Updating your existing flooring is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give a room a new lease of life.
However, with the vast range of options out there, it can be intimidating trying to select the right one. Below is the breakdown of the differences between Laminate, Engineered Oak and Solid Oak Flooring to help you make the right choice.
Chrome Laminate Flooring
Laminate is the most affordable option, and the most versatile.
Laminate is the most affordable option, and the most versatile. Due to the nature of the product, a greater variety of styles can be printed on the surface, making it easier for you to find the right style for your home. It’s incredibly low maintenance and easy to take care of, all you’ll need to do is sweep, vacuum and occasionally damp mop to keep it looking its best. It’s ideal for those who enjoy DIY or want to save additional money on installation, as the 5G Clic-System is far easier.
Our range of European Laminate Flooring uses a high density fibreboard with a 5G click system which gives the look of a modern wood effect floor thanks to a high quality image layer. They are also suitable for underfloor heating. (The 6mm and 7mm are only suitable for underfloor water based heating).
Please check out our more in-depth Buyer's Guide to Laminate Wood Flooring.
What is the 5G Click System?
Installing a Laminate Floor becomes child’s play. A fingertip is enough to join panels – simply unpack, lay, snap together and done! No effort involved – your hammer and block can stay in the toolbox.
- Much easier to install
- Up to 50% quicker to install
- No hammer, tapping block and pulling bar required
- Safe and stable
- You can walk on the floor immediately after installation.
Please view the video below for an interactive demonstration on the 5G click system:
How much Laminate Flooring do I need?
To measure exactly how much Laminate Flooring you will need, follow these simple steps:
- Measure the length of your room using a tape measure
- Measure the width of your room
- Multiply both numbers (length x width)
- Add 10% to account for any errors.
How much does Laminate Flooring cost?
The Laminate Flooring that we stock is sold in packs and starts at £21.00. Using 17.00m2 as a size example, you would require 9 packs (adding 10% extra tiles to allow for wastage and accidental damage) which would cost you approximately £238.50 (as of 07/02/2020).
Can Laminate Flooring be painted?
Generally speaking, yes, you can paint Laminate Flooring. It is vitally important that you select the correct paint and that the paint in questions is specifically designed for Laminate. You will also need a suitable primer and a sander to ensure the surface of your Laminate Floor will readily accept the paint with no hiccups.
Can Laminate Flooring get wet?
There is a common misconception that Laminate Flooring is in fact waterproof, but it isn’t. Many customers mistakenly confuse Laminate Flooring with Vinyl. Unlike Vinyl - which is indeed waterproof - Laminate is made from hardwood and a melamine wear layer which helps protect it from scratches and minor water spillages. Like hardwood, Laminate does not do well with standing water and high humidity which makes Laminate a bad choice for bathroom flooring.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
Manor Engineered Oak Flooring
Engineered flooring is suitable for underfloor heating.
Engineered Oak is a 3-layer 100% wood construction board, with a surface layer of genuine oak. This gives it the authentic style of true Hardwood Flooring, without the cost. Most are easy to install thanks to the 2G/5G click system. 5G installation can be up to 25% quicker than other systems – Herringbone styles can be a little more complicated. There are a wide range of oak colourings and styles to choose from, but all are sophisticated and stylish additions to your home.
The Engineered Oak we stock has a real wood layer board construction which gives the end user a strong, durable floor which looks great and is easy to fit. Engineered flooring also includes a 4 sided v-groove and is suitable for underfloor heating.
What is the Engineered Oak Flooring click system?
5G® is a globally recognised locking system used by more than 100 floor producers around the world. With 5G, floor installation has never been easier - do it in a snap! These locking systems are based on a single action installation method suitable for all types and widths of floor products.
The 5G locking systems are optimised for wood and laminate flooring products in thicknesses up to 22mm or more. When a panel is folded down, a flexible plastic tongue is pushed into a tongue-groove.
As the panel reaches its final position, the tongue snaps out into a wedge groove, emits a ”click” sound and locks the product in to place.
- Fastest & easiest installation
- Strong locking provided by plastic tongue
- Large tolerance window
- For thicknesses down to 4mm.
- For more information on 5G locking systems, please click here.
Engineered Oak Flooring - The pros and cons
There is a slight misconception with some of our customers that Engineered Hardwood Flooring is the same as Laminate; it is not. Unlike Solid Hardwood Oak Flooring, Engineered Oak is made up of multiple layers. The top and the bottom layer is 100% natural wood, and the middle is typically built from 5-8 layers of plywood that crisscross in different directions.
Engineered Flooring is less likely to expand and contract when exposed to moisture and humidity making it a great option in rooms that are subject to moisture (kitchen and bathroom) and heat (conservatories or rooms with underfloor heating). The downfall of this type of flooring is that the process of sanding and re-finishing can’t be carried out as many times as with Solid Hardwood Flooring, so not recommended generally in areas where there is high foot traffic.
Check out our Engineered Hardwood Oak Flooring Buyers Guide for more information.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring suitable for kitchens?
As mentioned previously, Engineered Hardwood Flooring is much more durable and able to withstand changes in temperature, humidity and moisture far better than Solid Wood Flooring. This makes it a perfect addition in a kitchen area.
Can Engineered Wood Flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Yes. Engineered Hardwood Flooring has been designed and made for dimensional stability. This stability will allow your floor to expand and contract with the daily changes in temperature from underfloor heating.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
Solid Oak Flooring
Constructed from a solid piece of oak and is built to last.
Solid Oak Flooring is constructed from a solid piece of oak and is built to last. A true solid oak floor is a genuine investment in your home and can last for generations if well maintained. The most expensive of the three types of flooring, but also the most attractive and long lasting. The two types of solid oak flooring we stock are strong, durable and have a genuine natural finish and touch.
Can you lay Solid Wood Flooring on concrete?
Yes. Solid Oak Flooring can be fitted onto a concrete subfloor using glue. Before installing any flooring onto concrete, it is important that the concrete subfloor (sometimes known as a screed) is dry, firm and level.
Is Solid Oak Flooring easy to clean?
It is relatively simple to maintain your wooden floor. The best way to clean Solid Oak Floors is to use a microfiber dust mop to remove dust, dirt, and whatever other particles were brought into your home. Be sure to avoid household cleaners and detergents as they can be abrasive, causing damage.
Is Solid Wood Flooring suitable for kitchens or bathrooms?
We recommend Engineered Oak Flooring in areas typically associated with having higher moisture and humidity levels. Unlike Hardwood Flooring, Engineered Oak Flooring is much more durable and able to withstand changes in temperature, humidity and moisture which makes it a better option for your kitchen or bathroom area.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
Solid Oak Flooring Prices
The Solid Oak Flooring that we stock is sold in packs and starts at £98.00. Using 17.00m2 as a size example, you would require 9 packs (adding 10% extra tiles to allow for wastage and accidental damage) which would cost you approximately £882.00 (as of 07/02/2020).
We hope that you found this article helpful, but if you’d like more specific advice for your floor project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our expert sales team who will be able to assist you further. All our contact details can be found on this page.