Flooring FAQs

Can engineered flooring be sanded and refinished?

Yes, engineered flooring can usually be sanded and refinished, provided the wear layer is thick enough. Most engineered boards include a hardwood wear layer between 3mm and 6mm. This allows the floor to be lightly sanded and re-oiled or refinished at least once, sometimes more, depending on the board and how it has been maintained.

Can flooring oils be repaired or reapplied?

One of the main advantages of hardwax oils is that they are easy to maintain. Small scratches or worn areas can be lightly sanded and re-oiled without needing to refinish the entire floor. This makes them a practical long-term choice compared to lacquered finishes, which often require full sanding and reapplication.

Can engineered flooring be installed over concrete?

Yes. Engineered flooring is frequently installed over concrete subfloors, typically by bonding the boards directly to a prepared screed or by floating them over a suitable underlay. Ensuring the subfloor is dry, level, and protected with an appropriate damp-proof membrane is essential for long-term performance.

Can I change the finish?

Yes. Treatex offers a range of tinted oils to be used on oak flooring once it has been laid. These wax oils allow you to change the tone of the wood without ‘painting’ over the timber. When applied, the oil is worked into the timber, generally bringing out the grain detail and enhancing the overall look of the oak. Once the chosen finish has been applied and allowed to dry, a coat of clear (matt or satin) should be applied. In addition to the above, if your floor is scratched or scuffed during its lifetime, Treatex can be used after sanding to help touch up the area in question, unlike lacquer which involves sanding the entire floor to re-apply. For more information on what finishes are available see our blog guide on Treatex colour tones.

Can I order a sample before committing?

Yes, and we’d always recommend it. Seeing the product in your own setting helps you assess colour, texture, and finish before making a final decision.

Can I use your timber flooring with underfloor heating?

Engineered oak and walnut boards are suitable for most warm-water underfloor heating systems, thanks to their stable multi-ply construction. Solid oak is generally not recommended for UFH, as it responds more noticeably to temperature changes. Your installer should always follow the heating manufacturer’s commissioning guidelines and maximum surface temperature limits.

Can solid oak flooring be installed over concrete?

Yes, solid oak flooring can be installed over concrete or screed subfloors, typically by bonding the boards with a suitable adhesive. The surface must be dry, level, and properly prepared before installation, and a damp-proof membrane may be required depending on site conditions.

Can solid oak flooring be used with underfloor heating?

Solid oak flooring is generally not recommended for use with underfloor heating. Because the boards are made from a single piece of timber, they respond more noticeably to temperature changes. This movement can lead to gaps or distortion over time. In homes with underfloor heating, engineered flooring is usually the more stable choice.

Can your floors be sanded and refinished?

Solid oak can be sanded back and refinished multiple times over its life, which is part of its long-term appeal. Engineered boards can also be refinished, provided the wear layer is sufficient, though the number of times will depend on thickness and previous treatments. This makes both options viable for long-term projects.

Do I need to oil pre-finished flooring?

Yes, applying a coat of hardwax oil is still recommended, even on pre-finished boards. This adds an extra layer of protection against wear and moisture regression, helping to extend the life of the floor. It also makes ongoing maintenance and spot repairs much easier over time.

Do I need underlay for engineered wood flooring?

Underlay is typically used when engineered flooring is floated over a subfloor. It helps with sound reduction, comfort, and minor subfloor imperfections. If you are bonding boards directly to a screed using adhesive, underlay is not required. For installations over underfloor heating, specialist low tog underlays are essential for efficient heat transfer.

Do solid oak boards move or crack?

All solid timber moves slightly as temperature and humidity change. Small gaps, surface cracks, or seasonal movement are a natural characteristic of solid oak. These changes do not affect the strength of the floor and are generally considered part of the material’s natural character.

Do the boards need to acclimatise before fitting?

Solid oak should be acclimatised in the room for at least two weeks, with the heating and humidity at normal living levels. Engineered boards are more stable and typically require a shorter period, often 48–72 hours, once the subfloor has been checked and confirmed dry. Correct preparation at this stage prevents unnecessary movement later.

Does engineered flooring expand or move?

All timber floors respond slightly to changes in temperature and humidity. However, the layered construction of engineered boards significantly reduces expansion and contraction compared with solid timber. This improved stability is one of the main reasons engineered flooring is often chosen for modern homes.

How do I clean and maintain a timber floor?

Regular hoovering or sweeping removes grit that can mark the surface. For routine cleaning, use a damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for timber floors. Avoid excess water and never use steam mops. Oiled floors may benefit from a maintenance coat every few years, depending on wear, while lacquered surfaces require less frequent attention.

How long does engineered flooring last?

With proper installation and care, engineered flooring can last for several decades. Longevity depends on the thickness of the wear layer, the finish applied, and how the floor is maintained. High-quality boards with thicker wear layers provide the greatest potential lifespan.

How long does solid oak flooring last?

With proper installation and maintenance, solid oak flooring can last for many decades. It is not unusual for solid timber floors to remain in use for generations. Periodic sanding and refinishing help maintain the appearance while extending the lifespan of the boards.

How many times can solid oak floors be sanded?

Solid oak flooring can be sanded and refinished many times during its life. Because the boards are typically around 21–22mm thick, the surface can be restored repeatedly as wear occurs. This ability to refinish the floor is one of the main reasons solid oak is valued for long-term use.

How much extra flooring should I allow for wastage?

As a rule, allowing around 10% above your measured floor area covers offcuts, pattern alignment, and boards set aside during fitting. More complex layouts, such as herringbone, may require slightly more. Our team can help you calculate quantities accurately before you order.

Is engineered flooring suitable for underfloor heating?

Engineered flooring is widely considered one of the best timber flooring options for use with underfloor heating. The cross-laminated multi-ply core helps control movement caused by temperature changes, making the boards more stable than solid timber in these conditions.

Solid or Engineered?

Many customers have had solid Oak previously or know someone who has, and so like to stick with what they know and feel comfortable with. As such solid wood is usually the default choice when looking for flooring, as engineered flooring can be misunderstood and presumed to be inferior. This, however, couldn’t be more wrong. Engineered Oak flooring offers dimensional stability to a hygroscopic timber. This added benefit means Oak flooring can be considered for use in kitchens and bathrooms where solid boards wouldn’t be the best choice due to the possibility of moisture. Once laid, engineered Oak flooring is almost indeterminable from solid, as the Oak veneer wear layer offers the same beautiful overall look as a solid board. An engineered board also boasts the fact that it is designed for use with underfloor heating. The cross bonded multiply backing allows heat to penetrate effectively while maintaining a consistent and stable floor.

What flooring accessories do I need for installation?

Most installations will require a combination of adhesives or floor glue, underlay (if floating), and suitable primers or levelling compounds, depending on the subfloor. Finishing products such as hardwax oils are also recommended to protect the surface once laid. The exact combination will depend on your flooring type, subfloor condition, and chosen fitting method.

What is the best adhesive for wood flooring?

The right adhesive depends on the installation method and subfloor. For bonding directly to screed or concrete, flexible adhesives such as Lecol or Wakol products are commonly used. For floating floors, a PVA glue applied to the tongue and groove provides stability. Always ensure the subfloor is dry and properly prepared before applying any adhesive.

What subfloors can timber flooring be installed over?

Timber flooring can be installed over properly prepared screed, existing timber substrates, or suitable sheet materials. The key considerations are moisture content, flatness and the chosen fitting method – whether floating over underlay, bonding with adhesive, or secret nailing. Managing moisture with an appropriate damp-proof membrane is essential to long-term stability.