Wood You Like has always been proud of its straightforward ranges in natural wooden flooring. We also keep a keen eye on price and quality relations.
Due to price increases we have now made some significant changes to our Basic and Standard range. More......
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Launch of Wood You Like FAQ Blog
Wood You Like has just launched its Frequently Asked Questions Blog:
Wood You Like Typepad Tips and Advice Blog
It combines specific tips and advice on all matters related to Natural Wooden Flooring (from preparations and installations to taking care of your floor) and the opportunity for 'blog' visitors to ask their own questions in various categories.
You can even register to be automagically informed by email when a new topic has been posted.
Wood You Like Typepad Tips and Advice Blog
It combines specific tips and advice on all matters related to Natural Wooden Flooring (from preparations and installations to taking care of your floor) and the opportunity for 'blog' visitors to ask their own questions in various categories.
You can even register to be automagically informed by email when a new topic has been posted.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Padouk wood and bespoke parquet flooring
Installing design parquet patterns is one of the specialities we do - from 'simple' herringbone to various elaborate patterns (see our 'something special' page). We have received a new (double sided) large sample board in our showroom:
Padouk (Pterocarpus) is valued for its toughness, stability in use, and, having a reddish colour, decorativeness. When freshly cut, it is a very bright red but when exposed to sunlight it fades over time to a warm brown. Its color makes it a favourite among woodworkers.
Padouk (Pterocarpus) is valued for its toughness, stability in use, and, having a reddish colour, decorativeness. When freshly cut, it is a very bright red but when exposed to sunlight it fades over time to a warm brown. Its color makes it a favourite among woodworkers.But it's not only wood in design patterns we can supply/install for you: we frequently receive requests to source missing amounts in wood strips, blocks or planks in specific measurements for renovation-projects, sizes or wood types normally not available in the main-stream supply-lines.
With help from our (Dutch) manufacturer we can provide - bespoke - flooring matching in size in various wood-types. Among these are 10mm wood blocks in Oak, Teak, Afzelia, Merbau from 50 to 90mm wide cut in any lengths or 10 - 14mm woodstrips with T&G's.
Need something even different or rare, why not give us a call? We know our manufacturer can honour most of our requests (they haven't said 'can't do' to us yet).
(N.B. colour differences between new and old blocks, strips will be noticeable in the beginning)
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Another range added to our collection: Quality Cork Flooring
We're happy to announce we are (again) able to supply (and install) Natural Cork (WicCork) and Natural Wood-Cork (WicWood) Flooring.
Cork flooring: a perfect solution where extra sound-insulation is needed, without compromising on elegance or well being, from a renewable and sustainable natural source.
The raw material in this product comes from the cork Oak tree (south of Portugal). The bark of the tree is harvested every nine years. This is the time it takes for these trees to produce the essential structure that provides the raw material with its unique properties and makes it the best insulating material in the world.
WicCork "Nature walks with you": a palette of ideas inspired by nature, combining textures and surprising colours. The originality of each pattern gives any surface a personal and distinctive touch.
The 'stick-down' tiles can be supplied pre-finished with a hardwearing surface layer, very suitable for high traffic residential areas, commercial and public spaces. The tiles are build up with a vinyl-backing layer, cork agglomerate core, real cork veneer and a clear vinyl wear layer.
For easy and quick installation WicCork is also available in 29.5 cm wide by 90 cm long composed floorboards (10.5mm or 12mm thick) with integrated insulating cork underlay and HDF middle layer with the Corkloc glueless system.
Ask in store for more details, technical specifications (sound reduction per range etc) and prices.
Wood You Like has a wide range of Natural Wooden Flooring, visit our 'Bookshop' to request our Range leaflets filled with details and specification.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Wood You Like Real Wood
Wood You Like supports the European Real Wood promotion campaign:
FEP - the European Federation of the Parquet Industry - regroups the leading European manufacturers of parquet flooring and their suppliers.
A major goal of FEP is to communicate the benefits of Real Wood and it has developed a label to this end to facilitate the identification and act as a basic cornerstone in the process of differentiating real wood floors from other flooring solutions.
All Natural Wooden Flooring available from our showroom are Real Wood.
Call for more information, quotes or tips and advice on selecting your Natural Wooden Flooring:
01233 - 713725 or email us at info@wood-you-like.co.uk
No matter if you want us to install our quality wood flooring for you or you want to install the flooring yourself (or your builder): if you bring the measurements of the area you plan to have natural wooden flooring installed in with you when you visit our showroom we can give you an accurate estimate of all costs involved on the spot (with no obligations whatsoever).
