Wood Floor Installation & Maintenance in London | Timberzone

At Timberzone we specialise in wood floor installation and maintenance in London, providing professional fitting, aftercare and long-term protection for engineered, solid and parquet wood flooring. Our team manages everything from full subfloor preparation and expert installation through to the correct maintenance of oiled, hard-wax oiled and lacquered floors. This guide explains how wood flooring is installed correctly, how different finishes should be maintained and how to keep your floors looking beautiful for many years to come.

1. What is the installation process for wooden flooring?

A successful wood floor installation in London starts with careful planning and correct site conditions. Before any boards are laid, the timber is delivered and allowed to acclimatise inside the property so that it naturally adjusts to the local temperature and humidity levels. During this period, our fitters inspect the subfloor to ensure it is clean, dry, structurally sound and level.

Concrete or screeded subfloors may require a damp-proof membrane, latex levelling or a plywood overlay to create a stable base. Once the subfloor is fully prepared, the layout of the boards is planned to achieve the best visual flow, usually working from the longest or most visible wall. Expansion gaps are left around the perimeter to allow natural seasonal movement. Depending on the product specification, the floor may be glue-down, floated over underlay or mechanically fixed. Once installed, skirting or edging is fitted and the floor is fully cleaned before handover.

2. How do I maintain and care for oiled wood flooring?

Oiled wood flooring has a natural, breathable appearance and is easy to refresh, but it does require correct maintenance. Day-to-day care starts with sweeping or vacuuming using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and grit. Barrier mats at entrances are essential in busy London homes to reduce dirt tracked in from outdoors.

Spills should always be wiped up immediately using a dry or slightly damp cloth. For routine cleaning, only cleaners designed specifically for oiled floors should be used. In high-use areas such as hallways and kitchens, a maintenance oil is applied periodically to replenish protection. When signs of wear appear, affected areas can usually be lightly cleaned, abraded and re-oiled without the need to sand the entire floor.

3. What is the correct care routine for hard-wax oiled flooring?

Hard-wax oiled flooring provides the natural appearance of oil combined with enhanced surface protection. To maintain performance, dry cleaning should always be the priority. Soft brushes, microfibre mops and parquet vacuum heads help remove grit without scratching the surface.

Liquid should never be left standing on hard-wax oiled floors. Wipe spills immediately and avoid saturated mopping. For regular cleaning, use a pH-neutral soap or a specialist hard-wax floor cleaner that gently cleans while topping up surface protection. In high-traffic zones the finish may eventually appear dull; at that point a fresh maintenance coat can be applied without requiring a full sand.

4. How do I maintain lacquered wood flooring?

Lacquered wood floors are durable and low maintenance when cared for correctly. Furniture legs should always be fitted with felt pads and heavy items should never be dragged across the surface. Barrier mats at entrances help prevent abrasive grit from damaging the lacquer.

Cleaning is best done with a lightly damp microfibre mop and a dedicated wood floor cleaner. Avoid excessive water, bleach, harsh detergents, polishes or generic multi-surface sprays as these can soften or dull the lacquer. In high-wear areas rugs may be used to reduce abrasion. Over time, heavily worn lacquered floors can often be professionally sanded and re-finished depending on the thickness of the wear layer.

5. Why is professional installation and maintenance important?

Correct wood floor installation and maintenance in London is essential to achieve long-term performance, stability and appearance. Poor subfloor preparation, incorrect adhesives or inadequate expansion gaps can lead to movement, gapping, creaking or complete floor failure. Likewise, using unsuitable cleaning products or allowing excessive moisture to remain on the surface can permanently damage even the toughest finishes.

By working with Timberzone you benefit from over 25 years of experience supplying, installing and maintaining wood flooring across London and North London. We understand the construction of London properties, from new-build apartments to period homes, and we tailor every installation and maintenance plan accordingly. Our team also provides professional maintenance visits, repairs and restoration services should your existing floor require attention.

If you would like tailored advice on wood floor installation and maintenance in London, please contact Timberzone or visit our East Finchley showroom to speak directly with a member of our expert team.