The desired look at an affordable price with Florence engineered
18th August 2009
UK Flooring Direct offers Engineered Oak Nature Flooring 3 Strip from Florence, which can be used in a variety of rooms around the house. Engineered flooring is not recommended for areas that will be exposed to high volumes of water - such as the bathroom - but it can be installed in the kitchen as well as the basement.
The Florence product comprises boards of 207mm in width, with each divided into three slats. This gives a similar impression to bricks in a wall, with the pattern flowing in the same direction - giving smaller rooms an illusion of space. A satin lacquer finish is factory-applied and leaves the engineered flooring with a sheen that gently reflects light, as well as making it easier to clean and maintain.
An attractive pattern is also achieved through the nature grade, with the rings of the wood showing the annual growth of the tree and both small and medium-sized knots included. All four sides of the boards have square edges, giving a uniform flush finish. It is available from £12.90 per square metre, with those ordering less than 30 square metres paying £14.11.
Another advantage engineered flooring holds over solid wood is its ease of installation, as laying the former can be much more straightforward. Suitable for most subfloors and for laying over under-floor heating, the Florence Engineered Oak Nature 3 Strip can be installed as a floating floor due to its click system. No prior experience is needed, making this one of the most DIY-friendly options for homeowners. A 10mm gap should be left around the perimeter to allow for expansion, but a number of choices are available to cover this, including new skirting boards.
Maintenance is also relatively easy, although it is advisable to begin properly caring for the flooring immediately following installation. This is because the soap recommended for the lacquered surface actually coats it over time, making it more resistant to dirt and increasingly easier to clean.
A maintenance kit is available for purchase alongside Florence Engineered Oak Nature 3 Strip, as are a range of flooring accessories designed to enhance the look of the room and assist with installation. In addition to skirting boards, various types of underlay are offered. Barrier Plus underlay is advisable if installing over a concrete subfloor, as it has a damp-proof membrane built in. This is not necessary for a wooden subfloor, making standard Barrier underlay a suitable choice.