FEP - the European Federation of the Parquet Industry - regroups the leading European manufacturers of parquet flooring and their suppliers.
A major goal of FEP is to communicate the benefits of Real Wood and it has developed a label to this end to facilitate the identification and act as a basic cornerstone in the process of differentiating real wood floors from other flooring solutions.
All Natural Wooden Flooring available from our showroom are Real Wood.
Call for more information, quotes or tips and advice on selecting your Natural Wooden Flooring:
01233 - 713725 or email us at info@wood-you-like.co.uk
No matter if you want us to install our quality wood flooring for you or you want to install the flooring yourself (or your builder): if you bring the measurements of the area you plan to have natural wooden flooring installed in with you when you visit our showroom we can give you an accurate estimate of all costs involved on the spot (with no obligations whatsoever).
Monday, July 31, 2006
The Kiss Business released
Now available in our showroom:
The Kiss Business, the "Keep It Simple Principle Sweetheart" principle in business
(Business novel about the journey of starting and growing a Natural Wooden Flooring retails business in Kent UK. Part fiction/part fact-based)
See "the Kiss Business" dedicated website for:
Why the story
What's in the story
Who's in the story
and how to order the story
Monday, June 19, 2006
Adding value to your home with:
1) Natural Wooden features increases the value of your home
ICI Woodcare reports that adding/restoring natural wooden features in your home can increase the value of it. Wooden features include (stripped) wooden doors, door and window frames, wooden banisters on stair and landing, real wooden kitchen cupboards (or only cupboard doors) and of course installing Natural Wooden Flooring in the main areas. As mentioned in last month's newsletter wooden flooring also benefits Asthma, allergy and eczema sufferers, especially when installed in bedrooms.
Talking about Natural Wooden Flooring: the most popular wood-type is still Oak and the grade mostly sold is Rustic. When deciding on Natural Wooden Flooring it's best to keep this in mind, especially when you want to climb the 'property-ladder'. A Rustic Oak floor added to your home sells it better than for instance a tropical wood-type. Even if you would choose a specific coloured Oak floor (like Smoked, White-washed, Antique stained or Castle Grey oiled), the new owner can change this more easily to his/her own liking than trying to change a dark tropical floor into a lighter coloured one.
Most customers (in the U.K. that is) find a premium grade Oak floor looks too 'neat' and resembles a Melamine (Plastic) Laminate floor too much.
Also always make sure you install (have installed) the most suitable floor-types; e.g. we never recommend Solid wooden flooring on Underfloor Heating or in bathrooms and kitchens. Most modern Wood-Engineered flooring are now available in a full-plank and bevelled version; once installed you can't really tell the difference between this type or a solid floor; while Wood-Engineered flooring is much more stable in many circumstances
2) New builds
Buying a home is a milestone for most of us; be it finally getting onto the property ladder, up-grading or down-grading. Nowadays most new builds come with a choice in floorcovering, from 'standard' wall-to-wall carpet to (mostly) Wood-Veneer or if you're lucky even proper Wood-Engineered flooring. Only, most larger developers restrict the actual choice you have: they send you to one flooring supplier where you can decide between Oak, Beech or perhaps Maple 3-strip. If you want something else or a better/higher quality you have to prepare yourself for a 'hard struggle'.
Our own experience has taught us that 'stubborn' new home buyers usual get what they want in the end: i.e. the Natural Wooden Flooring from the company they select themselves and where the difference in price between the 'standard' fixed choice and the final choice isn't (on average) that much. If the developer/builder agrees to it, the alternative choice can be included (and paid for) before the exchange date, resulting in the new home owner not having to pay the VAT on the wooden flooring nor on the installation costs.
A word of advice: when buying a new build home on a large housing estate it's better to wait with installing Natural Wooden Flooring until all building works (including the final road surface) is completely finished. Imagine the 'sanding-effect' on your newly installed floor! In these situations we advice a cheap (and cheerful) carpet, not too light in colour, until all 'dust has settled'. Or, if you insist, on a wooden flooring with an oil finish (instead of a lacquer finish).
3) Creating your dream home
Besides Wooden features, there are (several) other ways to improve and/or increase the value of your home, if you're selling or not. Most obvious is increasing the number of rooms. This can be done by building an extension, installing a conservatory or changing the loft into another bedroom, study or bathroom. Before you start with any of these, make sure if any planning permission is needed.
