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Q: What is the difference between solid boards and engineered?
A: A solid board is solid wood right through – planed from a piece of wood. Engineered (in our range) is made up of eight layers of cross ply birch and a solid top later 4-6mm thick.
Q: Can a solid floor be floated?
A: Solid boards need to be nailed or glued, not floated as they could move over the seasons which would give gaps in the floor at certain times of the year.
Q: I have under floor heating and would like a solid wood floor, would that be okay?
A: A solid wood floor will react to the changes in temperature and cause the boards to move so we would always recommend an engineered board.
Q: Why do your solid boards only go up to 150mm wide?
A: All floorboards are now cross cut and not quarter sawn. This means that the heart wood is always denser and harder than the outer rings of a tree. The outer rings will take in more moisture than the middle part and will therefore twist and cup up towards the middle. The wider the board the more it will cup.
Q: In what circumstances would I need to use an engineered board ?
A: The choice of engineered or solid wood depends on your sub floor, engineered tends to be used when there’s an issue with stability such as under floor heating or if the room is above a cellar or garage and there’s going to be circulation of cold damp air.
You may also decide to use engineered boards for the wider widths available, our engineered boards are available in widths of 150mm, 189mm, and 220mm.
Q: Which finish is the most durable – oiled or lacquered?
A: Both are durable but oiled boards are easier to repair. When the oil is replenished any scuffs and scratches are covered over.
Our lacquer is one of the hardest available today and comes with a 20 year warranty for normal domestic traffic.
“Prevention is better than a cure†it’s said so protecting the floor will help prevent damage. Put felt pads on furniture feet and a good sized mat by exterior doors. Regular cleaning also helps.
Q: What does “brushed†mean?
A: Brushed means some of the soft grain has been brushed out so giving a slightly textured finish on the board. This gives a more natural look and a little more grip under foot – very useful if you have pets or small children zooming about! If the floor gets the odd bad scratch from claws it will blend more into the board.
Q: I’d like a wood floor that’s maintenance free – which one do I choose?
A: Wood floors don’t need hours of care but they aren’t maintenance free I’m afraid! Most days you vacuum, when the floor is mopped you use a well wrung mop and a natural soap and warm water solution. With oiled floors the oil needs to be replenished about once a year. We supply maintenance kits for oiled and lacquered floors that include everything you need.
Q: Which wood floor is most suitable in a kitchen or bathroom?
A: We have found that engineered boards are the most popular as they don’t give any concern for future stability. Bamboo is also a firm favourite. It’s important to keep these rooms well ventilated and mop up any spills straight away.
Keep mats in the wet areas of a bathroom such as by the bath and/or shower. Wood floors aren’t advisable if you have small children who splash around a lot.
In a kitchen it’s prudent to put a mat or rug in front of the sink and cooker as these are high spill areas.
Q: I live in a second floor apartment, which wood floor would be best for me?
A: The first thing you need to do is check your lease agreement and see what the criteria are for changing to wood floors – or if it isn’t permissable. You may need permission from the leaseholder and/or there may be guidelines to prevent sound disturbing your neighbours.
Floating an engineered board on acoustic underlay is the usual procedure but it’s important that you check first.
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