Solid Wood

Solid wood is a single piece of hardwood — usually oak, walnut or ash — 18–20 mm thick. It's the traditional British floor: fitted correctly it lasts a century, sands down half a dozen times, and develops character no engineered floor quite matches. It's also the fussiest floor to specify: wrong for underfloor heating, wrong over concrete without prep, and demands a stable indoor climate.

Pros

• +The genuine article — 100% real hardwood, no core, no compromises
• +Sands 5–8 times over its life; essentially a lifetime floor
• +Ages beautifully — patina and character deepen with time
• +Fits perfectly with period properties, cottages, listed buildings
• +Fully repairable in place; individual planks can be replaced

Trade-offs

• −Moves with humidity — gaps in winter, cupping in summer
• −Not suitable for underfloor heating (in most cases)
• −Requires a genuinely stable subfloor and skilled fitter
• −The most expensive real-wood option per m²
• −Expensive to fit — nail-down over a timber subfloor is a specialist job

FAQs

• Solid or engineered — which should I choose?

  Engineered for 90% of modern homes: it works over UFH, tolerates centrally heated environments, and offers wider planks. Solid for period properties, listed buildings, or where you specifically want a 100-year floor that sands 6+ times.

• Can I put solid wood over underfloor heating?

  Almost never advised. Solid wood expands and contracts too much with temperature, causing gaps and cupping. If UFH is fixed, choose engineered instead.

• Why does solid wood gap in winter?

  Central heating drops indoor humidity, and the wood loses moisture and shrinks. Aim for 45–60% humidity year-round; a hygrometer costs £10 and saves hundreds in dispute.

• How often does solid wood need sanding?

  Every 20–30 years for a full sand-and-refinish. Between sands, a light screen-and-recoat every 5–10 years keeps the finish topped up.

• Can solid wood go in a kitchen?

  In a period home, yes, with strict spill management. In a modern family kitchen with dishwashers and children, engineered or LVT is far safer.