heating

 

 

Colours

With the wide range of colours available, our Herringbone LVT Tiles will fit into your style of home easily. Herringbone flooring is one of the most popular interior trends for 2019, and now you can have it in your home with all of the great benefits of LVT.

Golden Oak

This particular shade of Herringbone LVT brings warmth and character to any room, with authentic looking wood grains and knots. This particular shade highlights the dark coloured patterns and lines, Each with their own unique style, creating a real wood effect.

“All we can say is wow. When our fitter had finished we were thrilled to say the least. It looks fantastic and feels warm to walk on.” – Sharon K.

Grey Oak

Grey Oak Herringbone Vinyl Tiles bring distinctive character and style into modern living spaces, offering numerous advantages that only the highest quality floors can provide. An ashy finish covers the flooring, with dark and distinctive patterns sprawling through each section of tile.

Light Grey Oak

A lighter tone compared to Grey Oak, Light Grey Herringbone LVT flooring is highly detailed, while defining its realistic wood knots and patterns. This makes for a great alternative to real wood flooring.

Natural Oak

The perfect tone between a rustic feel and a neutral tone, Natural Oak Herringbone LVT offers an extremely realistic look and feel, with a textured surface to recreate the feel of real wood.

Vintage Oak

A perfect choice if you are looking for a dark, rustic looking wood, Vintage Oak Herringbone Vinyl Tiles offer a striking and bold appearance, while providing a real wood look and feel.

White Rustic Oak

The lightest option of Herringbone LVT flooring we offer. White Rustic Oak is perfect for light, neutral coloured rooms. Darker wood patterns and knots create a beautiful contrast against the light tone of the rest of the flooring.

 

Read more or order free samples

Golden Oak	Natural Oak	Vintage Oak
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Grey Oak	Light Grey Oak	White Rustic Oak
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Where can Herringbone Luxury Vinyl Tiles be fitted? 

Our Herringbone LVT Tiles can be fitted in most areas of your home as it is resilient, water-resistant and easy to clean. However, it is not suitable for areas of your house where the temperature can exceed 27°C, therefore we recommend you don’t lay Herringbone LVT in conservatories.

 

How does it compare to a herringbone wood floor?

Compared to herringbone wood flooring, there are a range of both advantages and disadvantages. These can be a bigger factor depending on what room in the house you are placing the flooring in, as well as how busy your home can get.

 

Advantages compared to Herringbone Wood Flooring

• LVT Flooring is water resistant, which makes it perfect for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Luxury Vinyl Tiles are considerably cheaper when compared to real wood, this makes them more accessible due to its budget-friendly price tag.
• As one of the toughest flooring options out there, LVT flooring is a great option for busy family homes where there is a lot of foot traffic.
• Unlike solid wood flooring, LVT is suitable for use with underfloor heating.

 

Disadvantages compared to Herringbone Wood Flooring

• You will not have the completely authentic wood feel, which is available only with real wood flooring.
• You don’t have the option to sand and refinish LVT flooring.

 

 

How to fit Herringbone LVT Tiles

This particular range of LVT flooring is glue down, which means an appropriate adhesive is required to lay this flooring.

Before laying your Herringbone LVT flooring, we advise you to leave them in the room for 72 hours prior to installation. This gives the flooring time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity levels. 

Make sure your subfloor is level and dry, this is to ensure your flooring is even, and has a solid surface to be laid on. When laying Herringbone Vinyl Tiles, place each tile at a 90-degree angle, with the tiles pointing towards the middle of the room and work your way from the centre outwards. 

Be sure that you are applying the adhesive to the subfloor and no the tile itself. Also, be sure to Score and snap tiles in order to cut them to size.

You also have the option to enhance the look of your flooring using feature strips, which creates a border around your room or between individual planks. 

While click LVT flooring fits together using a click-lock system, glue down vinyl tiles need to be adhered directly to the subfloor.

Click is ordinarily fitted as a floating floor, and can be used with underlay.

