Wood Flooring FAQ’s

Solid wood flooring is made from a single piece of timber. Engineered wood flooring uses a real wood wear layer bonded to a stable plywood core. This layered construction makes engineered flooring less reactive to changes in temperature and humidity, so it is generally better suited to underfloor heating and larger projects.

Not necessarily. Both use real timber at the surface, so their resistance to scratches and dents is broadly similar. Engineered flooring is usually more dimensionally stable, meaning it is less likely to expand, contract or warp as environmental conditions change.

Only marginally in many cases. A solid tongue-and-groove board can only be sanded until the surface approaches the joint. Sanding beyond this point can weaken the board. A quality engineered floor with a suitable wear layer can therefore offer a comparable practical service life.

Engineered wood flooring is designed for long-term use and can perform well in residential and commercial interiors when correctly specified, installed and maintained. Its lifespan depends on the wear layer, finish, traffic levels, cleaning regime and environmental conditions.

Engineered wood flooring can be used in kitchens because its construction is more stable than solid timber. However, it remains a natural wood product, so spills should be cleaned promptly and standing water avoided.

Natural engineered wood is not usually the preferred specification for areas exposed to frequent standing water or consistently high moisture levels. A waterproof alternative, such as Impervia flooring, may be more appropriate.

Engineered flooring uses a thinner layer of slow-growing hardwood over a stable core, allowing more flooring to be produced from the same volume of valuable timber. Product-specific sourcing, certification, manufacturing and environmental documentation should still be reviewed as part of the specification.

Our flooring ranges include products suitable for use with underfloor heating, subject to the product specification and installation guidance. Engineered wood is generally preferred because its layered construction provides greater dimensional stability than solid timber.

Our suitable flooring products can be used with commonly specified wet and electric underfloor heating systems, provided the system is correctly commissioned and operated within the flooring manufacturer’s temperature limits.

The finished floor surface should not normally exceed 27°C. Temperature increases should be gradual, and the heating system must be commissioned in accordance with the relevant flooring and heating-system guidance.

Yes. The flooring should be stored in the installation environment before fitting so that it can adjust to site conditions. The required acclimatisation period varies by product and project, so always follow the product-specific instructions.

Depending on the product and subfloor, engineered flooring may be fully bonded, floated or, in some circumstances, secret nailed. The correct method should be confirmed by an experienced flooring contractor after assessing the subfloor, board construction and project requirements.

We generally recommend fully bonding engineered flooring because it provides additional stability and reduces movement. Some plank products may be floated over a suitable underlay, but herringbone and chevron parquet should normally be fully bonded.

Read our guidance on floating and fully bonding wood flooring.

Herringbone and chevron parquet should normally be fully bonded to a suitably prepared subfloor. The smaller format and patterned installation require secure fixing to maintain alignment and minimise movement.

Three-layer boards use three structural layers and are commonly suitable for planks installed over a stable subfloor. Multi-ply boards use several cross-laminated layers, providing additional structural support for applications such as parquet, direct installation over joists or projects requiring greater rigidity.

Neither construction is universally better. The correct option depends on the board format, thickness, subfloor and installation method. Multi-ply is generally more structural, while three-layer construction can provide an efficient and stable solution for engineered planks installed over a suitable subfloor.

Yes, provided the board has a sufficient real wood wear layer. A 4mm wear layer can typically be professionally sanded several times, although the exact number depends on how much material is removed during each refurbishment.

Remove loose dust and grit regularly using a vacuum or soft brush. Clean with a well-wrung damp mop and a product designed for the floor’s finish. Avoid excessive water, steam cleaners and harsh chemicals.

Read our wood flooring care guide.

No single finish is suitable for every project. Lacquered floors usually require less routine maintenance, while oiled and UV-oiled floors can be locally refreshed more easily. The choice should reflect traffic levels, maintenance capability, appearance and the project’s operational requirements.

Use a compatible oil-enriched cleaning product and periodically apply maintenance oil as required. This replenishes the protective finish and helps retain the floor’s resistance to everyday wear.

Minor damage can often be treated locally. Oiled floors may be lightly sanded and re-oiled, while lacquered floors may be repaired using a suitable touch-up system or local refinishing. Repairs should be assessed by an experienced flooring professional.

Yes. Samples are available to architects, interior designers, contractors, developers and private clients. We recommend starting with a focused selection so that colour, texture and finish can be assessed against the project’s materials and lighting conditions.

Our team may contact you after a sample request to confirm the project requirements, required quantity and product availability. This helps ensure the selected flooring is suitable before the specification progresses.

In-stock products are generally delivered within three to five working days after payment, subject to order size, location and logistics. Bespoke and made-to-order products have longer project-specific lead times.

Deliveries are managed through a specialist third-party warehousing and logistics provider. Access, unloading and site restrictions should be confirmed when the order is placed.

Yes. We support architects, designers, developers and contractors with product selection, performance requirements, sustainability documentation, samples and project-specific specifications.