Real oak character.
The stability your heating system demands.
Engineered oak combines a genuine oak wear layer with a stable ply core — the right specification for London properties with central heating, underfloor heating or original Victorian subfloors.
The most popular wood floor in London for good reason.
It looks like solid hardwood, handles the conditions of a centrally heated UK home, and lasts long enough to sand and refinish twice during its life.
Real oak wear layer
The surface is solid oak — the grain, character and natural variation are identical to a solid hardwood floor. The ply core beneath it is what makes it more stable.
Handles central heating
Engineered boards stay flat as room temperatures rise and fall with the seasons. A significant advantage over solid oak in centrally heated UK properties.
Compatible with underfloor heating
Most engineered products are formally approved for wet and electric UFH systems. We confirm compatibility before specifying — not after the boards are laid.
Suited to period properties
Victorian and Edwardian joists move seasonally. Engineered boards handle this without the cupping and gapping that can develop in solid wood over original timber subfloors.
Sand and refinish 2–3 times
Enough to restore the floor twice during its life — typically at years 15 and 30. Each sanding brings it back to near-new condition.
Broad choice of species and finish
Available in oak, walnut, ash and more, with brushed, oiled, lacquered and white-oiled finishes. We hold Havwoods and Ted Todd trade accounts.
The subfloor is where most engineered floors fail. We fix it first.
Moisture causes engineered boards to cup. An unlevel screed causes them to creak and spring underfoot. An unacclimatised board gaps through its first winter. Every one of these failures is avoidable with proper preparation — which is why we test the subfloor before quoting, not after the materials have been delivered.
Six steps from survey to a finished floor.
The same process on every job, regardless of size. No shortcuts, no skipped acclimatisation.
Survey & moisture assessment
We visit and test the subfloor with a calibrated Protimeter. Moisture readings determine whether a DPM is needed and which adhesive system is correct for the product and subfloor type. We do not quote without this step.
Free visit, 45–60 minutesProduct specification
We match the board to the room — subfloor type, UFH presence, the room's humidity profile, and the look you want. Havwoods and Ted Todd samples provided on the survey visit.
Fixed quote within 3 working daysSubfloor preparation
Concrete subfloors levelled to ±3mm per 2m with self-levelling compound. Timber subfloors inspected for movement — loose boards screwed, damaged sections replaced, ply deck laid where required.
1–2 days typicallyAcclimatisation
Boards delivered to site and left to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity for 48–72 hours. Skipping acclimatisation is the primary reason engineered floors gap in their first winter.
48–72 hours minimumInstallation
Boards laid in the correct direction for the room and its main light source. Expansion gaps maintained throughout. Adhesive or secret-nail method chosen based on the subfloor and product specification.
1–3 days depending on areaFinishing & walk-through
Skirting, beading and threshold bars fitted and caulked. Doors trimmed for clearance. Full walk-through — anything imperfect fixed before we leave. Written 1-year fitting guarantee issued.
Guarantee covers workmanship, not material wear4.7 stars from 386 verified reviews.
A selection of feedback from homeowners we have fitted engineered oak for across London.
“The survey before the quote was thorough — they found a damp area under the concrete we had no idea about. Fixed it first. The floor has been down 18 months and there's no movement at all.”
T.W.
Highgate, North London
“We've had floors fitted before and never had it done this carefully. The acclimatisation, the expansion gaps, the threshold bars — every detail was handled properly. It shows in the result.”
R.B.
Clapham, South London
“Used them after another company's floor started lifting within a year. The difference in approach was immediate — they tested the subfloor moisture before quoting. They found the problem, not us.”
A.H.
Islington, London
Thinking about engineered oak for your property?
Free subfloor survey. Fixed-price quote within 3 working days. 1-year written fitting guarantee.
Engineered oak questions, answered.
Engineered oak has a solid oak veneer — typically 3–4mm — bonded to a plywood core. The grain, character and natural variation are identical to solid hardwood. The ply core makes it more dimensionally stable, so it handles central heating and seasonal temperature changes better than solid oak. Solid is thicker and can be sanded more times over its life, but it moves more with humidity changes.
Yes — most engineered products are formally approved for both wet and electric UFH systems. The critical point is confirming the specific product's approval before laying. We check this during the specification process and only recommend products that are rated for the UFH system in the property.
Typically two to three times, depending on the wear layer thickness. A 4mm wear layer allows two full sandings; some thicker products allow three. That's usually enough to restore the floor twice during its life — around years 15 and 30.
For most London properties, a 14–18mm board with a 3–4mm wear layer is the right specification. We prefer 4mm wear layers where the budget allows — the extra sanding life is worth it. Thicker boards also feel more substantial underfoot.
We have trade accounts with Havwoods, Ted Todd and Boen — three of the most respected engineered wood suppliers in the UK. We can also fit boards you have already sourced, provided you send us the technical specification before the survey.
It is priced separately and itemised in the quote — because the extent of prep varies per property. We won't skip it or cut corners to hit a price point. Every quote includes a clear line for subfloor preparation with a specific scope of what is covered.
Fine gaps in winter that close in summer are normal seasonal movement in any wood floor. If boards are cupping or gaps are growing and not recovering, that points to a moisture issue or an acclimatisation problem. If it's within a year and attributable to our work, we return under the 1-year fitting guarantee at no cost.
Still have questions? Call 07405 739028 (Mon–Sat, 7am–7pm) or email info@corebuildgroup.co.uk
Not sure engineered oak is right for you?
Ready to fit engineered oak that actually lasts?
Tell us the rooms, the subfloor type, and whether there's underfloor heating. We'll test the subfloor at the survey, quote within 3 working days, and give you a real start date.