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Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood flooring is milled from a single piece of timber — no plywood core, no adhesives. It’s one of the most durable floor coverings available, and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. Our solid oak and walnut range is available in a choice of widths, grades and finishes, all held in stock at our Forest Hill showroom.
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Lasts a Lifetime
Solid wood floors can last 50–100 years. With each sanding and refinishing, they look as good as new — a true long-term investment.
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Multiple Sanding Cycles
With 18–22mm of solid timber, most floors can be sanded 5–8 times over their lifespan — far more than engineered alternatives.
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Genuine Character
No two solid wood floors look the same. Natural graining, knots and colour variation give each floor a unique character that improves with age.
The Lasting Character of Solid Oak
Solid wood flooring is milled from a single piece of timber — almost always solid oak in our range — for a floor that can be sanded and refinished many times across decades of use. It is the traditional choice, valued for its longevity and the way it develops character as it ages.
Solid boards are best suited to ground and upper floors over timber or battened subfloors in stable humidity, and are generally not recommended over underfloor heating. If your project involves UFH or a concrete subfloor, our team will advise whether engineered oak is the better fit. We supply and install solid oak across South East London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can a solid wood floor be sanded?
A solid oak floor can typically be sanded five or more times over its life — considerably more than most engineered floors.
Is solid wood suitable for underfloor heating?
Generally no — solid timber moves too much with temperature change. For UFH we recommend engineered oak instead.
Can solid wood flooring be used with underfloor heating?
It’s possible but requires careful consideration. Solid wood is more sensitive to moisture and temperature changes than engineered. Narrow boards (under 100mm) and proper humidity control are essential. Consult us before specifying solid wood over UFH.
How many times can solid wood flooring be sanded?
Most solid boards are 18–22mm thick, allowing 5–8 full sanding cycles over the floor’s lifetime — far more than engineered flooring.
What’s the difference between Select, Natural and Rustic grade?
Select (or Prime) grade has minimal knots and very even colouring. Natural grade has some natural character including small knots. Rustic grade has pronounced knots, colour variation and natural marks — the most characterful option.
How long does solid wood flooring need to acclimatise?
Solid wood should acclimatise in the installation room for at least 7–14 days before fitting — longer in winter or in rooms with high humidity variation.
Can solid wood be glued down or does it need to float?
Solid wood is typically secret-nailed to a timber subfloor or glued to a concrete subfloor. It should not be floated — the expansion and contraction requires a fixed installation method.
Ready to Choose Your Floor?
Visit our Forest Hill showroom, request free samples, or get a free quote today.