Solid Wood Flooring

Frequently asked questions

What does solid wood flooring need from a room?

Solid wood naturally responds to the humidity around it, so the conditions in the room matter. Each board expands slightly when humidity rises and contracts when the air becomes drier. That’s why the packs need to acclimatise in the room before fitting and an expansion gap must be left around the perimeter. Small gaps between boards in winter are usually a result of this seasonal movement rather than a fault with the flooring itself.

A reasonably consistent temperature and humidity will help keep movement to a minimum. Solid wood isn’t generally suitable for bathrooms or basements below ground level. As it is natural timber throughout, it can also dent more readily than laminate or LVT.

Can solid wood flooring be laid over concrete?

Provided the slab is fully cured, level and properly tested for moisture, you can lay solid wood flooring over concrete. It isn’t enough for the surface to feel dry, as moisture can remain within the slab. You should fit a suitable damp-proof membrane or liquid moisture barrier to protect the timber where required.

The boards can be glued to a primed, level slab using a flexible wood-flooring adhesive. They can also be fitted over a suitable plywood deck or batten system, although this raises the finished floor and may affect doors, skirting boards and adjoining rooms.

Solid wood flooring should not be floated over foam underlay. If you want a floating floor over concrete, engineered wood is a more suitable choice. Before fitting solid wood, make sure the concrete is level, allow the boards to acclimatise and follow the product’s installation instructions. Our guide to laying flooring over concrete explains the preparation and fitting process in more detail.

Can you fit solid wood flooring over underfloor heating?

Solid wood flooring is not generally recommended over underfloor heating. Repeated changes in temperature affect the moisture within the boards and can cause issues like gaps, shrinking or cupping. This happens more frequently in wider solid wood boards.

Some solid wood products are approved for underfloor heating, but these tend to be narrower boards made from particular species. The manufacturer should state the maximum surface temperature and required fitting method, which is often full glue-down.

Check the individual product specification rather than assuming all solid wood flooring is suitable. The heating system should also be commissioned before installation and used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions afterwards. If the product is not specifically approved, engineered wood is the safer choice - and our underfloor heating guide explains why.

How much does solid wood flooring cost?

Solid wood flooring at Factory Direct Flooring typically costs between £40 and £60 per square metre, with much of the range priced between £50 and £60. Species and grade help determine the price, with prime-grade timber generally costing more than natural or rustic boards. Width and finish matter too, and brushed or oiled boards tend to cost more than standard lacquered options.

You should budget for the whole installation rather than the boards alone. Adhesive or fixings, a damp-proof membrane, and beading and fitting will all add to the cost. Order around 10% more flooring than the room measurement to cover cuts and waste, with a larger allowance for wide boards or patterned layouts.

A solid wood floor costs more upfront than some alternatives, but it can be sanded and refinished several times. With the right care, it can last for decades and avoid the need for early replacement. Browse our solid oak flooring range to compare the available boards and finishes.

How many times can solid wood flooring be sanded?

Solid wood flooring can be sanded and refinished several times. How often depends mainly on the amount of usable timber above the tongue, as well as the condition of the floor.

A full sanding isn’t always necessary. Light wear on a lacquered floor may only need a screen and recoat, while an oiled floor can often be refreshed with a maintenance coat. Individual scratches and marks might also only need a spot repair.

Being able to restore the surface is one reason solid wood flooring can last for decades. Sanding removes heavier wear and can also prepare the timber for a new colour or finish, and tegular care will reduce how often professional refinishing is needed. Our real wood cleaning and maintenance range includes products for looking after the floor between treatments.

Which wood species is best for solid wood flooring?

Oak is an excellent all-round choice for solid wood flooring and is the focus of our range. European oak is durable enough for a busy home, relatively stable as a solid board and available in finishes ranging from pale oils to deep smoked tones.

Other species offer different qualities. Walnut has a rich, distinctive colour but is softer than oak and may mark more easily, while Ash is lighter and has a more prominent grain. Some exotic hardwoods are highly durable, but they can be more expensive and harder to match if replacement boards are needed later.

Species is only part of the decision on which floor will suit your room best. The grade determines the number of knots and amount of natural colour variation, while the board width affects how much the timber moves. Our guide to wood flooring grades explains what the different grade names mean.