Why is oak the standard choice for London homes?
It is hard enough to take daily traffic, it takes stain and oil predictably, and it looks right in almost every kind of London property — from a Victorian terrace to a new-build apartment. It is also the species with the deepest supply, which means better availability, more finish options and more competitive pricing than the alternatives.
What is the difference between Prime and Select grade oak?
Grading describes appearance, not quality. Prime grade is the cleanest — minimal knots, even colour, very consistent board to board. Select (often written AB) allows small sound knots and more colour variation, which many clients actually prefer because it reads as more natural. Both are the same timber and the same durability; the price difference reflects yield, not strength.
How thick should the oak wear layer be?
For a floor you intend to keep, look for a 4mm wear layer. That is what we stock as standard on our engineered boards, and it allows three or four sandings across the floor's life — realistically several decades of domestic use. Thinner 2mm wear layers are cheaper up front but can usually only be refinished once.
Can oak flooring go over underfloor heating?
Engineered oak can, and it is what we recommend for any heated screed. The plywood core resists the expansion and contraction that causes solid oak to gap and cup over a heating cycle. The floor needs to be bonded properly and the heating commissioned in stages before and after fitting — we manage that sequence as part of the installation.
Does oak flooring darken over time?
Yes, and it is worth planning for. Natural and oiled oak ambers gently with UV exposure over the first year or two, which most people find improves it. White and grey-washed finishes shift least. If part of your floor will sit under a rug or heavy furniture, expect a visible difference for a while after it is moved — it evens out.
How much does an oak floor cost, supplied and fitted?
It depends on the width, grade, pattern and the state of the subfloor, so any figure quoted before a survey is guesswork. What we can promise is an itemised quote: material, underlay or adhesive, preparation, labour and finishing shown as separate lines, so you can see exactly what each part costs and adjust the specification if you want to.
