Expert Wood Flooring Guides
Welcome to our collection of expert guides on wood flooring. Drawing on over a decade of experience installing and restoring herringbone and parquet floors across Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, we've created these resources to help you make informed decisions about your flooring project.
Whether you're planning a new installation, considering a restoration, or simply exploring your options, these guides provide honest, practical advice from craftsmen who live and breathe wood floors every day.
CHOOSING YOUR FLOOR
Understand the real differences between solid and engineered oak flooring. We break down stability, longevity, cost, and suitability for different properties and subfloors, helping you choose the right option for your home.
Learn about these two classic patterns, how they differ, and which one suits your space and style.
Discover the pros and cons of oil and lacquer finishes, and which one will give you the look and durability you're after.
PLANNING YOUR PROJECT
Coming soon - A practical guide to getting your property ready, from clearing furniture to managing dust and ensuring your installation runs smoothly.
Transparent information about what drives the cost of herringbone and parquet installations, helping you plan your budget realistically.
The essential questions that will help you choose the right installer and avoid common pitfalls.
DESIGN & INSPIRATION
How room size, layout, and architecture influence which herringbone pattern will look best in your space.
Coming soon - Dark vs Light Oak: How to Choose the Perfect Tone
Coming soon - Understanding wood tones and how to select a finish that complements your interior style and lighting.
Coming soon - Border or No Border? Design Decisions for Herringbone Floors
Coming soon - The design considerations that will help you decide whether a border enhances or detracts from your herringbone floor.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Simple, practical advice on keeping your wood floor looking beautiful through every season.
How to recognise when your existing parquet or herringbone floor would benefit from professional restoration.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
The facts about installing wood floors over underfloor heating, including what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid problems.
Coming soon - Why moisture matters, how it affects wood floors, and what you need to know about subfloor preparation and acclimatisation.
Learn from the problems we see most often when repairing other installers' work.
LOCAL GUIDES
Coming soon - Wood Flooring for Lancashire Period Properties
Coming soon - Specific considerations for Victorian and Edwardian homes across Lancashire, from subfloor challenges to appropriate styles.
Coming soon - Best Flooring Choices for Manchester New Builds
Coming soon - What works in modern new-build properties, from concrete subfloors to underfloor heating.
Still Have Questions?
These guides cover the most common questions we hear, but every property is different. If you'd like specific advice for your project, we're here to help.
Call us: 07856 308 208
Email: contact@crafthardwood.co.uk
Free site visit: We're happy to visit your property, assess your subfloors, and discuss the best options for your specific situation. No obligation.
We serve Chorley, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and throughout the North West.
All guides written by the CRAFT Hardwood team - specialists in herringbone and parquet flooring installation and restoration since 2012.