Engineered Oak Wood Flooring FAQs
What is Engineered Oak Wood Flooring?
Engineered oak wood flooring is made out of the oak wood species and has been purposefully designed and built. It is made up of a solid hardwood top layer of oak and a base of 3-12 layers of plywood. Due to the solid wood veneer, engineered wood flooring is a very convincing replica of solid wood. Whereas the core layers run in different directions to create a stable and sturdy floor that will last many years.
Overall, engineered oak flooring will have the exact same appearance as a solid wood oak floor once laid. However, will be less likely to warp or expand due to temperature or humidity changes. Engineered wood flooring is often less expensive too. Plus, the oak veneer can be sanded and refinished if necessary, giving your floor a new lease of life.
Is Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Popular?
Our range of engineered oak wood flooring has proven very popular with our customers. So whatever style, finish, colour, width, or depth you’re looking for we are confident that you will find the perfect engineered oak wood floor for you and your home.
Is Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Waterproof?
No, engineered oak wood flooring is not waterproof. Although it can withstand small amounts of spillages, it’s best to clean them straightaway or within 2-3 hours of the spillage occurring. Otherwise, the liquids can seep into the cracks causing warping and discoloration. Lacquer finishes can help with this but will not make your engineered wood flooring impermeable. If you are looking for a floor that is 100% waterproof, you should consider a floor from our LVT range.
Is Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Suitable For Kitchens?
Yes. Due to its unique composition, engineered oak wood floors are durable enough to withstand high volumes of activity, as well as high levels of moisture and humidity.
We recommend using a lacquered finish in kitchens, which provides a protective top layer that offers greater protection against spillages. As long as you clean up small spillages as soon as possible, your engineered oak wood floor will look great in your kitchen for years to come.
Is Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Suitable For Bathrooms?
As engineered oak wood flooring isn’t waterproof, we don’t recommend it for use in bathrooms.
If you’re looking for a floor that is suitable for bathrooms, we recommend using Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). Our LVT range offers a wood effect, whilst still being able to withstand higher levels of moisture and humidity.
How Do I Keep My Engineered Oak Wood Flooring In Top Condition?
Engineered oak wood flooring is highly durable and will withstand the pressures of any busy household. That said, there are a few things you can do to keep your flooring in excellent condition and looking as good as when it was first laid:
- A daily sweep or clean with a damp mop.
- Mopping up spillages as soon as possible to avoid staining.
- Reapplying oils regularly, ensuring your floor has maximum protection.
Does Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Need Underlay?
Engineered oak wood flooring does not always require underlay, but it does help. For a professional finish and the best possible results, we always recommend using an underlay.
Underlay helps to provide an even subfloor, giving your flooring more stability. It also helps with the insulation, helping to keep your wood floors (and home) a little warmer.
On top of that, underlay can also help with comfort by adding an extra layer to your flooring making it softer and more comfortable beneath your feet.
Can Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Be Installed Over Ceramic Tile?
Engineered wood can be installed over ceramic tile however, you need to ensure that the tile is in good condition before installing your engineered wood flooring. For a successful installation, the tiles must provide a level surface. Otherwise, you could come across issues such as creaking, hollowness, and uneven planks later down the line.
Does Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Scratch Easily?
Any wood floor can be susceptible to scratches but is durable enough to withstand daily use, even in busy households. However, if you do manage to damage your flooring, don't panic. Our engineered oak wood flooring options feature wear layers between 1.2mm - 6mm of oak veneer which can be sanded down and refinished. Therefore your flooring can look brand new for many years to come. However, please note that a minimum wear layer of 3mm is required for refinishing.
You can also choose from a selection of finishes that will not only add to your floors appearance but also protect them from scratching. Two of the best options are oil and lacquer. The oil soaks into the wood to strengthen it whereas, lacquer is a thicker finish that offers more protection from spillages.
For more information on how to maintain your engineered wood flooring, visit our engineered wood maintenance guide.
Can Engineered Oak Wood Floors Be Sanded and Refinished?
Yes. However, the number of times you can sand and refinish your flooring depends on the thickness of the top layer. For more information on how to refinish your engineered oak wood flooring, visit our maintenance centre.
How Long Does Engineered Oak Wood Flooring Last?
Thanks to the durability and stability of engineered wood floors they can last for decades. If looked after properly, engineered wood floors can last up to 30 years.
How Much Does Engineered Oak Wood Cost?
Although engineered oak wood floors are cheaper than solid wood floors, the prices do vary. The prices of engineered oak wood floors are generally affected by common factors, such as the type of wood species (oak will generally be cheaper than walnut for example), the thickness of the boards, and how thick the wear layer is (the top layer of solid wood).
Does Engineered Oak Wood Need To Acclimate?
Yes. We always recommend acclimatizing your engineered oak wood flooring so that it can adjust to the conditions of your home before it is installed. For the best results, you should let the floor acclimatise for a minimum of 2 days. This will prevent any movement such as expanding or warping after installation.