Engineered Oak
Real oak on a stable engineered core, in herringbone, chevron, plank and Versailles. Over 100 floors from £16 per m², with free samples and next-day delivery.
What is engineered oak flooring?
An engineered oak board has a solid oak wear layer bonded to a multi-ply core. The surface is genuine oak, so it looks and wears exactly like a solid floor, but the core underneath is far more stable. Where a solid oak board expands and contracts with every change in humidity, an engineered one barely moves.
That stability is why engineered oak is the usual choice for kitchens, and the only sensible choice over underfloor heating. It also allows much wider boards than solid oak, which is why plank widths in this range run from 70mm to 600mm.
Choosing a wear layer
The wear layer is the depth of real oak above the core, and it decides how long the floor lasts. It is quoted as two numbers, so 14/3mm means a 14mm board with a 3mm oak surface.
| Wear layer | Best suited to |
|---|---|
| 2.5mm | Bedrooms and lighter-use rooms |
| 3mm | The usual choice for most homes |
| 4mm to 6mm | Hallways, kitchens and heavy traffic |
A thicker wear layer can be sanded and refinished more times, which matters if you expect the floor to outlast a couple of decorating cycles.
Engineered oak patterns
Herringbone
Short blocks laid at right angles into the classic zigzag. Our most popular pattern by some distance, and the one that transforms a plain room. Herringbone produces more offcuts than plank, so allow 15 percent for waste rather than the usual 10.
Chevron
Similar to herringbone, but the blocks are cut at an angle so they meet in a continuous point. Sharper and more contemporary, and it draws the eye down the length of a room.
Straight plank
The traditional layout, and the most forgiving to fit. Wide planks suit larger rooms and show more of the grain; narrower boards work better in smaller spaces.
Versailles panels
Large square panels with an interwoven pattern inside each one. Distinctive, and best in a room with the floor area to carry it.
Finishes
The finish changes the look as much as the colour does.
- Lacquered gives a harder, more sealed surface that shrugs off spills. Easy to live with, and the practical choice for busy homes
- Oiled soaks into the timber rather than sitting on top, leaving a softer, more natural look. Needs re-oiling occasionally, but scratches can be spot-repaired without redoing the whole floor
- Brushed is a texture rather than a finish. The softer grain is worked out to leave a subtle relief you can feel underfoot
- Unfinished boards are supplied raw, for finishing on site once laid
Colour matters as much as finish. Browse flooring by colour to compare natural, grey, brown, golden, smoked and darker tones side by side.
Underfloor heating
Most engineered oak in this range is suitable for underfloor heating, and each product page states it clearly in the specification. Solid oak generally is not, which is the main reason engineered has become the default for new builds and extensions.
How much engineered oak will you need?
Flooring is supplied in packs, and each range covers a different area. The flooring calculator on every product page works out how many packs your room takes, including the allowance for cuts.
Order the full quantity in one go. Wood is a natural material and shade varies slightly between production batches, so topping up later is the most common cause of a visible mismatch.
You will also need underlay, beading for the perimeter and threshold profiles for each doorway.
Fitting engineered oak
Click-system boards are designed for competent DIY fitting. Tongue and groove, and patterned floors such as herringbone, are usually bonded down and better suited to an experienced fitter. Our fitting guides cover acclimatisation, subfloor preparation and expansion gaps.
Engineered oak flooring: frequently asked questions
Is engineered oak real wood?
Yes. The surface is solid oak. Only the core beneath it is engineered, which is what makes the board stable.
Is engineered oak better than solid oak?
For most modern homes, yes. It is far more stable, works over underfloor heating, and allows wider boards. Solid oak still has its place where a very traditional floor is wanted and there is no heating beneath it.
Can engineered oak be sanded?
Yes, and how many times depends on the wear layer. A 3mm surface allows several sandings across the life of the floor.
Which wear layer should I choose?
3mm suits most homes. Go thicker for hallways, kitchens and anywhere with heavy traffic.
Can I lay engineered oak over underfloor heating?
Most of our range is suitable. Check the specification on the product page and follow the manufacturer's temperature limit.
How long does delivery take?
Next-day on orders placed before 12pm, and free on orders over £500.
What other flooring types do you sell?
Alongside engineered oak we stock solid oak, SPC and LVT vinyl and laminate. Compare them on our flooring by type page.
See it in your own light first
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