a. Choosing Your Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is solid for DIYers with some skill, but let’s be real – it’s probably smarter to save yourself the stress and ask an expert. Plus, if you go with a pro, they’ve got guarantees to back up our product warranty. Win-win!

• i. Browse your options: Take a scroll through our selection and pick your favourites – there’s something to suit every home aesthetic.
• ii. Did someone say, FREE samples? Yep! You can bag up to 3 samples (there’ll be on their way the next working day). Keep in mind, they’re only to give you an idea of colour in the beginning stages and might not give you the full “wow” factor that the final product will.
• iii. Visit one of our trusted retailers: Go big or go home – check out larger samples to get the full effect. Ask about stock availability and if they do installations too. You can find your closest one using our store locator on here.
• iv. Book a site survey: Let’s make sure your subfloor is ready. A pro can check the level and dampness as well as give you a full quote (materials included). We’re looking for flat, level & dry – so there’s no surprises.
• v. Order your new flooring: Once you’re happy with your quote, go ahead and get your floor – but don’t forget to account for a little wastage (10-20% is a good buffer). Retailers might offer a “supply and install” deal, or a “supply-only” one – but that won’t come with a warranty.
• vi. Your pre-installation checklist:
  • Site survey done and dusted.
  • Dry, warm, weather-tight site conditions.
  • Everything has been delivered to you or your fitter.
  • The flooring has had its 48-hour rest and acclimatised (laid flat, sealed in its box).
  • Cleaning products? Check.
• vii. The installation:
• There are two main ways to do it:
  • Stick: You glue it to the subfloor – simple and strong.
  • Float: Flooring just clicks together using D3-rated PVA glue and rests on underlay. No gluing to the subfloor needed.

Note: If you’re doing herringbone or chevron patterns, they must be stuck to a level subfloor. Floating is only an option for straight plank.

• viii. Post-installation: Let your floor chill for 24 hours before you start showing it off. Pro tip: If you’re having other work done, install the flooring later in your project to avoid damage from other trades. If needed, cover it with breathable material (but not for too long). And if you’ve got underfloor heating, make sure it’s turned off while the floor’s settling in.
• ix. Enjoy: Ta-da! Your floor is ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

a. Wood Flooring 101

Our engineered wood comes from sustainably managed European forests, and Oak is the hero material (it’s tough!). The back layer uses faster-growing woods to keep it eco-friendly. But, since Oak is a natural material, it’s a bit sensitive to moisture and temperature swings – so treat it well!

• i. Durability: Our Oak flooring is tough (meets the Janka hardness standards), but it’s not invincible. Dropped stuff can leave a mark.
• ii. Wear: Floors wear differently depending on how much foot traffic they see. And if you’ve sealed your floor with oil or lacquer? That’ll impact upkeep.
• iii. Cleaning:
  • Weekly vacuuming with the right brush attachment will keep it looking fresh.
  • Steer clear of steam mops, excessive water, and harsh chemicals.
  • For a deeper clean, use a wood floor cleaner (we recommend ‘Woods Good Floor Cleaner – Powered by Rubio Monocoat’).
• iv. Maintenance:
  • Lacquered floors: These need minimal TLC. Just clean regularly – re-coating is usually not needed.
  • Oiled floors: Oils wear off over time. Re-oiling can bring it back to life (no sanding needed!).
  • High-traffic spots: Extra protection can help, and using Rubio Monocoat for touch-ups works wonders.
  • Minor dents or scratches: Don’t worry, you can fix those with a repair kit or maintenance oils.

a. UFH Compatibility

Wood is a bit picky about temperature and moisture, but good news – UFH and wood floors can get along if you do it right. Just keep the moisture content between 8-10%.

• Pre-installation: Test your UFH for two weeks before the flooring shows up.
• Installation:
  • Turn off the UFH while your flooring acclimates – or keep it on the lowest setting if it’s your only heat source.
  • Leave a gap between the heat source and the flooring (screed or ply board can help here).
  • Stick-down method is preferred for stronger bonding.
• Post-installation: Wait 24 hours before firing up the UFH. Gradually increase the temperature – no more than 2°C a day – up to 27°C.
• Monitoring: Use dual thermostats and Fidbox sensors under the flooring. And no rugs – they’ll trap heat and mess with your floor.

a. Flooring Use

Engineered wood floors are versatile, but skip installing them in super wet areas like bathrooms or wet rooms (unless you follow specialised care instructions).

• Ideal conditions: Keep it between 18-24°C with a relative humidity of 45-65% for top performance.
• Kitchen installations: Lacquered finishes are a better fit for kitchens due to the potential for spills. If you’re going for oiled floors, slap on a clear oil coat post-installation for extra protection. Also, it’s better to install kitchen units first and cut the flooring to fit. If you’re doing the flooring first, make sure to stick it down!

a. Transition Bars and Trims

These little finishing touches let your floor do its thing without issues. The main players include:

• T/Bar: For transitions between rooms with the same floor height.
• Wood 2 Carpet (Semi Ramp): Connects wood floors to carpet or other materials.
• Ramp: Use this for thin materials like sheet vinyl.
• Square Edge (L-Section): Clean finish for areas like bifold doors & matwells.

b. Stair Nosing’s

Give your stairs some style and safety with a stair nosing – make sure it’s fully adhered for best results.

c. Skirting, Beading, and Pipe Covers

Skirting or beading covers the expansion gap around the edges of your room. Standard areas need 12-15mm, while larger spaces should leave up to 20mm. For radiator pipes, use specialised pipe covers for a neat finish.

Final thoughts: This guide is just the start. Always do your homework and reach out to the pros if you’re feeling unsure about anything. For the full scoop, check out our website.Thanks for reading – happy flooring!