For those exploring real oak flooring options, the choices mainly consist of solid and engineered varieties. While the differences between the two may not be immediately obvious, especially when installed, there are significant distinctions that are worth understanding. Choosing the wrong type of oak flooring for specific environments or conditions could prove to be a costly mistake.
What Is Solid Oak Flooring?
Solid oak flooring is made entirely from real oak, thus earning its ‘solid’ designation. European oaks, notably Quercus robur, are the most common due to their robust durability and strength. The thickness of solid oak flooring typically ranges from 18mm to 22mm.
What Is Engineered Oak Flooring?
Engineered oak flooring also utilises real oak but to a lesser extent. Unlike solid oak flooring, which consists entirely of oak, engineered oak flooring only has a top layer (the wear layer) made of real oak. This wear layer varies in thickness from 2mm to 6mm. Beneath this layer, you’ll find a multi-layered structure composed of MDF, plywood, and softwood. Engineered oak flooring comes in overall thicknesses ranging from 10mm (with a 2mm oak wear layer) to 22mm (featuring a 5mm-6mm oak wear layer).
How Are Solid Oak and Engineered Oak Flooring Similar?
Once installed, it’s challenging to spot any visual difference between the two types. Both feature real oak where it matters most, and the multi-layered structure of engineered oak is well-concealed beneath the wear layer.
They also share the same range of styles, shades, grades, and colours. Whether you prefer plank, herringbone, or chevron styles, you’ll find these options available in both solid and engineered forms. Similarly, there’s no difference in shades, grades, or colour choices.
How Do Solid Oak and Engineered Oak Flooring Differ?
In specific environments and conditions, the two types couldn’t be more distinct. All hardwoods, including oak, react to various conditions. For instance, oak expands in warm conditions and contracts in cold ones. Being porous, oak is also susceptible to humidity and moisture, resulting in structural changes over time.
Solid oak flooring, with its fully oak structure, will expand significantly when exposed to warm conditions, such as underfloor heating or in a conservatory. It can also lose its structural integrity when exposed to moisture, as in a bathroom. These reactions can lead to irreparable damage.
Engineered oak flooring, due to its reduced use of oak, is better equipped to handle these conditions. Some types of engineered oak can be installed throughout the home without the concerns commonly associated with solid oak.
Cost Considerations
Don’t be dissuaded by the lesser amount of real oak in engineered flooring. While both types look identical when installed, engineered oak usually comes with a more favourable price tag. You can find engineered options starting at around £30/m2, whereas solid oak flooring seldom falls below £50/m2.
Which Oak Flooring Comes Out On Top?
Most arguments tend to favour engineered oak flooring as it is more suited to contemporary lifestyles. However, where solid oak excels is in its longevity. The full oak structure allows for more frequent sanding—a process that removes surface imperfections and rejuvenates the floor. While engineered oak can also be sanded, the frequency depends on the thickness of the wear layer.
Ultimately, either option can be excellent under the right conditions, but you may find that engineered oak flooring leaves you with a bit more budget flexibility.
—
FAQ
What Constitutes Solid Oak Flooring?
Solid oak flooring is made up of 100% oak wood. It is often sourced from European oaks like Quercus robur due to their strong and durable characteristics. The thickness of this type of flooring usually ranges from 18mm to 22mm.
What Makes Up Engineered Oak Flooring?
Engineered oak flooring is partially made of real oak. It has a top layer, known as the wear layer, made from oak, with a thickness between 2mm and 6mm. Below this layer, a composite of MDF, plywood, and softwood forms the base. The overall thickness of engineered oak flooring can vary from 10mm to 22mm.
Do Solid and Engineered Oak Flooring Look Different Once Installed?
Once installed, both solid and engineered oak floors are visually indistinguishable. They also offer similar styles, shades, grades, and colour options, such as plank, herringbone, or chevron.
How Do Solid and Engineered Oak Flooring React to Environmental Conditions?
Solid oak flooring tends to expand in warm conditions and contract in cold ones. It is also susceptible to humidity and moisture, which can lead to structural changes. Engineered oak flooring is less reactive to such conditions, making it more versatile for different environments within a home.
Is Engineered Oak Flooring More Affordable than Solid Oak Flooring?
Yes, engineered oak flooring is generally more cost-effective than solid oak flooring. Prices for engineered oak start at around £30 per square metre, whereas solid oak flooring is rarely found for less than £50 per square metre.