Our Herringbone vinyl tiles are glue down due to their distinct pattern, giving you more control over the design of your flooring.

 

Why choose herringbone vinyl tiles?

LVT flooring, in general, is very durable and much more budget-friendly. Our Herringbone LVT flooring has numerous beneficial factors, which make them many people’s preference over real wood.

 

The average price of LVT is cost-effective and a fantastic alternative to real wood. Luxury vinyl tiles are especially effective if you are looking to lay flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, as LVT has the additional benefit of being water-resistant.

 

Conclusion

Our new range of Herringbone LVT offers strength and water resistance. As well as this, the wide variety of colours can fit in nicely with any room in your home. This is a fantastic option if your looking for the appearance of wooden flooring, but wanting more functionality and benefits. 

To find out more about our new range, be sure to head over to our product page where we go more in-depth on every option that we provide. Click here to view the range and order your free samples.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a beautiful herringbone flooring, but in laminate instead of LVT, our range of Herringbone Laminate Flooring has you covered.

If you have any questions or queries, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 03308 088 777.

The post Herringbone LVT – New 2019 Range appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

When it comes to interior design, hardwood flooring will always be a timeless classic. Since this option never goes out of style and is highly versatile, hardwood floors are a great way to add value to your home and completely transform the feeling of any room, while also supporting an environmentally friendly resource.

 So, to help you create the perfect look during your next home makeover, we have compiled a list of 6 of the hottest hardwood flooring trends right now.

 

1)     Simplicity is Key

In terms of design, there is no doubting that less is more. This sentiment is especially true in the case of hardwood floors. At the moment, many designers are going back to basics, focusing on laying same-size planks in a unified direction, as opposed to multi-sized cuts or patterned lays. While this traditional placement offers a simple aesthetic, it also creates a sleek and clean appearance that will tie any room together. 

Furthermore, simplicity in your flooring allows for versatility when it comes to styling. The cleaner or simpler appearance of the floors, the more creative you can become with your décor. A simple floor pattern also enables you to easily switch up your furniture or other furnishings.

Although fun or unique patterns are intriguing they can also be quite distracting. Intricate floor designs can overwhelm a space and even make a room feel cluttered. Therefore, opting for a simple flooring pattern will actually expand the possibilities of your design.

 

2)     Darker Toned Woods

Over the past few years, color trends have moved towards darker tones. It’s easy to see why this trend has emerged; darker colors look elegant and luxurious, creating an expensive feel. But that’s not all, dark woods provide a modern feel and are often easier to style than lighter tones, since darker tones will suit anything from dark furnishings to lighter kitchen cabinets. 

3)     Whitewashed Floors

The whitewashed look is reminiscent of a Californian vibe and is now trending throughout the country. Creating a relaxed beachy look, this kind of flooring undergoes a bleaching or blanching process to strip-back the natural tone of the wood. But before you worry that you’ll end up ruining your boards, this process only places stain over the wood’s surface. The wood grain is still visible underneath the whitewash, so this color will not lose the charm of the natural material.

Whitewashed wood works to add brightness and create a feeling of openness, which means this type of wood is perfect for areas in which you want to create a more homely feel such as the kitchen or the living area.  As a more contemporary option, whitewash can help add some interest and personality to your home.

 

4)     Distressed or Aged Look

The aged flooring style has been around for a while but has recently experienced a surge in popularity. To create the ‘slightly worn’ look this finish undergoes an artificial aging process. This style is perfect if you are wanting to create a rustic aesthetic as this finish accentuates a feeling of homeliness and warmth. 

 

5)     Greige Wood Floors

A mix between gray and beige, it appears ‘greige’ is a popular flooring trend. This blended color captures the best of both worlds as it combines the minimalist feel of grey with the warmth of beige. It is fairly adaptable, pairing well with different décor styles and easily blending from indoor to outdoor kitchen and entertaining designs. Whether you’re after a more modern look or a rustic country style, greige is a highly complementary choice.

With its unique color, greige flooring can completely change the dynamic of a room. The light neutral tone of this wood can brighten an area and provide a comforting relaxing feeling.

