Start with the board dimensions
When comparing engineered plank flooring, read the thickness, width and length together. Wider boards give a different visual rhythm from narrower planks, while the listed lengths help you understand the proportions. Check whether lengths are fixed or varied on the individual listing.
Measure the room and discuss the laying direction with your fitter. The size of the room, incoming light, doorways and adjoining spaces all affect how a layout feels. There is no single plank width that is right for every home.
Compare colour, finish and grade
Look at the colour alongside your furniture, walls and kitchen units. A floor photograph is a useful guide, but screens and room lighting change how colours appear. Natural oak also varies from board to board.
Check whether your chosen product is oiled or lacquered and follow its care instructions. Grade describes the level of natural character: Prime, Character and Rustic oak can all offer different appearances. Do not choose by the grade name alone; read the product-specific description.
Check the construction and fitting system
Overall thickness and wear layer are separate measurements. Compare both, together with the fitting system. A tongue-and-groove board and a click board can have different installation requirements even when they look similar.
Confirm whether your particular floor should be bonded or can be installed using a suitable underlay. Do not add adhesive or underlay simply because it was used with another floor. Use the product instructions, your installer’s advice and our fitting guides to plan the correct approach.
Calculate boxes and the delivered cost
Our plank-floor calculator offers a 10% allowance for cuts and waste and rounds up to whole boxes. Your fitter should confirm the final quantity, particularly for awkward room shapes, multiple rooms or a specific laying direction.
Compare the square-metre price, pack coverage and total box cost. Include any accessories and delivery in your budget. Flooring delivery is free on orders over 30m²; check the delivery information and the basket for the charges that apply to your order.
See a sample at home
Click Order a free sample on a plank floor to choose a free hand sample or a whole plank for £20 including VAT, both with free sample delivery. A hand sample helps you compare tone and surface finish. A whole plank gives you more of the board to inspect.
You can order up to two samples of the same floor across both options, with up to six free hand samples overall. Read our sample guide before choosing, then compare the current floors and VAT-inclusive prices online.