What is engineered oak flooring?
Engineered oak flooring has a real oak wear layer bonded to a supporting construction. The oak surface provides the grain, knots and colour you see. It is different from a printed wood-effect floor. The products in our current wood flooring range are engineered wood; check each listing for its individual construction and specification.
Choosing well is about more than colour. Board dimensions, grade, finish and fitting system all help determine which floor suits your project.
Plank or herringbone?
Engineered plank flooring creates a straight-board layout. Compare the width and length of the boards as well as their tone: a wide board gives a different rhythm from a narrow one. Engineered herringbone flooring creates an interlocking pattern using shorter blocks. It needs a planned setting-out and the correct fitting method.
Both styles can have a real oak surface. Pattern and construction describe different things, so check both on the product page.
Compare thickness and wear layer separately
Overall board thickness includes the supporting layers and the oak surface. The wear layer measurement describes the oak surface itself. Two floors with the same total thickness can have different wear layers, board widths or fitting systems.
Check the finished floor height against door clearances, adjoining floors and thresholds. Ask your installer to confirm compatibility before ordering. Do not assume that a wear layer measurement guarantees a particular number of sanding treatments.
Choose a finish and grade
Compare oiled and lacquered finishes by appearance, feel and the manufacturer’s care instructions. Brushed, smoked, stained and invisible finishes can change the appearance substantially. A finish name alone does not tell you everything about the colour.
Grade describes the floor’s natural visual character, rather than being a simple good-or-bad ranking. Use our wood flooring grade guide to compare Prime, Character and Rustic descriptions, then follow the specification of your chosen product.
Before you order
- Order a sample and compare it beside your paint, kitchen units and furniture.
- Check the board dimensions, wear layer, fitting system and pack coverage.
- Confirm the subfloor, adhesive or underlay requirements with your installer.
- Read the product’s underfloor-heating instructions if relevant. Suitability is product-specific.
- Compare the full delivered price, including any accessories and waste allowance.
Our fitting guides are a starting point; the instructions supplied with the floor take priority. Explore free hand samples and whole board samples before making your final choice.