6)     High Variation Hardwood

If you’re looking for something a bit different, then check out high variation floors. With the range of flooring technology available, it’s now easier than ever to make your floor look truest to its original state. Essentially, high variation floors echo the sentiment that in nature, no two pieces of wood are the same. As such, manufacturers are now able to replicate this natural effect in their flooring.  Within your home, this varied look can work to combine aspects of modern and rustic designs.  

Whatever trend you decide to select, remember that hardwood floors are a lifetime investment. As they are highly versatile and adaptable, hardwood floors not only suit any lifestyle but also enhance the appearance of your home.  

 

I’ve read a lot of woodworking tips and tricks online, so much so, that it seems like I’m not seeing any new ones.

So I set out to make a useful collection of woodwork tricks that aren’t the typical ones you see online.

I hope you enjoy these and pick up at least one tip you haven’t seen before.

1. Measure Your Circular Saw

This first trick is ideal if you’re framing, or doing woodworking where a tolerance of ± 3mm (or 1/8 inch) is acceptable.

Measure the distance between your blade and both edges of the saw base plate. Then commit these measurements to memory. In my case it’s 4 inches on one side and an inch and an eighth on the other. This allows me to rip sheet goods (particularly plywood) to these measurements quickly and accurately without measuring or marking. I just set the saw up with the base plate parallel to the edge of the sheet and away I go!

You’ll be amazed how often you’ll use it. Taking an inch off a sheet of plywood when you’re framing a house is a very handy thing to be able to do quickly. Similarly, being able to rip plywood to the same thickness as a 2 x 4 without measuring or marking saves me a load of time.

2. Playing Cards as Spacers

This is a great way to evenly and accurately line up doors and drawer fronts. It’s so simple.

For example, if I’m fitting drawer fronts in a face frame cabinet: I offer up the drawer front and push it tight to one side of the opening. Then I jam as many cards as will fit into the other side of the opening. Let’s say I manage to get 10 cards in. Then I take the cards out and put 5 on the left and 5 on the right. (I follow the same process to space it top and bottom also.) Then I push the drawer front in and get it temporarily fixed with with double sided foam tape. Then I screw through the back of the drawer box into the drawer front.

It gives me perfect results every time!

3. Don’t Use Clamps– Use Masking Tape!

This trick works brilliantly for making mitred boxes. It’s pretty difficult to clamp a mitred box anyway! Lay your four pieces out flat with the outside faces of the box facing up. Line them up correctly and tape them together as per pics above.

Then flip the pieces over and glue inside your mitres. Fold them together and tape up the last remaining joint. This gives me perfectly aligned mitres every time!

4. Measure Internal Mitres Using Your Mitre Saw

Measuring and marking the internal edge of mitres is tricky . I tend to cut the first mitre, then lay the piece on my saw. I hook my tape onto the end of the saw and line up the internal edge with my tape. I can then easily pull the tape to where I need it and mark the inside of the other mitre.

5. Sand Your Hands

If you’re using wood filler and your hands get caked in the stuff, I take some medium grit sand paper and rub it off. It works brilliantly.

6. Drill Holes in Your Square

This is one of my favourite tricks. I use it for measurements I use every day. In my case, as you’ll see from my square above, I constantly have to mark pieces at two specific points every day. (The measurements are 40 mm & 110 mm if you can’t make them out!). This saves me having to adjust a combination square, or having to keep two combination squares. I also have an amazing square from Wolfcraft that does the same thing on a more professional level. But it’s a bit big for my liking. So, my battered old square with two strategically placed holes in it does the job perfectly.

7. L-Shaped Block for Marking Skirting Board

When you need to accurately mark skirting board, a small L-shaped block works a treat! It’s especially useful if the floor is running off a little. Get your piece of skirting board/base board lined up and in position. Hold the L-shaped block along the edge of your architrave and mark. This will give you the perfect mark, allowing you to make the perfect cut.