Not all improvements will be made just in order to increasing the sales amount when selling your home, but more and mostly for creating your own 'dream home', but it is always best to think ahead. Updating a worn-out or 'seventies' kitchen surely will keep its value, so will improving the bathroom to a more modern and practical outlay. But don't forget the benefits (now and later) of replacing rotten windows, changing an old boiler (15 year or older) for an energy efficient one; installing double-glazed windows (and no, they don't have to be imbedded in PVAC) and/or other draught eliminating measures (like insulation the loft). Some energy saving projects even come with financial help from the government.
Talking about dream homes, a recent survey (by Rhodec International on 3000 home-owners) shows that 80% prefers the tranquillity of the countryside to the 'rat-race' hustle and bustle' of the city. And U.K's fine climate makes 50% wishing for homes in sunnier locations. The survey revealed some interesting 'design' wishes: one in five would opt for the cosy cottage look over modern, minimalist or bohemian designs (something to keep in mind when dashing around with paint-brushes, attacking MDF, copying TV DIY-programs or shopping for soft-furnishing).
A personal gym or a swimming pool scores also very high on the 'dream home wish list', and we seem to be willing to spend two thirds of our hard earned savings on creating our dream home. Most would even consider building a house from scratch! (Better involve an architect from day one with this, more change you really realise the dream within time and budget.)
4) House doctoring the correct way
How many television programs do you know that show 'easy' tricks to get your house sold quicker and for more money? And how many do you believe? Neglected maintenance won't disappear overnight or under a thick coat of glossy paint, nor will cheap Melamine Laminate flooring look (or sound for that matter) like the real thing.
We've teamed up with Inspiring Interiors (Folkestone) for advice and tips that really work. The main word is DE: de-personalise, de-clutter and de-stain, de-smell. Most of this can be done on a small budget.
If you want/need to get the paint-brush out, choose a neutral colour for all rooms in order for the potential new owner to 'vision' it in their own design style. Keep an eye on the era of your property; make sure your decoration matches it.
Cut the grass and tidy-up the garden (and garden shed!) and don't forget about 'kerb-appeal': a tidy front-garden with some hanging basket with flowering plants will do wonders. Also, give the front door a fresh lick of paint; potential buyers make up their mind within the first eight seconds of a viewing.
De-clutter all rooms, most removal companies can give you boxes to start 'packing' right away (the big plan is to move out anyway, so take double advantage of this).
De-personalise; potential new owners aren't really that interested in a wall filled with pictures of your (grand)children or sport paraphernalia, they are more interested in what potential your home has for their personality. So the more you can make it a 'blanc canvas', the better it is, but don't go overboard and make your home unwelcome cool and/or cold.
Please don't be offended by the next tip: De-stain and de-smell; make sure your home is/looks clean and smells fresh (ventilate all rooms prior to viewings by potential buyers, no need for aromatic candles or perfumed oils - some people are allergic to this!). If needed, invest in a 'spring-clean team' before the first viewing, then all you have to do later is keep it tidy.
For more tips/advice and help see 'The House Doctor' service.
Feel free to contact us for your own value adding Natural Wooden Flooring
ICI Woodcare reports that adding/restoring natural wooden features in your home can increase the value of it. Wooden features include (stripped) wooden doors, door and window frames, wooden banisters on stair and landing, real wooden kitchen cupboards (or only cupboard doors) and of course installing Natural Wooden Flooring in the main areas. As mentioned in last month's newsletter wooden flooring also benefits Asthma, allergy and eczema sufferers, especially when installed in bedrooms.
Talking about Natural Wooden Flooring: the most popular wood-type is still Oak and the grade mostly sold is Rustic. When deciding on Natural Wooden Flooring it's best to keep this in mind, especially when you want to climb the 'property-ladder'. A Rustic Oak floor added to your home sells it better than for instance a tropical wood-type. Even if you would choose a specific coloured Oak floor (like Smoked, White-washed, Antique stained or Castle Grey oiled), the new owner can change this more easily to his/her own liking than trying to change a dark tropical floor into a lighter coloured one.
Most customers (in the U.K. that is) find a premium grade Oak floor looks too 'neat' and resembles a Melamine (Plastic) Laminate floor too much.
Also always make sure you install (have installed) the most suitable floor-types; e.g. we never recommend Solid wooden flooring on Underfloor Heating or in bathrooms and kitchens. Most modern Wood-Engineered flooring are now available in a full-plank and bevelled version; once installed you can't really tell the difference between this type or a solid floor; while Wood-Engineered flooring is much more stable in many circumstances
2) New builds
Buying a home is a milestone for most of us; be it finally getting onto the property ladder, up-grading or down-grading. Nowadays most new builds come with a choice in floorcovering, from 'standard' wall-to-wall carpet to (mostly) Wood-Veneer or if you're lucky even proper Wood-Engineered flooring. Only, most larger developers restrict the actual choice you have: they send you to one flooring supplier where you can decide between Oak, Beech or perhaps Maple 3-strip. If you want something else or a better/higher quality you have to prepare yourself for a 'hard struggle'.
