FAQ

Do you export internationally?

We are an international company with sales representatives in the U.S.A., U.K. and Scandinavia. For all other global markets, we can provide quotes F.O.B.

Where does your Reclaimed wood come from?

We source our wood from all over the world but predominantly from the U.K., U.S.A., and Western Europe. We mainly carry reclaimed oak and pine, although we occasionally have other species.

What does engineered wood mean?

Our engineered platform has a top layer of natural wood adhered to a multi-layered Birch plywood structure. To prevent the wood from moving when fit with Under Floor Heating or in challenging environments with consistent humidity variation. We use the highest quality WPB (waterproof boiled) engineered platform that is 100% northern European produced without utilising any formaldehyde in the bonding.

Why choose a 16mm engineered board and not a 21mm board?

A 21mm platform is for load-bearing, e.g. over joists; it will support a heavier load. A 16mm platform is acceptable for any subfloor and under-floor heating. The is no difference in durability, quality or lifespan.

Can I sand my pre-finished floor if I don’t like the colour in the future?

We see our pre-finished products as an investment, not a short-term ‘styling’ fix or fad. Our wood floors should be cared for and appreciated; we consider the surface colour as precious as a painting. The flooring can be sanded if desired, but this will remove the colour in most cases, as the colour will run 1-2mm deep into the wood. The hard wax oils protect the colour, so aftercare becomes more of a focus than worrying about sanding or not sanding the wood in the future. Over time, the colour and patina improve with each application of hard wax oil.

What do tongue and groove mean?

The joint between two boards in which a raised area on the edge of one board fits into a corresponding groove on the edge of the other to produce a flush surface and secure bond. We commonly calibrate the tongue to be 1mm more significant than the tongue; this means that the boards are easier to fit.

What is a micro bevel?

For the majority of our new oak platforms as solid or engineered, we encourage the presence of a micro bevel, a tiny ‘V’ groove that appears when two boards are placed alongside one another. This precise and subtle mechanism creates a smooth transition between board surfaces which is beneficial if the sub-floor isn’t 100% flat. If there was no micro-bevel, a small lip between board surfaces could potentially result in fine chipping from the edge of the board. We also offer ‘Soft Round’, ‘Hand Carved’, and ‘Straight Edge’ profiles to the edge of the boards depending on specific requirements.

What does a “floating” floor mean?

Floating a floor is when the tongue and groove is glued together but not the bottom of the planks. This is a cheaper way to fit a floor and is not recommended. Due to fact that only the edges are glued and not the bottoms you might notice pockets of bounce as you walk across the floor.

Is it okay to have my builder lay the floor?

Many builders are qualified to fit floors, but someone who is a professional floor fitter will take into account the aesthetic placement of the boards as well as have more overall knowledge and experience in fitting. If you are considering having your builder fit the floor, you should ask for references/photos of their past work. Reclaimed floors should be considered when deciding who will fit your floor as the finishing/colouring process is a much more specific skill.

Can I use solid wood with underfloor heating?

As a general rule, the answer is no. However, this does not mean it’s entirely impossible. The danger of using solid wood on under-floor heating is the likelihood that it will cup or bow; this is certainly true of new timber and especially true if the new wood is over 180mm wide. Antique wood has dried for so many years that the actual cell structure has changed; thus, the potential of the wood bowing is unlikely. It is important to note that not all reclaimed wood is antique. Please contact us for more information if you would like to speak with us in more detail about the possibility of using solid wood with a U.F.H. system.

I’m worried about the colour variation within a product. Should I be concerned?

If you are concerned about colour variation, you can order a sample panel. These panels will give you a better understanding of any potential colour variation. You can also refer to the case study section to see many examples of floors that have already been laid. Please remember that we are not creating exact copies; we are creating individual floors with their unique personality and charm.

What is the thickness of Engineered wood flooring?

Our Engineered Wood Flooring is from 12mm to 22mm in thickness. We usually recommend 16mm to our customers.

Can I use underlay with Engineered wood flooring?

Underlay is usually used with floating floors, which is not a practice we recommend for permanent floor installation. We recommend glueing directly to subfloors. Read more

Can I lay solid wood flooring on floorboards?

Solid wood floorboards should be installed using the Nailed Down Method when placing them onto existing floorboards. See our help page here for the full method.

How do I lay Engineered wood flooring?

We recommend either a Nail Down or a Glue Down installation method for Engineered Wood flooring. For a full installation, and explanation see our help page.

Can I lay wood flooring on concrete?

We recommend the Glue Down Method if you have no underfloor heating. You can read more on our help page.

Should I worry about the underfloor heating temperature and my wooden floors?

Between 18 to 27 degrees C is acceptable, whereas 20 degrees C is the best temperature. It is also imperative to control moisture levels. The temperature of your underfloor heating must never exceed 27 degrees C. We recommend using a specialist installation team to get the best of your long-term system set-up. We have a help page which explains our recommendations further.

How do I clean wood floors?

Daily cleaning the floor with a soft mop or vacuum cleaner will remove dust and sand particles. If a daily clean is impossible, then clients should be cautious with the amount of dirt brought onto the floor from foot traffic, as dirt is one of the leading abrasives. Regular maintenance with floor soap every 2-4 weeks in daily used rooms is advised. Read more on aftercare here. If you have a hard wax oil finish on your floor, read the aftercare information here – Periodically, you may need to reoil your floor to maintain the finish. In this case, please see our oil maintenance guide here.

Can wood flooring be installed over ceramic tiles?

Yes, it’s possible yet not advisable. A glued-down methodology is the only method available if you want to install your floor over ceramic tiles (floating is not advised). However, the best approach would be to take up the tiles first. The reason is that there would be issues with adhesion, moisture and possibly the base concrete that could void your warranty and the life of your wood flooring.

Will my cupped wood floors flatten?

Yes. Cupping happens from prolonged exposure to higher levels of moisture. To avoid cupping and reduce cupping after the fact, you must ensure that any spill, leak, or dampness is removed from the room as quickly as possible. Fans and dehumidifiers can speed up this process. As the wood dries, some of the cuppings may disappear. Where cupping cannot be rectified through drying, you must wait until the subfloor and wood are fully dry before you begin any restoration work.

Can wood floors be steam cleaned?

Yes. If your wood flooring is sealed and you use a ‘dry’ steam clean process (low water and no chemicals), then you can clean the floor in this method. Wet steam can cause moisture to build up in the wood and form cupping areas. Before you steam clean, we recommend vacuuming the floor to remove debris that may scratch the wood surface and always use the microfibre cloth that comes with your cleaner. Set the steamer to a low or medium setting and slowly pass the cleaner over the floor to sanitise it.

What wood flooring is best for the kitchen and bathroom?

For peace of mind, we always recommend using engineered wood flooring. However, it depends on how a person takes a shower or bath and the relative humidity. Engineered is a better option, but this doesn’t mean you cannot use solid. We also recommend sealing the floor if it uses a waxed coat.