It’s a bit of a risk if you just mark it and cut it square. You may be a fraction out at the top or the bottom of your joint. This way your cut line is perfectly in line with your architrave.

8. Clothes Peg to Hold Panel Pins

I’ve got big, awkward fingers that really struggle with small pins when nailing by hand. I’ve been known to give my poor fingers a few blows of the hammer at times! A clothes peg kept in your tool bag solves this problem nicely.

9. Use Story Sticks Instead of a Tape Measure

If I need to make a lot of repeat marks, and they need to be all exactly the same– a story stick is a great way to achieve this accuracy. I get some old bits of hardboard or 1/8” plywood and cut them to the size I need on my mitre saw. Using these to mark is far more accurate than trying to use a tape for every cut. I use these when spacing shelves in a cabinet where there is no line bore. Saves a ton of time marking, and is way more accurate.

P.S. If you liked this article, you may also like to get free and practical tips on woodworking techniques, business growth, productivity, and more in your inbox each week (you’ll also get the “How to Make a Living From Woodworking” PDF guide). Simply SIGN UP HERE to get exclusive access to a wealth of knowledge.

This post appeared first on https://www.sawdustetc.com

Have you got some leftover wood pallets? Don’t throw them out! There are so many creative things you can do with just some simple pallets, in this blog we will give you a few ideas for wood pallets that might motivate you to try it for yourself!

 

When ordering wood flooring, many people keep their leftover planks for spares in the future. They sometimes even find creative uses for them. But what do you do with the pallets your flooring is delivered on? Although they may be conceived as scrap, wooden pallets have the potential to be pretty much anything you want (within reason of course), such as wood pallet furniture-think nightstands, bed frames or benches.

 

Idea 1: Plant holder

A plant holder is a more common option when thinking of wood pallet ideas. A wooden plant holder makes for a very natural and attractive piece in anyone’s back garden. Additionally, you can personalise your creation with any range of our osmo oils!

This will definitely get your neighbours jealous, and you can have the pride of knowing you made it all yourself.

 

Idea 2: Shelving

Pallet shelves provide a rustic look while keeping costs to a bare minimum. If a minimalist aesthetic is what you’re going for, look no further.

If a homemade shelving unit doesn’t quite fit in with your interior, you can always make it shorter and make a coffee table.

 

Idea 3: Table

Using some wooden pallets and a little ingenuity, you can make a beautiful table. Whether it’s being used for decorative purposes, or being used as a dinner table, it will look right at home with the rest of your interior. If you add the correct varnish, you can even make it waterproof and have an outdoor table; perfect for use in the summertime!

 

Idea 4: Outdoor Shelving

Outdoor shelving is one of the more popular choices for most people when thinking of ideas for wood pallets. 

It doesn’t require much work to make, and it results in a very attractive looking piece of shelving for your garden. This is a perfect example of how to make an outdoor storage area for plants.

 

Idea 5: Outdoor Bench 

You may not realise just how much money can be spent on outdoor furniture and other garden features. Wood pallet furniture, more specifically outdoor benches, will look perfect in your garden and could save you money compared to buying outdoor furniture from a store. What’s more, it can add a rustic theme to your garden. 

For an extra bit of comfort, you can always add cushions in nice weather, just remember to take them in if it rains!

 

Idea 6: Outdoor Dining Seats and Tables

If you’re longing for a relaxing place to eat outside on a hot evening, then this is a great option to consider, especially with the price of the assembly being so low. 

To add a little more colour to your wood pallet furniture, there is always the option to paint the pallets to whatever colour you want. a thin coat of paint will give it that worn and rustic look.

 

Idea 7: Headboard 

A simple yet effective way to give your bedroom a natural and farmhouse-style design. We love how this wooden pallet has been re-purposed to create this stylish headboard. You could also separate and stain the separate planks from your wooden pallet, giving the headboard a multi-tone finish.

 

Idea 8: containers

A simple pallet container can save you a lot of room in your house, and puts your pallets to a more practical use. In addition, this adds a natural and raw aesthetic to your home.