Our own experience has taught us that 'stubborn' new home buyers usual get what they want in the end: i.e. the Natural Wooden Flooring from the company they select themselves and where the difference in price between the 'standard' fixed choice and the final choice isn't (on average) that much. If the developer/builder agrees to it, the alternative choice can be included (and paid for) before the exchange date, resulting in the new home owner not having to pay the VAT on the wooden flooring nor on the installation costs.
A word of advice: when buying a new build home on a large housing estate it's better to wait with installing Natural Wooden Flooring until all building works (including the final road surface) is completely finished. Imagine the 'sanding-effect' on your newly installed floor! In these situations we advice a cheap (and cheerful) carpet, not too light in colour, until all 'dust has settled'. Or, if you insist, on a wooden flooring with an oil finish (instead of a lacquer finish). 3) Creating your dream home
Besides Wooden features, there are (several) other ways to improve and/or increase the value of your home, if you're selling or not. Most obvious is increasing the number of rooms. This can be done by building an extension, installing a conservatory or changing the loft into another bedroom, study or bathroom. Before you start with any of these, make sure if any planning permission is needed.
Not all improvements will be made just in order to increasing the sales amount when selling your home, but more and mostly for creating your own 'dream home', but it is always best to think ahead. Updating a worn-out or 'seventies' kitchen surely will keep its value, so will improving the bathroom to a more modern and practical outlay. But don't forget the benefits (now and later) of replacing rotten windows, changing an old boiler (15 year or older) for an energy efficient one; installing double-glazed windows (and no, they don't have to be imbedded in PVAC) and/or other draught eliminating measures (like insulation the loft). Some energy saving projects even come with financial help from the government.
Talking about dream homes, a recent survey (by Rhodec International on 3000 home-owners) shows that 80% prefers the tranquillity of the countryside to the 'rat-race' hustle and bustle' of the city. And U.K's fine climate makes 50% wishing for homes in sunnier locations. The survey revealed some interesting 'design' wishes: one in five would opt for the cosy cottage look over modern, minimalist or bohemian designs (something to keep in mind when dashing around with paint-brushes, attacking MDF, copying TV DIY-programs or shopping for soft-furnishing).
A personal gym or a swimming pool scores also very high on the 'dream home wish list', and we seem to be willing to spend two thirds of our hard earned savings on creating our dream home. Most would even consider building a house from scratch! (Better involve an architect from day one with this, more change you really realise the dream within time and budget.)
4) House doctoring the correct way
How many television programs do you know that show 'easy' tricks to get your house sold quicker and for more money? And how many do you believe? Neglected maintenance won't disappear overnight or under a thick coat of glossy paint, nor will cheap Melamine Laminate flooring look (or sound for that matter) like the real thing.
We've teamed up with Inspiring Interiors (Folkestone) for advice and tips that really work. The main word is DE: de-personalise, de-clutter and de-stain, de-smell. Most of this can be done on a small budget.
If you want/need to get the paint-brush out, choose a neutral colour for all rooms in order for the potential new owner to 'vision' it in their own design style. Keep an eye on the era of your property; make sure your decoration matches it.
Cut the grass and tidy-up the garden (and garden shed!) and don't forget about 'kerb-appeal': a tidy front-garden with some hanging basket with flowering plants will do wonders. Also, give the front door a fresh lick of paint; potential buyers make up their mind within the first eight seconds of a viewing.
De-clutter all rooms, most removal companies can give you boxes to start 'packing' right away (the big plan is to move out anyway, so take double advantage of this).
De-personalise; potential new owners aren't really that interested in a wall filled with pictures of your (grand)children or sport paraphernalia, they are more interested in what potential your home has for their personality. So the more you can make it a 'blanc canvas', the better it is, but don't go overboard and make your home unwelcome cool and/or cold.
Please don't be offended by the next tip: De-stain and de-smell; make sure your home is/looks clean and smells fresh (ventilate all rooms prior to viewings by potential buyers, no need for aromatic candles or perfumed oils - some people are allergic to this!). If needed, invest in a 'spring-clean team' before the first viewing, then all you have to do later is keep it tidy.
For more tips/advice and help see 'The House Doctor' service.
Feel free to contact us for your own value adding Natural Wooden Flooring
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