Engineered flooring comprises several layers of wood stuck together under extremely high pressures.

This method of construction helps in creating wooden flooring, which boasts higher strength and durability compared to a wooden floor of solid material.

Most solid floorings have a tendency to shrink as well as expand. This happens because of room humidity changes, changing room temperature as well as moisture in the sub-floor, because of the unique construction method engineered flooring isn't prone to these problems.

This flooring comprises three different layers - bottom layer, middle core and top layer. The mid core is made from plywood, softwood or even HDF layers and the top layer is hardwood. Its thickness ranges between 0.7 mm to around 6 mm.

Engineered flooring has several advantages, the biggest being easy installation. Using the floating floor method easy click installation is possible with these products, which is probably the fastest and easiest option.

Alternatively tongue and grooves can be stuck together which is an advantage when you are installing your floor on a concrete subfloor. Even floors of thicknesses having 22 mm can provide proper structure and these are nailed into the battens or joists.

Construction of Engineered Flooring

The top layer has a finish of matt lacquer, satin lacquer, oiled, brushed & lacquered, brushed & oiled or age distressed and your choice with these will come down to personal preference. Six coats of this finish can be easily provided.

The layer of hardwood varies in thickness from 0.7 mm to around 6 mm and the middle core area is designed to help the flooring retain its shape and stability.

A variety of materials such as hardwood, softwood or HDF can be used for the mid core section. There is an additional layer of stabilizing agents provided, of 1 mm thickness. This provides stability and prevents flooring movement because of changes in temperature or humidity.

Engineered Flooring Looks As Good As Solid Wood

Because the top layer of this type of flooring is similar to solid wood floors there are no compromises in terms of style because the finish is the same.

Engineered flooring is designed to resemble hardwood so you will also find the same great selection of species, shades and colours as you would with solid wood.

How Thick is the Veneer of Hardwood?

The hardwood veneer is the topmost layer of engineered flooring. It ranges in thickness between 0.6 mm to around 6 mm.

This particular part of the floor offers high durability, just like any solid wooden flooring, and the other layers mean that it is even stronger. The wear layer has thicknesses around 4-8 mm located above the groove and tongue.

Is Refinishing Possible?

Most hardwood layers are not refinished, however, this does not mean that it can't be done. The possibility of refinishing depends on the hardwood thickness.

Using high quality techniques all damaged regions are eliminated professionally. As much as 0.5 mm thickness can be removed with sanding. However, the upper wear layer should never reduce more than 0.5 mm as you risk damaging your floor.

Can It Be Placed Above Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor heating can restrict the type of flooring that you choose because many products should not be installed with it.

However with engineered flooring it is possible to have underfloor heating as long as certain guidelines are followed.

Proper heat distribution layers are required so that the temperature is even across the floor and the surface temperature should not rise above 27 degrees celsius.

The entire floor needs to be heated and your floor construction should include a vapour barrier close to the wood. There must not be any gaps between the underlying surface and the wood but if you are unsure about anything concerning engineered flooring and underfloor heating then please check our advice centre at the top of the page.

What Different Types Of Species Of Engineered Wood Flooring Are Stocked?

We have a very wide range of different species of wood along with a variety of types in stock.

These including very popular Oak, Ash, Beech, Walnut and Pine      as well as a warm shade of Cherry, light coloured Maple and a beautiful Merbau with hints of gold . It is easy to choose from the species you want by using the filter tabs on our product pages.

Do I Need Flooring Underlay With An Engineered Wood Floor?

This all depends on the type of sub-floor that you are going to use.

Some form of underlay must always be used on an engineered click system product, it supports the joints and prolongs the life of your flooring.

Underlay should also be used if you choose to ‘float’ a tongue and grooved engineered floor by glueing the joints, if you are fully glueing down then no underlay should be used.

If you are pinning the floor with nails or screws then underlay can be if you want to, for instance if you want Sound Insulation in the room, or the Levelling Properties, which underlay can provide as well as the Damp Proof membrane (required for a concrete sub-floor) .

If you do chose to use underlay then be aware that you will need underlay designed for Use with underfloor Heating

  Engineered Wood Flooring Advice Centre

We have huge amount of information that should help you with every step of the way from helping with the decision, installation tips and guides to maintenance & care info in this advice centre.

We understand that your flooring is an investment so this guide is designed to help you protect that investment and ensure it remains a great value product for many years.