Traditionally in the uk many hundreds of years ago, flooring was not seen as important.  Often you  found just dirt floors or at best rush flooring (a type of matting made from Plants) in any home or establishment.

 

Through the ages flooring in the uk became more important due to aesthetics and the need to stop dirt transference.  Often in poorer houses this would be the only  flooring open to them.  Houses of wealthier people would use wood, particularly Oak and the very rich in society would use stone, slate or marble for uk flooring. 

 

As time progressed you find, that, uk flooring moved from the use of stone, slate and marble into a predominant use of wood (especially during Victorian times and forward) mainly Oak as this wood species is found in large quantities in the uk.  During the 1950’s to 1980’s the uk flooring market sought something more modern and luxurious and many beautiful wood or stone floors were covered in man made carpets - apparently for warmth and comfort.  

 

During this time we saw a surgence of  nylon mixed with natural fibre which was both cheap and easy to install.  At the same time the uk flooring market noticed  a influx of cheap affordable flooring arriving from Europe, i.e. Belgium, Holland and France.  With many large stores opening selling diy flooring at very low prices which would wear out quickly meaning the customer would be back to purchase more in under 2 years.

 

The Uk flooring market has now progressed quickly in the last 10 years with customers wanting a more eco-friendly, anti-allergy floor and wood has made a re-appearance.  It has been noted that European tastes have been taken on in the uk flooring market and people are demanding natural products that are long lasting to be installed in their homes. 

 

  An example of this is the use of  slate, stone, Hessian, leather and glass being used alongside the traditional   flooring on offer.  Of course these choices come at a price and often  manufacturers are using photographic techniques to replicate, for example, glass or wood onto pvc tiles or mdf planks giving the appearance of the real thing but at a fraction of the cost. 

 

As with fashion industry the flooring industry in the uk has once again found itself a leader in the choice of flooring on offer.  Countries such as  America, Asia and Europe look to us for a lead each year as what is the next big thing.  Flooring strange as it seams follows the trends in fashion taking design and colours from catwalks and transferring them to flooring. 

 

At iloveflooring you will find a wealth of information and a large choice of flooring for your home.