FLOORING is key to transforming interiors, not only this but it can easily make or break a design scheme. In the same way that fashion evolves, trends in interiors are constantly changing as new and innovative products enter the market, therefore it can often be tricky to know where to start.
Wood flooring is an obvious choice for commercial, hospitality and retail spaces due to its durability and versatility.
Requiring very little maintenance, wood flooring can easily withstand heavy footfall, positioning it as a popular choice for designers, specifiers and architects alike.
With so much variety available in a range of profiles, shades, colours and finishes, it’s easy to find a solution that is not only functional but meets the demand for modern aesthetics too.
Havwoods’ Unrivalled Portfolio
Adding effortless style to interiors, international wood surfacing specialists Havwoods has an extensive collection of engineered and reclaimed wood flooring solutions to suit any application.
From traditional herringbone blocks and characterful reclaimed planks to intuitive magnetised boards, there is a design to suit any specification. Featuring hardwood rustic boards with subtle knotting, to pale light woods that exude a Scandinavian appeal – with such a vast portfolio of products available, no two Havwoods floors will ever look the same.
By working closely with the client or customer, specifiers can accurately choose a wood flooring product that not only withstands the demands of the space but aligns with the client’s brief.
Choosing the Right Grade
Different boards offer different levels of character through age, treatment and maintenance of the timber. With options available from prime grade through to natural or rustic grade it’s important to think about the desired look and feel before making a choice.
For the more raw, edgy and industrial-inspired schemes, it is best to opt for a knotted floorboard. Knotting is formed when a side branch or a dormant bud is then replaced with filler. Available in a variety of natural tones, knotting will add depth and provides a diverse option for interiors.
At the other end of the spectrum is Prime grade; this type of plank typically has few knots if any – Prime grade boards also use minimal filler to complement the natural structure of the wood rather than creating a bold visual contrast.
Intelligent Plank Sizing
Havwoods wants to help specifiers provide the perfect fit. In addition to standard sizing for one-strip planks and block patterns, Havwoods now offers Colossal boards. These engineered boards are truly breath-taking and include dimensions up to 60cm wide and 14m in length; ideal for large-scale, unusual projects and developments.
However, for more tricky layouts or uneven spaces, Havwoods offers another solution to allow designers, architects and specifiers to answer the most demanding of customer requests. By opting for Havwoods Bespoke, specifiers can build and design a floor for any specification.
From simple changes to the stock product, to more custom designs, by making adjustments to the size, colour or pattern Havwoods can create a personalised floor covering. Slip resistance, light reflection and other certifications can all be worked into the original design too, to help turn ideas into a realistic commercial proposition.
Wood Finishes
In addition to technical details, there are also many aesthetic considerations that need to be taken into account when specifying wood flooring. When selecting a pre-finished board, Havwoods offers three types; Lacquered, Oiled and UV Cured Hardwax oil – each boasting its own benefits and unique properties.
A lacquered finish typically consists of a polyurethane coating that covers the pores of the wood, this works by forming a hard, resistant surface which helps to protect the wood from dirt, moisture and ingress. A good quality lacquer will protect a wooden floor from 12 months to 6 years depending upon the amount of traffic; this makes it a worthy choice for commercial settings due to its hard-wearing properties.
An oiled finish protects the wood by penetrating deep into surface, this helps to bring out the true beauty of the wood through colour and grain, as well as offering enhanced protection. In addition to providing a natural look, oiled floors can easily be spot-repaired in the event of damage. The ability to quickly repair any cosmetic damages, means that if placed in an office or hospitality venue with a large surface area, small areas can be fixed without the need to replace the entire floor.
UV Cured Hardwax Oil combines the wear advantages of lacquer with the subtlety and visual appeal of an oiled finish. This finish is micro-porous and water-repellent along with also being dirt, stain and wear-resistant. A suitable choice for spaces prone to spillages, UV treated floor will not crack, flake, peel or blister.
Smoking and Firing
Another way to finish a board is through smoking, this involves a number of processes which can affect the timber in various ways. Specifiers can choose from single smoked to double smoked finishes that will each bring a sleek look to any space. The end result will vary as the process involves a reaction between a chemical composition and the individual plank. Havwoods also offers a fired board – this is when the wood is treated in a vacuum, this allows the dark colouring to run throughout the lamella, providing a visual alternative to tropical hardwood grades.
Introduce Pattern
There is an array of designs or patterns available when specifying wood flooring. A standard plank is the most common style, but more intricate designs are also available including; Herringbone, Chevron and Versailles – available in a range of sizes, these designs can all be laid in a variety of configurations and in a single or double pattern to create a truly unique surface covering.
Many of the best-selling Havwoods collections now include a Chevron, Herringbone and Versailles design option to allow for continued cohesion throughout the more complex interior schemes. Specifiers can opt for a selection of wood floor products from the same product group, which will all work together harmoniously.
A Shade for all Styles
Manufactured to the highest standards and finished using a variety of surface techniques, Havwoods offers a variety of colours, from light, to neutral to dark shades that add interest and appeal to interiors of all styles.
Adding an aesthetic finish to the smallest of schemes, light wood flooring is the best option for those looking to bring a feeling of spaciousness to commercial specifications. From the whitened shades of Venture Plank’s Blanco, to the more rustic textured Relik boards, these pared-back tones will make spaces appear both bigger and brighter.
Expertly crafted to stand the test of time, natural mid-toned flooring provides a traditional yet elegant touch. Ideal for both classic and contemporary applications, these warming shades will create a seamless flow across all areas of a commercial space.
For a dark and dramatic edge, explore Havwoods’ selection of dark shades. Perfect for projects in need of a bold, dark monochrome décor – these rich, earthier shades will add a touch of luxury underfoot, especially in hotel environments. Opt for the deep hues of Elst from the Henley collection with its brushed, smoked finish and unique colour variation or for something even more intense, try Grande from The Italian Collection.
An obvious option for contemporary schemes, grey wood floors have continued to increase in popularity. An extremely versatile colourway, grey will complement both warm and cool design schemes and is often associated with on-trend industrial and warehouse-inspired style.
Visit a Showroom
Havwoods holds in excess of 400 products in stock, all of which can be viewed on the website or ordered as a small sample panel. For those that prefer to see, feel and smell a product in a physical format, Havwoods also has four superb flooring showrooms around the country with large panels on display including; Clerkenwell, Chelsea, Cheshire and South Lakes.
In addition to the UK, Havwoods has showrooms around the world in New York, Copenhagen, Dubai, Toronto, Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle, Australia.
Havwoods
01524 737000
info@havwoods.com
www.havwoods.com/uk
