The condition of your existing floorboards is vitally important. They must be dry and level and the new boards should be laid perpendicular over them. If that’s not possible, it’s advisable to lay 6mm plywood on top of the floorboards. Always check for woodworm before laying the floor.

Yes, but it must be dry and level with a damp-proof membrane. Use a moisture meter before the floor is laid (the moisture level should be no more than 3 per cent). If you’re in a new-build, you should wait at least four to six months to lay solid wood on your concrete floor.

Boards tend to come in tongue and groove planks, which are glued or nailed down. Some solid wood floors use a clip system.

Wood expands and contracts, so avoid solid wood in bathrooms, kitchens, conservatories or any other room where it will be exposed to excessive humidity and temperature changes. Wood can expand as it absorbs moisture and shrink in drier conditions.

Sweep or hoover the wood floor regularly to remove the surface loose dirt. Every once and a while you can use a hot, damp mop to remove other dirt. When the weather is particularly wet or humid, you will need to ensure the rooms with your solid wood floor are kept warm, otherwise the wood will absorb the moisture and expand, and in the worse case could well ridge up and split.

Solid wood is one solid piece wood all the way through each board.

Engineered wood is made up of layers of Plyboard and a 4-6mm layer of wood finish on top. Solid wood makes a lower solid noise when walked or knocked. Some engineered boards make a higher pitch noise when walked or knocked.

Note that both types of wood flooring are quite different from laminate flooring.

If there’s anything else you need to know, give us a call on 01 460 72565 or request a home visit. We are happy to help.

Buying guide

• Carpet
• Wood floors
• Laminate floors
• Vinyl floors
• Ceramic tile floors
• Measuring guide
• Request a home visit
• Customers' testimonials

• Types of flooring
• Companies we've done business with