ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING FITTERS IN REDDITCH AND WARWICKSHIRE

Engineered wood is a real wood floor. The top layer is solid timber, usually oak, bonded to a core of plywood or softwood layers laid in different directions. That core stops the board moving much with heat and damp, which is why engineered wood suits modern homes, extensions and rooms with underfloor heating. Solid wood is one piece of timber all the way through. It is lovely, but it moves more and needs more care.

There are three ways to fit it, and I pick the one that suits your floor. Click boards lock together and float on an underlay. Floating tongue and groove boards are glued at the joints and also sit on an underlay. Glue-down fixes every board to the subfloor, which feels the most solid underfoot and is the best choice over underfloor heating. The subfloor has to be flat, dry and sound first, so I check it at the survey.

Before fitting, the boards sit in the room for a few days to acclimatise, so they get used to the temperature and moisture. Most boards come pre-finished, either oiled for a natural, matt look that is easy to spot repair, or lacquered for a tougher surface that needs less upkeep. I will bring samples of both so you can see them in your own light.