What is solid wood flooring?

What is the difference between solid wood and engineered wood flooring?

The main difference between solid wood and engineered wood flooring is their construction. Solid wood flooring is manufactured from a single piece of natural timber, while engineered wood flooring consists of a solid hardwood surface layer, known as the lamella, bonded to one or more supporting layers of timber. Both options provide the natural beauty, grain and character of real wood, but their construction offers different benefits. Engineered wood flooring provides greater dimensional stability, making it less susceptible to expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature and humidity. Solid wood flooring offers a traditional construction that can be sanded and refinished more times than an engineered wood floor. 

Can solid wood flooring be used over underfloor heating?

Solid wood flooring is generally not recommended for installation over underfloor heating systems. As solid wood flooring is manufactured from a single piece of natural timber, it is more susceptible to expansion and contraction. The fluctuations in temperature associated with underfloor heating can cause excessive movement in solid timber boards, potentially resulting in gaps, warping or other changes to the flooring. For projects incorporating underfloor heating, engineered wood flooring is generally a more suitable choice. Explore our range of engineered wood flooring. 

Is solid wood flooring available in different patterns?

Our solid wood flooring is available in both traditional plank and herringbone formats. Solid plank flooring creates a classic appearance, while solid wood herringbone flooring features a distinctive geometric pattern that brings texture and visual interest to a space. Both formats offer the warmth, character and natural beauty of real wood, making them suitable for a wide range of interior styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Does solid wood flooring come pre-finished or unfinished?

Solid wood flooring is available in both pre-finished and unfinished options, allowing you to choose the most suitable finish for your project. Pre-finished solid wood flooring is treated with an oil or lacquer during manufacturing, providing a protective surface that is ready for use once the flooring has been installed. Unfinished solid wood flooring is supplied without a protective surface treatment, allowing it to be sanded and finished on site after installation. This provides greater flexibility to achieve a specific colour, sheen or surface appearance, making it particularly suitable for projects requiring a bespoke finish.

Can solid wood flooring be sanded and refinished?

One of the key benefits of solid wood flooring is its ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan. As each plank or block is manufactured from a single piece of natural timber, the surface can be sanded to remove signs of everyday wear, including scratches, marks and surface imperfections. Once sanded, solid wood flooring can be refinished with an appropriate oil or lacquer to restore its appearance or achieve a different colour or finish. The number of times a solid wood floor can be sanded and refinished depends on the thickness of the timber above the tongue and groove, its condition and the amount of material removed during each sanding. With appropriate care and maintenance, solid wood flooring can provide a beautiful and durable surface for many decades.

Where is Havwoods' solid wood flooring manufactured?

All our solid wood flooring is manufactured in Europe, where carefully selected natural timber is milled into individual planks and blocks. The manufacturing process typically involves live sawing the timber to reveal a variety of natural grain patterns and characteristics, before each piece is planed, profiled and sanded.