Engineered Wood Flooring Specification Guide for Architects & Contractors

An engineered wood flooring specification should define the exact flooring product, subfloor construction, underfloor heating requirements, site conditions, installation method and relevant performance criteria. Getting these details agreed at specification stage helps reduce the risk of unsuitable substitutions, installation problems and performance issues later in the project.

The Solid Wood Flooring Company works with architects, interior designers, developers and contractors to provide project-specific technical guidance across our engineered wood flooring range, including support with NBS specifications and product documentation.

(You can download a pdf version of this information here)

What information is needed to specify engineered wood flooring?

Before an engineered wood floor is specified, the following project information should be established:

1. Flooring product code – for example, the individual SWFC product reference.
2. Subfloor construction – such as screed, raised access or cradle system.
3. Underfloor heating system – including the system type where applicable.
4. Site conditions – for example, new build, refurbishment or listed building.
5. Installation method – determined according to the product, subfloor and project conditions.

These are core considerations when preparing an engineered wood flooring specification and help ensure that the selected flooring is appropriate for the complete project build-up.

For project-specific requirements, our NBS wood flooring specification service can also provide appropriate specification and technical information.

What technical performance data should be considered?

Technical performance needs to be assessed alongside appearance, board dimensions and finish. Independent product testing provides useful information for architects and contractors assessing flooring against project requirements.

*Classification reproduced as stated in the original specification document.

These results should be treated as supporting specification information. Current product-specific data sheets and certificates should always be checked before completing a live project specification, particularly where compliance requirements are critical.

What should architects consider for load-bearing performance?

The original testing documentation records the engineered and solid wood flooring as meeting the requirements of BS 6399-1:1996 Table 1, Section 3 for load bearing, including provisions relating to uniformly distributed and concentrated loads.

For commercial schemes, this information should be considered alongside the complete floor build-up, substrate and intended use of the space. The selected product’s current technical documentation should form part of the final specification.

How does slip resistance vary between wood flooring finishes?

Slip resistance can be an important specification consideration in commercial, hospitality and other higher-traffic environments.

The original guide uses Pendulum Test Value (PTV) classifications as follows:

• 0–24: high slip potential
• 25–35: moderate slip potential
• 36+: low slip potential

Recorded results from the tested flooring finishes were:

The difference between dry and wet values demonstrates why the finish and intended environment need to be considered together rather than treating all engineered timber floors as having the same slip performance.

Further testing information is available in our wood flooring grading and type test results.

Why specify engineered rather than solid wood flooring?

Engineered wood flooring combines a genuine hardwood surface with a more dimensionally stable supporting construction. This makes it particularly useful where environmental conditions, floor build-up or underfloor heating need to be considered as part of the specification.

It also uses considerably less hardwood than an equivalent solid board. The original specification guide states that approximately three times as much flooring can be produced from the same volume of valuable hardwood when engineered construction is used.

For projects incorporating heating systems, follow the individual product specification and our current underfloor heating guidance. Flooring should be conditioned and installed in accordance with the relevant product-specific instructions.

How should substitutions be managed within a flooring specification?

A substitute floor should not simply match the colour and dimensions of the specified product.

Where substitutions are permitted, the alternative should meet the same specified requirements for construction, finish, technical performance and project suitability. This helps ensure the integrity and intended performance of the finished installation are maintained.

For commercial projects, this is particularly relevant where slip resistance, underfloor heating compatibility, construction, environmental credentials or installation requirements have influenced the original product selection.

Frequently asked questions

What should an engineered wood flooring specification include?

At minimum, specify the exact product or product code, construction, board dimensions, finish, subfloor, installation method and any underfloor heating requirements. Relevant technical performance, sustainability certification and project-specific compliance requirements should also be confirmed using the current product data sheet.

Can engineered wood flooring be specified over underfloor heating?

Many engineered wood flooring products are suitable for underfloor heating because their layered construction provides greater dimensional stability than solid timber. However, suitability must be confirmed against the individual product data sheet and the heating system, floor build-up and installation requirements.

Does the flooring finish affect slip resistance?

Yes. Independent testing recorded different wet and dry Pendulum Test Values for anti-slip lacquered, natural oiled, lacquered and brushed UV-oiled floors. The finish should therefore be considered alongside the intended environment, cleaning regime and project-specific slip-resistance requirements.

Do architects need a product-specific specification?

Yes. Generic performance information is useful at the design stage, but the final specification should relate to the actual flooring selected. Product-specific documentation establishes the construction, dimensions, finish, installation requirements, certification and other technical characteristics that apply to that floor.

Can The Solid Wood Flooring Company help prepare an NBS specification?

Yes. The Solid Wood Flooring Company can support architects and designers with an NBS specification based on the selected product, subfloor construction and underfloor heating system where applicable. This allows flooring requirements and relevant technical information to be incorporated into the wider project specification.

Technical specification support

Correct flooring specification depends on the product, environment and complete floor build-up rather than appearance alone. For project-specific advice, product data sheets or assistance preparing an NBS specification, contact The Solid Wood Flooring Company before finalising your flooring schedule.