Engineered vs Solid Wood Flooring in London | Timberzone
Choosing between engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring is one of the most important decisions in any London flooring project. Both options are made from real timber, but their construction, installation methods and long-term performance are very different. On this page, Timberzone explains the key options and differences so you can decide which type of wood floor is best for your home, office or development.
Engineered wood flooring uses a real hardwood top layer bonded to a stable multi-layer core, making it highly suitable for modern properties, flats and spaces with changing temperatures. Solid wood flooring is milled from a single piece of timber, offering traditional character and the ability to be sanded many times when properly installed. Understanding how each behaves with humidity, subfloors and heating systems will help you choose the right floor for your project.
Main differences between engineered and solid wood floors
In simple terms, engineered wood flooring offers greater stability and flexibility, while solid wood flooring provides a classic feel and a thicker wear layer. Engineered options tend to be better for underfloor heating, upper floors and new-build schemes, whereas solid boards are often used in traditional houses with timber joists. Below we break down the construction, installation and suitability of each type in more detail.
What is the difference between engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring?
How engineered boards are constructed
A typical 14 mm engineered wood floor has three main layers: a real hardwood wear layer on top, a core layer of cross-bonded timber strips or plywood in the centre, and a stabilising base layer underneath. This multi-layer construction makes engineered planks resistant to expansion and contraction, which is especially useful in London properties with central heating and varying humidity.
Engineered wood flooring is available in several thicknesses (usually 10–15 mm) with wear layers of around 2.5–4 mm hardwood. Most boards are manufactured with tongue-and-groove joints on all sides and a subtle micro-bevel on the long edges to define each plank. Some products use modern locking systems that click together without glue, making installation faster.
Installation options and suitability
Depending on the product and subfloor, engineered boards can be installed as a floated floor over underlay, glued down directly to the subfloor, or in the case of thicker 20 mm boards, secret-nailed to timber joists. This flexibility allows Timberzone to design the right solution for concrete slabs, existing timber floors or acoustic build-ups in flats.
Because the multi-layer core controls movement, engineered wood flooring is usually the preferred option where consistent stability is required. It works particularly well with underfloor heating systems when installed according to manufacturer guidelines, as the boards expand and contract less than solid planks.
How solid boards are constructed
Solid wood flooring is milled from a single piece of hardwood or softwood, with the same timber running from top to bottom. Boards are typically tongued and grooved on all sides. Pre-finished products often include micro-bevels along the long edges, while unfinished boards are square-edged and designed to be sanded and finished on site for a completely flat surface.
Because solid boards are one piece of timber, they tend to expand and contract more with changes in temperature and humidity. This natural movement is part of their character but requires careful installation and site preparation to avoid cupping, gapping or squeaking.
Installation options and suitability
The preferred installation method for solid wood flooring is secret nailing to timber joists or plywood, which holds the boards firmly in place. British Standards state that surface fixing is required for boards wider than 130 mm to control movement. In some situations, solid floors can be fully bonded with adhesive, but they are not suitable for floating installation because the traditional tongue-and-groove profile and the natural movement of solid timber demand fixed fixing points.
Solid wood floors are not recommended for use over underfloor heating, as the higher movement of a single-piece board can lead to excessive stress and potential damage. They are better suited to traditionally built homes with stable conditions and well-ventilated timber subfloors.
Which wood flooring option is best for your project?
When comparing engineered vs solid wood flooring, the right choice depends on your property type, subfloor and design goals. If you need maximum stability, compatibility with modern heating systems and flexibility in installation, engineered wood flooring is usually the best option. It is ideal for London apartments, refurbishments where height is limited and new-build projects that require reliable performance.
Solid wood flooring remains a great choice for carefully controlled environments, period properties and projects where a traditional full-depth timber board is desired. It can be sanded and refinished many times when installed correctly, offering excellent long-term value in the right conditions.
Talk to Timberzone about engineered vs solid wood flooring
Timberzone has over 25 years of experience supplying and installing both engineered and solid wood floors across London and North London. Our team can assess your subfloor, discuss underfloor heating requirements and explain the options and differences in detail before you commit to a product. Whether you are renovating a single room or designing a full property scheme, we will recommend the most suitable construction, thickness and installation method.
To get tailored advice on engineered vs solid wood flooring, contact Timberzone or visit our East Finchley showroom to view large display panels and real project examples.