Wooden Flooring : Your Questions

What are the different types of floor, i.e. Solid, Semi-Solid & Engineered?

• Solid - floors which have the specific wood for the whole thickness of the floor.
  These are normally fixed to the sub-floor.
• Semi-Solid - floors which have a very thick layer of the specific wood on top of a less expensive wood.
• Engineered - floating hardwood floors made up of 3 layers: a hardwood veneer (14 or 15 mm); a core layer and a stabilising base layer.
  These are usually pre-finished with either a lacquer or an oil. They can also referred to as "laminate" floors.
• For more information, see our guide for types of wooden flooring.

Can I have an Engineered floor on top of floorboards?

Yes, using a suitable underlay. If laying in the same direction as the floorboards then lay hardboard first.

Can I have an Engineered floor on top of concrete?

Yes, using a suitable underlay and a surface vapour barrier on top of the concrete. This is not to be confused with the damp proof membrane in the concrete. You must have both. Our guide has more information on sub floors.

Can I have a Solid floor on top of concrete?

Yes this can be done, but it very much depends on the product. Herringbone blocks for instance could be glued down onto concrete, but you should think twice about using solid plank floors on concrete. Get expert advice, and make sure the 'expert' uses a hygrometer. Again, see our guide for information about sub floors.

Can I have a Solid floor on top of floorboards?

Yes, solid floors can be nailed directly to existing floorboards. If laying in the same direction as the floorboards then lay 6mm ply first.

What do I do if my concrete floor is not level?

You can level your concrete floor using a self levelling compound.

How can I check that my floor is level?

Using a long straight edge. Minor fluctuations in your sub floor are all right. Most floors can tolerate +/- 3mm over a 2 metre span. If in any doubt contact a professional floor fitter. To successfully lay a hardwood floor the subfloor should be one level; this may mean raising the level in one room to match the next. This can be done with different thickness of ply or hardboard depending on the height difference.

I would like the floor to run through to hallway, but I do not want any breaks?

As professionals we would recommend a break, but we understand that people do not like breaks. Fit the floor without a break but be prepared - you may need to put the break in at a later date.

Can I have a wood floor in the kitchen and which one?

Yes a wooden floor in a kitchen is just fine. You can use both solid and engineered.

Can I have a wood floor in the bathroom and, if so, which one?

We do not recommend hardwood flooring of any type in a bathroom.

Can I have wood floor on top of existing tiles, lino, carpet or wood floor?

Yes you can as long as you choose a floating and engineered floor. More information about engineered floors is in our guide.

I would like to have a new floor in the kitchen but I am also changing a kitchen which one should I do first?

Fit the kitchen first, or make sure you kitchen fitters are very very careful of your new floor.

Can I have a wood floor in the conservatory?

Yes, engineered floors are best suited to conservatories because of their stability.

Can I have a wood floor on top of underfloor heating?

Yes and because of their stability, engineered floors are the most suitable. Check our guide for more information on underfloor heating.

Is wood floor cold?

No, wood is a great insulator. A wooden floor will feel warm in winter and cool in summer.

How do I keep my floor clean?

New hardwood floors need very little looking after. Regular sweeping and / or vacuuming will keep the floor free of surface dirt. Good mats inside and outside all entrances will keep shoes free of grit and dirt. It is a combination of surface dirt and dirt on shoes that damages the lacquer on your new floor. A floor can be mopped using a mild floor soap with a well rung out mop as required. More information on caring for your floor is in our guide.

How often will I need to restore my floor?

This will depend on how well you look after your floor. In a normal domestic situation we anticipate that the floor will require refinishing every 10 to 15 years

I am worried that my dog will scratch the floor?

Dogs claws will scratch the lacquer on your floor. Either knit him some socks or consider an oiled floor. See the difference between lacquered and oiled floors.

Can I have wood floor in the flat? I am worried about my neighbours.

Yes you can have wooden floors in your flat, but remember to use an approved acoustic underlay. More information on noise is in our guide.

Can I have my stairs done in wood floor?

Yes you can. We have matching wooden nosings (stair edges) for all of our floors.

Do wood floors change colour?

Yes they do, it's all part of owning a beautiful and natural hardwood floor.

If I have a problem with central heating pipes, what can I do?

If you have a clic/loc floor, simply lift it up, repair the pipes and put it down again.

Will my furniture dent/scratch the floor?

All wood floors dent and scratch. However, to minimise this use felt pads and casters on the bottom of your furniture, especially chairs. See our guide for other handy tips on maintenance and care.

Can I have a load bearing floor / can I fix it to joists?

For a floor to be load-bearing, it needs to be at least 18mm thick. Solid hardwood floors are 19/20mm thick, and need to be nailed every 250mm. The joists in most houses are 400mm apart, therefore solid floors cannot be fitted directly to joists. Your only option would be to use our "semi solid" products which are 6mm hardwood veneer on 15mm of birch ply.

Do I need to cut down my doors?

Yes, if the new floor is higher than your existing floor.

How long will my floor last?

With the right care and attention, a quality hardwood floor will last for hundreds of years.

Do I need to acclimatise my floor before it is fitted?

Yes and No. Engineered floors need no acclimatisation and in fact once a pack is opened the floor must be fitted. A solid floor will need a minimum of one week to acclimatise, and longer periods of acclimatisation are highly recommended.

Need to know more?

Check out our Guide to Wooden Flooring or call us on 0800 169 3743.