Containers like these can be found for upwards of £20 in furniture shops, while you can have yours for nothing!

 

Idea 9: Hand Painted Sign

You can never go wrong with a personalised ornament to hang on your wall, and what better one to have than a handmade one.

This is a great idea if you can’t find the sign you want. The rough look of the wood planks can also add a little character to your home.

This example is one of an endless amount of ideas, you can use to truly make your interior your own.

 

Idea 10: Levitating Bookshelf

Your wooden pallets are more than capable of holding up your books. Using wood stain would be a great idea here, as it can tone the wood to exactly how you like it.

A bookshelf like this would look fantastic in a bedroom or living room; you’ll be sure to get endless compliments!

 

 

Conclusion

With all of these ideas for wood pallets, it may not be as useless as you once thought. You can truly personalise your home or garden to look exactly how you want, and you can do it all using leftover wood! From creative storage solutions to personalised messages, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. If you have any leftover wood flooring, check out these creative uses for herringbone flooring.

 

The post 10 creative Ideas for Wood Pallets appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Luxury Flooring and Furnishings are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted in four categories at the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards.

 

The categories in which we have been shortlisted are:

 

Best eCommerce Search/Marketing Campaign

DIY, Home, Furniture & Interior Design eCommerce Website of the Year.

B2C eCommerce Website of the Year

eCommerce Company of the Year – Small

 

On the shortlisting, Luxury Flooring’s Head of Digital, Alex Humphries, commented:

“I’m thrilled to learn that we have been nominated in four categories at this year’s Northern eCommerce Awards.  We have seen a significant increase in the number of customers ordering from us when compared to the same time last year, and we are growing at a considerable rate as a business.

“Obviously, we don’t know whether we’ve won yet, and we’re up against some stiff competition in all of the categories we’re in, but I’m hopeful that we can come away with something at the ceremony!”

The ceremony for the Awards is being held on the 23rd October at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester, at which Luxury Flooring and Furnishings will discover whether they have been successful or not.

Cameron Christie, Managing Director of Luxury Flooring, said:

“The fact that we’ve been shortlisted in four categories is a testament to the work of the whole team, who have so far made this year so successful.  We’ve made some considerable improvements to the business across a number of areas, including operationally and in terms of our marketing activity, and being shortlisted in four categories is a result of that.

“We were shortlisted for a Northern eCommerce Award in the eCommerce Company of the Year category last year, and unfortunately we didn’t come away with the award. This year, we’re in four categories, so I’d like to think that we have a better chance!”

The full shortlist for the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards can be found here.

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

Luxury Flooring and Furnishings are delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted in four categories at the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards.

 

The categories in which we have been shortlisted are:

 

Best eCommerce Search/Marketing Campaign

DIY, Home, Furniture & Interior Design eCommerce Website of the Year.

B2C eCommerce Website of the Year

eCommerce Company of the Year – Small

 

On the shortlisting, Luxury Flooring’s Head of Digital, Alex Humphries, commented:

“I’m thrilled to learn that we have been nominated in four categories at this year’s Northern eCommerce Awards.  We have seen a significant increase in the number of customers ordering from us when compared to the same time last year, and we are growing at a considerable rate as a business.

“Obviously, we don’t know whether we’ve won yet, and we’re up against some stiff competition in all of the categories we’re in, but I’m hopeful that we can come away with something at the ceremony!”

The ceremony for the Awards is being held on the 23rd October at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester, at which Luxury Flooring and Furnishings will discover whether they have been successful or not.

Cameron Christie, Managing Director of Luxury Flooring, said:

“The fact that we’ve been shortlisted in four categories is a testament to the work of the whole team, who have so far made this year so successful.  We’ve made some considerable improvements to the business across a number of areas, including operationally and in terms of our marketing activity, and being shortlisted in four categories is a result of that.

“We were shortlisted for a Northern eCommerce Award in the eCommerce Company of the Year category last year, and unfortunately we didn’t come away with the award. This year, we’re in four categories, so I’d like to think that we have a better chance!”

