From engineered to solid hardwood boards, parquet patterns to chevron, there’s a plethora of options – but which is best for your home? Rebecca Foster guides you through the buying process

Flooring is probably one of the first elements you’ll think about when crafting your home’s interior fit-out. Few materials offer the same timeless wow factor that timber can, not to mention the same impressive service life and durability. Another advantage is the sheer range of choice, with multiple options for species, finish and laying pattern. There are plenty of solutions to choose from, so a good first step is to narrow down your options with these key questions to ask when considering the possibilities.

Q Which option is the most durable?

How hard-wearing your floor is comes down to the species you use and the finish you apply. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, are more heavy-duty than softwoods like pine and fir. This is because they are slow-growing and provide denser timber. “It doesn’t matter whether the board is solid or engineered because the top surface of the latter is made from real wood, so will therefore be equally as hard,” says Kimberley Thompson from Flooring Superstore. Other popular options include walnut, beech and ash.

Q Should I choose solid boards or engineered planks?

While typically more expensive up front, solid wood products can offer a very long lifespan. That’s partly because, if you want to keep the surface looking fresh, you can sand solid products down more times than you’d be able to with engineered alternatives.