Choosing a Family-Friendly Wood Floor

Flooring is one of the most hard-working interior design choices we make, especially in a busy family home. Beautiful wood flooring is an obvious way to add warmth, character and a luxurious feel to your home, and, if you follow these expert tips, it's also a family friendly, choice that will withstand the everyday life for years to come.

1.  Choose a floor with a durable finish that can be easily renovated

Wood floors finished with a varnish or lacquer are initially durable but once worn can be difficult to repair - in most cases the entire surface has to be sanded off and refinished. They also tend to look less natural. Oiled wood flooring is easier to repair but tends to wear quickly - especially in a busy family home - and needs regular reapplication to maintain its resistance.

Wood floors finished with Hardwax Oil, a blend of natural oil and wax, offer the best of both worlds – as well as being attractive and hard wearing they are also easy to spot repair or renovate, the ideal combination for a busy family home.

2.  Choose a floor with a natural or mid tone

Wood flooring in a natural or mid tone is a great choice for a busy family home as the inevitable dirt, dust and minor scratches will be less visible than on darker or paler floors. This doesn’t mean limiting your design options - there are plenty of colours and styles to choose from within this spectrum. Broadleaf favourites are our Textured Rich Oak Vintage Parquet and our perennially popular Warm Oak plank.

3.  Choose a floor with some character & variation

A more rustic grade of flooring with a rich grain and some characterful knots will create a relaxed, inviting style well suited to comfortable family homes. Again this will help thethe inevitable signs of busy family life from pet, toys and energetic children , making them a practical as well as stylish choice.

4.  Choose aged or reclaimed style wood flooring

Aged or reclaimed style wood flooring, featuring worn edges or a distressed patina, is inherently family friendly. Minor scratches and dents blend in naturally helping to enhance the patina and beauty of the floor over time. This style is also highly versatile. It complements both modern interiors as well as traditional architecture, creating a timeless look with enduring style that is also eminently practical.

Summary

By choosing wood flooring with a durable finish, warm tone and natural character, busy households can enjoy timeless style alongside long term practicality. With thoughtful selection and simple maintenance, wood flooring can be a beautiful, resilient choice, no matter how lively family life becomes.