Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered Oak flooring is a type of wood flooring that has a top layer of solid oak veneer, but is crafted from multiple layers of softwood, plywood, or HDF (high-density fibreboard). The multi-layered construction provides several benefits over solid wood, while still giving engineered oak the appearance of solid oak.

Yes, engineered oak flooring is extremely durable and unlike solid oak can resist changes in moisture and humidity. It’s a great choice for areas where solid wood isn’t suitable, such as kitchens and conservatories.

Engineered oak flooring is made by layering multiple pieces of softwood, plywood and HDF (high-density fibreboard) and binding them together with adhesives. This multi-layered piece of wood is then topped with a layer of solid oak veneer.

Engineered oak is much more resilient against humidity and moisture than solid oak. This makes it perfect for areas of the home where temperatures fluctuate, such as kitchens and conservatories. Plus, the strength and stability of this kind of oak flooring mean it’s compatible with underfloor heating, unlike solid wood which is likely to warp.

When it comes to updating your house, there’s no flooring that’s best for everyone. Both solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring boast their own benefits.

Engineered wood is a great choice if your house has higher moisture levels, as its multi-layer construction makes it more resistant to temperature changes. Another benefit is that it can be installed as a floating floor which makes DIY nice and easy.

There are different benefits to choosing solid wood flooring, too. You can read more about these in our solid wood flooring guide .

Yes, engineered oak flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times to lift scratches, stains or damage that’s marked the floor over time. However, this shouldn’t be necessary until 15 - 20 years after installation.

Thicker boards can be sanded down and refinished more times, as the veneer is thicker. You may also notice that they feel more substantial underfoot.

You may, however, wish to choose a slimmer board which can cost less. Also, if you have a low ceiling you may want to maximise your space by reducing the thickness of your floor.

Yes, engineered oak flooring is sturdy enough to withstand fluctuating temperatures, making it suitable to use with underfloor heating, unlike its solid wood counterpart.

The two most common finishes for our engineered oak wood flooring are oiled and lacquered. In an oiled finish, the flooring is brushed with oil which soaks into the wood. The oil intensifies the colour of the wood and the patterns in the oak. It also protects the wood from scratches and scuffs. A lacquered finish is created by applying a natural lacquer to the wood. Rather than penetrating the wood like an oil does, the lacquer sits on the surface, protecting it from splashes and spills and giving it a glossy sheen.

Gently sweep or vacuum your floor once a week to prevent the build-up of dust and dirt. If you need to mop your floor, ensure you use a damp mop rather than one that’s soaking wet. Any other care your engineered oak floor needs will depend on the finish you choose. We recommend re-oiling an oiled oak floor every 1 - 2 years. You may also find you need to sand it down if it starts looking a little worse for wear. However, this is unlikely to be necessary in the first 15 – 20 years after installation. A lacquered oak floor will need sanding and refinishing approximately every 10 – 15 years.

No, engineered oak flooring can’t be fitted in damp or humid environments because it doesn’t provide enough moisture resistance to protect the floor from damage. However, if you’re looking for a floor to install in your bathroom or wet room, our wood effect luxury vinyl tiles are a fantastic alternative.

All of our wood flooring comes with a 25-year guarantee, for your peace of mind. However, you’ll find that our engineered floors can last 30 years or more.

Similarly to solid wood, engineered floors can be refinished to give them a new lease of life. However, the number of times you can do this is limited, as the real wood veneer is not as thick as the planks used for solid wood.

All our engineered oak wood flooring comes with a 25-year guarantee, so you can feel confident your floor is truly built to stand the test of time.

Engineered versions of oak flooring tend to be lower in price than solid oak flooring, simply because they’re constructed from materials which are much cheaper to source than the solid pieces of wood required for oak hardwood flooring.

Yes, our engineered oak flooring range offers three distinct grades, each with their own unique characteristics. Rustic oak displays the natural knots, colour variation, and imperfections of the wood, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic. For those who prefer a more rugged and weathered appearance, we recommend Distressed oak, which boasts significant cracks and marks that enhance its imperfect charm. Finally, our Prime oak is ideal for those who want a cleaner, more modern look with minimal colour variation and no knots.