Floorboards or fitted floor?

**Drewster** · 8 July 2010, 15:53

Originally posted by Moscow Mule View Post

We've just bought a new house and are in the process of doing it up now - we've taken up all the carpets & the floorboards are in *reasonable* nick, but will need a proper sanding and varnish etc.

Is there any cost benefit in just whacking down some fibreboard underlay & real wood floor rather than getting the boards done properly?

I'm assuming there won't be a massive energy saving from the fibreboard over the floorboards?

Is it more desirable (aesthetically) to have floorboards rather than a fitted floor?

Only you can answer the aesthetics question....

I personally prefer the modern floorings.....

**doodab** · 8 July 2010, 16:03

Originally posted by Moscow Mule View Post

Is there any cost benefit in just whacking down some fibreboard underlay & real wood floor rather than getting the boards done properly?

There is a massive lack of hassle benefit. Sanding floorboards is hard work and not very pleasant with all the dust etc, esp in this weather it will not be fun.

Originally posted by Moscow Mule;

Is it more desirable (aesthetically) to have floorboards rather than a fitted floor?

That's in the eye of the beholder isn't it. Personally I prefer fitted floors unless it's in a "rustic" setting.

**MrRobin** · 8 July 2010, 16:10

Was in a similar boat a year or so ago. Brought up all the carpets to find a filthy wooden floor, with all kinds of stains and marks all over it. Looked into getting a new floor fitted but went with the sanding as it seemed much cheaper.

Hired a floor sanding specialist who came in with some serious kit which made light work of the job and kept dust etc at a minimum. The dust was actually re-used in the sealant and gap filler he put down after. Looks brilliant and never looked back.

**Moscow Mule** · 8 July 2010, 22:47

Originally posted by MrRobin View Post

Was in a similar boat a year or so ago. Brought up all the carpets to find a filthy wooden floor, with all kinds of stains and marks all over it. Looked into getting a new floor fitted but went with the sanding as it seemed much cheaper.

Hired a floor sanding specialist who came in with some serious kit which made light work of the job and kept dust etc at a minimum. The dust was actually re-used in the sealant and gap filler he put down after. Looks brilliant and never looked back.

Found a company in South London who do this for £20 sqm which seems pretty reasonable, bearing in mind the cost of a new fitted floor at around £50 sqm (roughly). I think we'll give them a go and see how it looks.

**Gibbon** · 9 July 2010, 06:15

Kardean, only way to go really. Looks good, extremely durable and has good insulation properties.

It is expensive though.

**threaded** · 9 July 2010, 07:53

I know the people who did the Tate Modern's wooden flooring if you want to go that route.

**gingerjedi** · 9 July 2010, 08:28

Have you thought about pouring concrete? Don't do it upstairs though.

**Moscow Mule** · 9 July 2010, 08:49

Originally posted by threaded View Post

I know the people who did the Tate Modern's wooden flooring if you want to go that route.

I've just bought a house, I've not got the finance in place to buy the Tate Modern!!!

**northernladuk** · 9 July 2010, 09:15

Don't bother with the sanding business. The floor boards have to be in great nick for it to look any good and they are bloody awful to try and keep warm. The smallest crack can have a force 9 gale running through it. I did this and the floor looked pretty good before i started. Spent 2 days just hammering in proud nails let alone the bloody crap the sander threw up and in the end it looked just ok.

Have a look around, some of the modern wood flooring is beautiful. Very expensive in some cases but well worth it if you are house proud. Forget laminate and go for the slotted wood stuff. Looks the dogs danglies, feels great and much better to keep warm. I did it in one bedroom and everyone comments on it. So much cheap carpet and laminate around a real wood laid floor stands out a mile.

Floorboards or fitted floor?