FAUX WOOD FLOORING

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FAUX WOOD FLOORING

Jules’ choice: FAUX WOOD FLOORING

Impressed by the natural look of Jules’ flooring? It’s easy to fake it in style with faux timber underfoot

Natural wood flooring is undeniably beautiful, but it’s not budget-friendly, nor 100% practical for every room. If you’re concerned about maintenance or price, it could be time to go faux.

What are my options? The main choices are vinyl (Luxury Vinyl Tiles are more convincing than cheaper rolled vinyl), laminate flooring and porcelain tiles. The good news is, thanks to advances in photographic quality and colour printing, they all have really realistic wood effects. Look for products with a textural finish –essentially a raised grain effect –to really fool the senses.

Can I make it more ‘real’? Wood is naturally warm and the shock of a cold tile underfoot can be disconcerting,

BEST FOR…

FUSS-FREE VINYL The Solid Wood Flooring Company isn’t just focused on real wood. Check out its Impervia wood-look luxury rigid plank flooring range that’s super-easy to fit (no adhesive or underlay). A waterproof backing makes it suitable for bathrooms.

LOADS OF LAMINATE Carpetright stocks no less than 81 wood-look laminate floors, from striking rustic designs to grandiose parquet, with prices starting at £9.99sq m. Use the online visualiser to help you.

THE REAL DEAL UK Flooring Direct has some of the best prices for solid and engineered natural wood floors, but if you find the same for cheaper they’ll match it. so install underfloor heating, if budget allows. Vinyl floors absorb ambient heat, so if you don’t have underfloor heating, it will still be warmer than porcelain tiles.

Have you got any tips on installation? The beauty of natural wood lies in its unique grain pattern and many faux flooring manufacturers achieve this by offering four or five different plank designs per pack. When installing, sort planks by pattern and then mix them up randomly as you lay to disguise repetition.

Is it waterproof? Most laminate and vinyl flooring can handle splashes, but don’t fare well under direct contact with water –such as inside a shower. Porcelain wood-look tiles are the most durable option, perfect in a wet room or walk-in situation.

‘ BOOST THE DESIGN DYNAMIC BY LAYING WOOD-EFFECT FLOORING IN A HERRINGBONE FORMATION TO MIMIC THE NEW TREND FOR PARQUET ’ What about cleaning it? Unlike solid wood floors, it is less likely to move or warp and many come with built-in resistance to sun bleaching, too. Do make sure the grout is sealed after application to help reduce staining, or go for a dark grout that won’t show dirt.

3 ofthe best WOOD-EFFECT TILES

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON TEXTURED TREAT Pick a finish that mimics real wood grain. Nordic wood dark brown porcelain tile, £19.99sq m, Tile Mountain

LUXURY LOOK Lay these in a fancy parquet style. Chevron wood walnut porcelain tile, £43.49sq m, Tons of Tiles

SHINE-FREE A matt finish to the surface keeps it convincing. Cotage wood grey matt porcelain tile, £20sq m, B&Q