ASK HAVWOODS | ADVICE FROM OUR WOOD EXPERTS
Q: What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring offers a number of benefits, including greater stability, compatibility with underfloor heating, increased design flexibility and a wide choice of colours, finishes and formats. It combines these practical advantages with the natural beauty of real timber, using a genuine wood surface layer over multiple supporting layers to create a floor that responds more effectively to changes in temperature and humidity than traditional solid wood flooring.
Is engineered wood flooring more stable than solid wood?
Engineered wood flooring is constructed from multiple layers, which provides greater dimensional stability than solid timber. While all real wood naturally responds to changes in temperature and humidity, engineered boards are less susceptible to expansion, contraction, warping and gapping than solid wood flooring.
Can engineered wood flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Many engineered wood floors are suitable for use with underfloor heating. Their layered construction provides greater stability as temperatures change, making engineered wood a more suitable choice than most solid timber flooring for these systems. Always check the specification of your chosen flooring and speak with a timber flooring expert before installation.
Does engineered wood flooring look and feel like real wood?
Engineered wood flooring has a genuine timber surface, so the grain, knots, colour and natural variation you see and feel are real wood. It is available in a wide range of species, colours, finishes, plank widths and patterns, from classic planks to herringbone, chevron and iconic designs like Versailles panels.
Is engineered wood flooring easy to install?
Engineered wood flooring offers a range of installation options depending on the product, subfloor and project requirements. Many boards are also supplied pre-finished, reducing the work required on site and ensuring the colour and finish can be selected before installation begins.
Many engineered wood flooring products, including the majority of our product colletions, are supplied finished and ready to install, helping to reduce the work required on site. Depending on the chosen product and subfloor, engineered wood flooring can be installed using a range of methods, including fully bonded and floating installations, with products also available with click or glueless fitting systems.
Is engineered wood flooring a good long-term choice?
A high-quality engineered wood floor can provide a durable surface for many years when correctly specified, installed and maintained. Depending on the construction and thickness of the real wood wear layer, some engineered floors can also be sanded and refinished during their lifetime.
Does engineered wood flooring offer more design options than solid wood?
Anthony Scott, our Global Product and Innovation Director provides his expert advice:
“One of the key benefits of engineered flooring is the variety of design, finish and texture possibilities. Engineered wood can create much wider and longer boards than would typically be possible with solid timber, which is usually limited by the size of the tree. It is also particularly well-suited to patterned designs such as chevron and herringbone, where consistency and precision are essential, and engineered boards come with a wider choice of finishes such as UV-oiled, lacquered and brushed surfaces. Havwoods’ Venture Plank collection is a perfect example of this move towards larger-format flooring, offering generously sized engineered oak boards that are suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. Finishes including Como, Garda and Maggiore from the Collezione Lago range provide a variety of colour tones, from cooler contemporary shades to warmer natural oak finishes."
Responsibly sourced timber
We only work with reputable timber suppliers who prioritise sustainable forestry and responsible production.
Reducing our impact
We have a long-term focus on reducing environmental impact across our global operations.
Inspirational wood samples
Choose from hundreds of free luxury wood samples to compare in your own space and lighting.
Our timber experts
Our experienced teams bring together decades of knowledge and exceptional service.
Real projects by inspirational people
Project: Brook Green, London
Designed by SVML London, this elegant West London home features Bronzo Herringbone and Plank from our Italian Collection. Installed throughout the kitchen, playroom dining room, sitting room, top floor bedroom and landing, the European oak flooring brings warmth and depth to the home's beautifully layered interiors.
Sector: Luxury homes
