puulattiat

Puulattiat, or wooden floors, are floor coverings made from wood. They encompass solid hardwood floors, engineered wood planks, and parquet panels arranged in decorative patterns. They are valued for a natural look, warmth, and durability, and are common in homes, offices, and public buildings.

Solid wood floors consist of a single piece of timber and are typically 18 to 25 millimeters thick, installed by nailing or gluing to a subfloor. Engineered wood floors use several layers of material with a hardwood veneer on top, giving greater dimensional stability and resistance to moisture. Parquet involves small wood pieces laid in geometric patterns, producing distinctive visual effects.

Finishes determine appearance and maintenance needs. Wood floors may be finished with oil, wax, varnish, or polyurethane coatings. Oil and wax provide a more matte, tactile feel and are easier to repair, while hard finishes like polyurethane offer greater scratch resistance and moisture protection.

Installation methods vary: nailed, glued, or floating installations are used depending on the subfloor and product. Acclimatization to the room's humidity and temperature is important to minimize movement after installation. Wood expands and contracts with moisture, a consideration in climates with seasonal changes, such as Finland.

Maintenance includes regular dusting, gentle cleaning, and avoiding excessive moisture. Refinishing or sanding may be required after years of wear, restoring the surface without replacing the floor. Sustainable sourcing and certifications, such as forest stewardship labels, are increasingly relevant in choosing puulattiat.

Historically and culturally, wooden floors have been widespread in Europe and Nordic regions, valued for their beauty, longevity, and adaptability to different architectural styles.