Oak is a popular choice for wood flooring because it's durable, attractive, and available in a variety of shades. Engineered oak flooring is less expensive than solid hardwood flooring and it's also less likely to split or bend due to its multilayer construction. The core layer of this type of flooring consists of hard density fibreboard, and this is then topped with a layer of solid oak that's coated with a protective oil or lacquer to prevent chips and deep scratches.

Engineered oak flooring is not designed to get soaking wet and should be cleaned with a soft mop or cloth and wood floor cleaner that's suitable for use on real wood floors. The floor will need to be coated with wood oil at least every couple of years to preserve the natural colour of the oak and highlight the grain. Otherwise, this type of flooring is easy to care for and can be purchased in a variety of plank widths to suit the style of the room. Here are a few benefits of engineered oak flooring:

Easy To Install

Wood flooring can be time-consuming to install, but engineered oak flooring is available with tongue in groove or click fitting edges, which make it as quick and easy to install as laminate flooring. Planks will still need to be cut and trimmed to fit around fixtures, but engineered flooring is easier to cut than solid wood.

Ideal For Busy Areas

As engineered oak flooring is designed to be robust, it's ideal for use in high traffic areas, such as hallways, and it can withstand the challenges presented by young children and pets. The oak top layer won't fade or damage easily and it's constructed to be able to be used in areas of high humidity, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Simple To Repair

If a section of solid wood flooring suffers a deep scratch or stain, it can be difficult to remove and replace the affected planks, and great care has to be taken not to split the surrounding planks. However, the design of engineered oak flooring means it can easily be repaired by loosening each damaged plank and slotting new planks in to the existing floor without the need for any special tools.

Compatible With Underfloor Heating

Engineered oak flooring is a better option than laminate if underfloor heating is in use. Laminate can warp when used alongside underfloor heating, and this can lead to the entire floor having to be replaced. However, engineered flooring retains its shape and strength thanks to the top layer of solid wood.

If you're considering opting for engineered oak flooring, consult with an experienced flooring specialist. They can make recommendations on plank size, thickness, and colour and you can view samples to ensure you're making the right choice for the room that's to be floored.