A Beginner’s Guide to Timber Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when designing or renovating a home. It sets the tone for your interiors, affects how a space feels, and influences everything from acoustics to resale value. For homeowners and designers seeking a warm, natural, and enduring option, timber flooring remains a top choice.

If you’re new to the world of timber flooring, this guide will walk you through the basics — what it is, why engineered French oak stands out, and how to choose, install, and maintain it with confidence.

What Is Timber Flooring?

Timber flooring refers to any floor made from wood or wood-based products. Traditional solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of timber, while engineered timber is constructed from multiple layers. Both offer the beauty of real wood, but they differ in structure, performance, and practicality.

Engineered French oak timber flooring has become a preferred option for modern homes due to its durability and flexibility. It features a surface layer of genuine French oak, supported by a multi-layered core, typically made from high-grade plywood. This layered construction enhances stability and reduces the risk of warping or movement caused by changes in humidity and temperature.

Why Choose Engineered French Oak Timber Flooring?

Among the many types of wood used for flooring, French oak is regarded as one of the most premium and versatile choices. It has been used in European architecture for centuries, prized for its strength, beauty, and character.

Here’s what sets engineered French oak timber flooring apart:

• Superior Stability: Engineered French oak handles seasonal fluctuations better than solid timber. This makes it suitable for a wide range of environments, including kitchens, basements, and homes with underfloor heating.
• Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: Most French oak is harvested under strict European forestry regulations, ensuring sustainability and responsible land management. Because engineered French oak timber flooring uses less hardwood, it is more environmental.
• Customisable Finishes: French oak takes well to a variety of stains, oils, and treatments. From light, natural tones to deep smoked finishes, it adapts to any aesthetic — from Scandinavian minimalism to classic provincial.

Installation Basics

One of the advantages of engineered French oak timber flooring is the ease of installation. Depending on the product and site conditions, there are two common methods:

• Floating: Boards are clicked or glued together over an underlay without being fixed to the subfloor — ideal for quick installations and renovations.
• Glue-Down: Boards are adhered directly to the subfloor using a flexible timber adhesive. This provides excellent acoustic performance and stability.

At French Oak Floors, our engineered planks are precision-milled for straightforward installation, whether by professionals or experienced DIYers.

Caring for Your Floors

French oak is designed for longevity, but like any natural material, it benefits from proper care:

• Routine Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit. Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a wood floor attachment.
• Damp Mopping: Clean with a damp (not wet) mop and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for timber floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, steam mops, or abrasive pads.
• Preventive Measures: Use felt pads on furniture legs, rugs in high-traffic areas, and door mats at entrances. Wipe up spills promptly to avoid stains or water damage.
• Refinishing Options: Unlike laminate or vinyl, engineered French oak can be refinished. Depending on the thickness of the top oak layer, you may be able to lightly sand and recoat your floor after years of wear, restoring its original beauty.

Why Choose French Oak Floors?

At French Oak Floors, we specialise exclusively in engineered French oak timber flooring. That focus allows us to deliver the highest-quality materials, sourced from the finest European forests and crafted to meet the needs of today’s homes.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Premium Collections: From pale, natural tones to rich, smoked hues, our curated range suits a variety of interior styles. Each board is brushed, treated, and finished to enhance its natural character.
• Our 8-coat Treffert lacquer: The best scratch-resistant coating system for flooring on the market, this lacquer will keep your floors looking like new for years to come. It’s also backed by a 25-year domestic coating warranty.
• Sustainably Sourced: All our oak comes from responsibly managed forests in Europe. We value long-term environmental stewardship and only work with suppliers who share that commitment. We have been assessed and certified to meet numerous environmental certifications and are authorised by the SANAS Product Certification Body.
• Experience: Established 30 years ago, we’ve completed over 5500 projects with a high satisfaction rate. Our expertise means your floors are carefully crafted and long-lasting. We perform a thorough site visit to assess site conditions to ensure a smooth installation. We collaborate with builders, architects, and homeowners to address site-specific conditions, providing tailored solutions.

Timber flooring is more than just a surface underfoot — it’s an investment in the style, comfort, and longevity of your space. For beginners exploring options, engineered French oak delivers the perfect combination of natural beauty, structural performance, and long-term value.

At French Oak Floors, we’re passionate about helping you find the right floor for your vision. Whether you’re building your dream home or a stunning commercial space, we’re here to bring the timeless elegance of French oak to your project. Contact us today to learn more.