Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is a real hardwood top layer (typically 2–6 mm of oak, walnut or ash) bonded to a stable plywood or HDF core. You get the look, feel and refinishability of a solid wood floor, without the seasonal movement that makes solid unsuitable for underfloor heating or modern homes with big glazed areas. For most UK properties, engineered is the correct choice over solid.

Pros

• +Real hardwood surface — indistinguishable from solid once fitted
• +Stable across seasons: no gaps in winter, no cupping in summer
• +Works over underfloor heating (solid wood does not, reliably)
• +Can be lightly sanded and re-oiled/lacquered 1–3 times
• +Wide planks (up to 300 mm) are only practical in engineered format

Trade-offs

• −Costs 2–4× the price of laminate for a similar visual
• −Softer than laminate — dents from heavy stiletto heels or dropped tools
• −Not for bathrooms, wet rooms or below-grade basements
• −Cheap engineered has a 0.6–2 mm top layer that can't be sanded — check spec

FAQs

• Is engineered wood as good as solid wood?

  For most UK homes, engineered is better. It looks identical, works over UFH, tolerates modern centrally heated homes and comes in wider planks. Solid wood only wins in period restorations where the extra depth for future sanding matters.

• Can I use engineered wood in a kitchen?

  Yes — with sensible caution. Wipe spills within a few minutes and use a mat at the sink. For a hard-worked family kitchen, LVT or SPC is more forgiving.

• How many times can engineered wood be sanded?

  It depends entirely on the wear-layer thickness. 2 mm allows one gentle screen-and-recoat. 4 mm allows two to three full sands. Under 2 mm, it can't be sanded — only re-oiled or re-lacquered on the surface.

• Will engineered wood work over underfloor heating?

  Yes — it's the recommended real-wood choice for UFH. Keep the surface temp below 27°C and bring the system up to temperature gradually.

• What's the best wood species?

  European oak, for 90% of buyers. Stable, plentiful, warm-toned, takes any finish. Walnut, ash and maple are all valid but harder to source and less forgiving on grain.