Selecting wood flooring means balancing two distinct priorities: visual appeal and real-world performance. Your flooring has to handle real moments: wet shoes at the door, heating changes in winter, busy weekdays, quiet evenings and everything in between. So how do you choose the one that is perfect for your home?

This guide will help you find the flooring that truly matches your style and lifestyle.

• Start with what your home needs

Before selecting the colours and patterns, think practically. Does your home get warm and cool quickly? Are you planning underfloor heating? Do you want something that can handle a lively household?

If your home experiences temperature changes or if underfloor heating is required, engineered wood flooring is a reliable choice. Its layered structure helps minimise movement and makes it far more stable than solid wood in fluctuating conditions. Laminate is often placed in the same category as engineered wood and it should be cared for in a similar way. It requires careful maintenance and only lightly damp cleaning to prevent swelling or damage.

SPC vinyl click flooring offers a different level of performance. It is highly durable, genuinely moisture-resistant and designed for easy upkeep, making it a dependable option for busy households.

• Choose the plank width that suits your space

Plank width can transform the feel of a room without you even realising it.

1. Narrow to medium planks (80mm–127mm): Best suited to cosy rooms or traditional style homes. They add detail and definition that wider planks don't provide.
2. Mid to wide planks (150mm, 190mm): A balanced choice for most homes. Clean, modern and warm.
3. Extra-wide planks (220mm and above): Work beautifully in open, airy spaces where you want an uninterrupted, luxurious flow.

Take an extra wide oak flooring with a lacquered finish. It can open up a living room, making it feel more spacious and settled at the same time.

• Choose the right thickness and wear layer

Thickness matters. It affects how solid your floor feels when you walk across it and how long it will last. Engineered boards come in different thicknesses and each one serves a different purpose. The wear layer (the top surface of real wood) determines how many times you can sand and refinish your floor over the years. Most busy households do well with a mid-range wear layer. If you're planning to stay put for decades or have high-traffic areas, go thicker.

A mid-range engineered oak plank gives you stability and longevity. It also works well with underfloor heating when fully adhered.

• Pick your pattern: straight planks or decorative layouts

The pattern you choose changes how a room feels from the moment you step inside. Straight planks: Clean and versatile. Go wider for a modern look, medium width for something more traditional.

Herringbone and parquet: More structured and design-led. They work well in hallways, bedrooms and living rooms that need a little visual interest.

Engineered herringbone oak flooring works well in traditional homes and modern interiors where you want something with a subtle luxury touch.

• Think colour and finish

Wood flooring colour sets the tone of your space. Warm oak shades bring comfort and depth. Light brushed finishes brighten up a room. Rustic grades highlight knots, texture and natural personality. Lacquered finishes give a soft sheen and added protection. A lightly brushed, lacquered oak in a rustic grade offers warmth with a relaxed, natural look that creates a welcoming home atmosphere.

• Match the installation method to your needs

There are two main joining methods:

Tongue & Groove: Traditional, strong and suits professional installation. Works for engineered and solid wood.

Click System: Fast, simple and suits DIY-friendly laminate and SPC vinyl click floors. If you plan to install wood flooring over underfloor heating, check compatibility and find out if full adhesion is recommended.

• Consider maintenance needs

Wood flooring is surprisingly easy to look after, as long as you keep small habits in place.

Use a soft brush or vacuum designed for hard floors to avoid scratches. Mop lightly (avoid soaking the surface). Place mats near entrances and felt pads under furniture legs. Recoat or refresh the finish when the surface starts to look dull (timing depends on the wear layer).

Engineered flooring handles the years better than you might expect. Engineered flooring earns its reputation for resilience. The layered structure resists warping and movement, which means it stays truer to form as the years pass.

• Keep your budget in mind

Budget shapes your search, but it doesn't have to narrow it down to one choice. Engineered, laminate and vinyl click floors span a broad enough range that you can find something that performs well and looks the part without pushing past your limit.

What matters most to you? Longevity that spans decades? Installation simple enough to tackle on your own? The visual weight of wide planks? A herringbone pattern with some design presence? Clarify your priorities and the field narrows itself.

The right wood flooring balances three considerations: appearance, performance and how it sits within your home. You might want the warmth of rustic oak with its natural imperfections. Wide planks that stretch the eye and quiet a room. A herringbone layout that brings structure and refinement. Or a click system that keeps installation uncomplicated.

When you find the right one, you'll feel it. The colour will sit well with your walls, the width will suit the room's proportions, and the finish will catch the light just how you had hoped. It'll look like it was always meant to be there, and your home will feel more complete because of it.