The full shortlist for the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards can be found here.

The post Luxury Flooring shortlisted in FOUR categories at the Northern eCommerce Awards. appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

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

When thinking about interior design, there are so many decisions to make. From deciding which kitchen cabinets you’d like to choosing windows, balancing style and practicality is a difficult feat.

That said, there’s no more difficult a decision than selecting the right flooring for your home. Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all solution. That said if you’re looking for longevity, durability and style, you can’t often beat hardwood flooring. Whatever your style or individual requirements, the wide options of hardwood floors available mean you’re sure to find something to suit your space.

That said, while hardwood floors are elegant and timeless, they’re not all created equally. When it comes to hardwood floors there are two main types: solid and engineered. Solid hardwood planks are created from a single thick piece of wood. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, has a core of plywood with a layer of hardwood veneer applied to the surface.  

Traditional solid hardwood floors have been in demand for many years but recently, engineered wooden floors have received a surge in popularity. As both options provide a beautiful finish, it can be hard to compare the two. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of 5 key differences between solid and engineered hardwood.

1.     Cost

In most scenarios, your budget will help determine which option is best for you. Generally, engineered hardwood is less expensive than solid hardwood, but at the end of the day, the quality and species of the wood will be the largest price determinant. Ultimately, exotic varieties of solid wood are more expensive than engineered hardwood.

There is no definitive cost for either type, the price range varies greatly. The cost of engineered hardwood is generally $3 to $14 per square foot, but this price will depend on plank thickness and wood species. Depending on the hardness and durability of the wood, most solid hardwood floors cost between $8 and $15 per square foot.

2.     Installation

As engineered hardwood is less likely to buckle or react to heat, there are a variety of installation options available. The fact that engineered wood does not react to changing temperatures, means that this alternative can be installed above or below ground level. Since solid hardwood will expand and contract over time, this wood can only be installed on or above ground level.

Engineered hardwood can be installed fast and in a variety of different spaces. This option is your best choice if you’re looking for a do-it-yourself project. Most styles of engineered wood can be glued or nailed down. In fact, in some cases, similar to laminate flooring, you can opt for a type that locks the planks together without fasteners.

Solid hardwoods generally have a longer installation process; the flooring is attached with a specific flooring nailer then sanded and finished. This sanding process can be difficult to navigate if you don’t have experience, and although you can do it yourself, hiring a professional will get the job done much quicker and neater!

3.     Stability & Durability

The good news is that both forms of hardwood offer durability and toughness. That said, solid woods still come out on top and are inherently sturdier as they must be permanently nailed or glued to your subfloor.

That said, in extreme temperatures, engineered woods have greater structural stability, which offers better resistance against buckling. While this is definitely a benefit, the durability of engineered wood is not comparable to solid forms, mainly because the surfaces on these engineered types are quite thin and therefore prone to chips over time.

4.     Moisture Resistance

When it comes to moisture, engineered wooden floors are probably the better choice. Engineered wood is constructed with a plywood base, which means that moisture is less likely to flex or warp the boards. The fibers in the plywood run in cross-wise layers, helping to resist moisture build-up.

Solid hardwood floors are not recommendable in any areas where moisture is prevalent. This means it’s probably best to avoid solid woods for your bathroom or any areas which require regular mopping. Even still, solid hardwood can still resist moisture to some extent, but this will depend on whether the wood is pre-finished or site-finished. Site-finished wood has a sealed top layer which helps to absorb some moisture.

5.     Environmental Considerations

Most people want to support products that sustain a positive environmental approach. In most cases, engineered hardwood floors are more eco-friendly than solid wood. The manufacturing process for engineered wood is less wasteful and requires less energy than most other flooring types. However, this isn’t to say that selecting solid hardwood isn’t a sustainable option. You can still buy environmentally friendly solid wood, provided it is purchased from a responsible supplier and is certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).

So, there you have it! Hopefully, these differences will help take the hassle out of your hardwood flooring selection.