Tag Archives: underfloor heating and wood flooring

We often get asked the same questions about wood flooring over and over again.  Here are the top 10 questions and answers that we get asked about wood flooring?

1. Can I use underfloor heating with my wooden floor?

You can only use underfloor heating if you have engineered wooden flooring. It has been designed and produced to withstand the constant changes in temperature from underneath. Solid wood flooring is not compatible with underfloor heating.

2. What is the difference between solid wood and engineered wood flooring?

Solid wood flooring is a plank of flooring that has been made out of a single piece of wood.  Engineered wood flooring has a solid wood surface layer but has multiple base layers (usually plywood) to give it additional strength and stability.  To find our more in-depth information, have a look at Should I choose solid or engineered hardwood?

3. Can I have a wooden floor in my kitchen?

You can have a wooden floor in your kitchen.  We would advise that you use engineered hardwood. You should make sure that your hardwood floor is not fitted underneath your kitchen cabinets.  Also, be careful to wipe away any water spills immediately.

4. Can I have a wooden floor in my conservatory?

Yes, you can use engineered hardwood flooring in a conservatory.  It has been designed to cope with constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity.  We would not recommend using solid wood flooring in a conservatory.

5. Can I have a wooden floor in my bathroom?

No, we would advise that you avoid having a wooden floor in your bathroom. A great alternative is a Luxury Vinyl Tile floor.  They are perfect for a bathroom as they are waterproof and durable.

6. What is unfinished flooring?

You can find wooden flooring either pre-finished or unfinished.  An unfinished floor is the raw wood.  You will need to protect your unfinished floor from wear and tear once it has been installed.  You should add protective layers of wood flooring oil before you walk on it.  With an unfinished floor, you have the benefit of being able to add colour stains and the surface finish of your preference to create a unique floor.  The alternative is a prefinished floor.  The planks of flooring have already been protected, so it is ready to use as soon as you install it.

7. How do I measure my room?

If you want to measure your room for wooden flooring, you will need to do the following:

• Measure the width of your room
• Measure the length of your room
• Multiply the two measurements together
• This will give you the amount of flooring your will need in square meters
• We advise that you always add on 5% for wastage

If you room is not a standard shape, or you have multiple rooms, we can work out the amount of flooring for you. Simply contact us.

8. How do I install a wooden floor?

How you choose to install your wooden floor depends upon the following:

• What type of subfloor you have
• Whether you have chosen engineered or solid wood flooring
• Whether you have click fitting or tongue and groove flooring

The two main fitting options are floating the floor over an underlay or fixing it down to the subfloor.  For further information have a look at our Installation and Fitting Guide.

9. What is acclimatisation?

Acclimatising your hardwood floor is an important part of the installation procedure.  You need to allow you floor to acclimatise to its surroundings before it is fitted.  You should leave the flooring in the packaging and leave it in the room where it is going to be installed. Solid wood flooring needs to be left for at least 7 days.  Engineered wood flooring needs to be left for at least 72 hours.

For more information, have a look at Do I need to let my hardwood floor acclimatise?

10. How do I look after my wooden floor?

Wooden floors are extremely easy to look after.  You should sweep them every day to remove dirt and dust.  Then you should clean them with a wood floor cleaning spray and microfibre mop.  This will help to remove and dirt or stains from the surface of your floor.  For more cleaning tips, have a look at our Guide to cleaning your hardwood floor.

If you still want to know more about wood flooring, then look at our FAQ page, or browse our other blog articles.  Alternatively, give us a call and we will answer any questions that you have about wood flooring.

Engineered Rustic Oak Flooring

If you choose engineered wood flooring you will be getting very versatile and stable product.  The beauty of engineered hardwood is that you are still getting a natural floor covering, at a more reasonable price, and it is stronger and more adaptable than solid wood flooring.   There can be mixed views of engineered wood flooring.  Some people love the versatility and usability of it, and others are afraid as they think it is not completely a natural product.  It is, of course, still a natural product and has a top layer of real wood so once installed looks and feels exactly the same as solid wood flooring.

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