01422 415951
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Engineered wood flooring gives
you exactly that
Engineered wood planks consist of a top layer of genuine hardwood (known as the wear layer or veneer) bonded to multiple layers of high-quality plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard) beneath. What’s the benefit? The cross-layered construction of the base gives the plank strength and dimensional stability, meaning it expands and contracts less with temperature and humidity changes compared to solid wood. This makes it suitable for environments where solid wood might struggle – for example, over underfloor heating, in basements, or in areas with seasonal humidity swings.
Oak is a perennial favourite for its attractive grain and versatility. We offer oaks in everything from traditional honey tones to contemporary grey washes. Prefer something bold? Try smoked oak with deep, dark hues, or a hand-scraped finish for a rustic farmhouse appeal.
Looking for something a little different? Consider rich American walnut with its dark chocolate swirls, or the warm reddish-brown of acacia. We also have lighter birch and maple options for a clean, Scandinavian vibe. Engineered wood makes some exotic looks more affordable and stable than their solid counterparts.
You can choose matte, satin, or semi-gloss finishes depending on the sheen you prefer. Matte and satin finishes are popular now, as they hide small scratches and dust better and give a more natural look. Some of our planks come pre-finished with ultra-durable polyurethane or oil finishes. Others are available unfinished if you have a custom stain in mind – we can have them finished on site. Many products feature a slight bevel on the plank edges to define each board, while others have a square edge for a seamless floor.
Love the grandeur of wide planks? We have boards up to 7 or 8 inches wide that show off the wood’s character. Or perhaps you like narrower strips for a more classic look. For pattern lovers, we also supply engineered parquet blocks that can be laid in herringbone or chevron patterns – get that chic parquet floor you’ve dreamed of, with the reliability of engineered construction.
Let’s chat flooring – drop in today.
Our expert installers at Connaught have years of experience fitting engineered wood floors to perfection. Depending on the product and your subfloor, we may install the wood as a floating floor (using a click-lock system or tongue-and-groove with underlay) or via glue-down or secret-nail methods. We’ll assess which technique is appropriate to ensure stability and longevity. Rest assured, we always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, so your floor retains its warranty and performs optimally.
Before installation, we’ll make sure the wood acclimates to your home – typically, we deliver the wood planks a few days early to sit in the room, allowing the moisture levels to balance. This step is key for a trouble-free install. Our team will also prep the subfloor (levelling if necessary, adding a damp-proof membrane if over concrete, etc.) to create the ideal foundation.
Browse this section for real textures, close-ups, and style ideas to help you picture how the Engineered wood could look in your space.
RunnersI had no idea how many runner options were available until I visited the showroom. They helped me design something that really suits the house.
Engineered wood is a real wood product – the surface that you see and walk on is actual hardwood. Laminate and LVT are imitations (laminate has a printed image of wood, and LVT as well, though LVT is PVC-based). While laminate and LVT have their own advantages, if you want the true feel and character of wood, engineered is the way to go. It can be refinished (unlike laminate), and it adds real estate value much like solid hardwood does. It is a premium flooring choice that combines natural beauty with modern engineering.
In many cases, yes. It depends on the thickness of the top hardwood layer. A typical good-quality engineered plank might have a 3 to 6 mm wear layer. You generally need ~2mm of wood above the tongue-and-groove to sand and refinish. So if you have 3mm or more wear layer, you could likely sand it at least once (taking off about 0.5-1mm). Thicker wear layers (4-6mm) can be sanded multiple times, similar to a solid wood floor. Many homeowners never need to refinish, but it’s nice to know the option is there to remove scratches or change the finish after a decade or two. We can advise you on which products are refinishable and to what extent.
Kitchens – yes, many people successfully use engineered wood in kitchens for a warm, unified look with the rest of their living space. It can handle some splashes, but you’ll want to wipe up spills promptly and use mats in front of the sink. Bathrooms – generally, it’s not recommended to use engineered wood in full bathrooms with showers or tubs because the moisture and humidity swings are too intense (water could seep between boards). For a bathroom, you’re better off with LVT or tiles to be safe. However, half-baths or cloakrooms (no bathing facility) could use engineered wood if well ventilated. We’ll discuss your specific situation to ensure you make the best choice.
Good question! Engineered wood ranges in price – some high-end options cost about the same as high-end solid hardwood. But generally, for the same species/grade, engineered is a bit more cost-effective than solid wood, especially in wider planks or exotic species. Installation for engineered can also be cheaper if using a floating method (since solid wood typically needs more labor-intensive nailing). You also save if you ever install over concrete (solid would need timber subfloor or special prep). In essence, you get a similar look and lifespan, often at a better price point. During your visit or quote request, we can provide a side-by-side estimate so you can see the difference. Many of our customers are pleasantly surprised at how affordable upgrading to engineered wood can be.