FAQs
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is constructed from several wood layers bonded together to form one piece of flooring. The core is made from layers of HDF, plywood, or softwood, which run in different directions to increase the floor's overall stability. The top layer (also known as the 'Wear Layer' is always made from solid wood veneer. Its thickness varies between 2-6mm depending on the product. This top layer gives the floor the overall characteristics of a solid wood floor, making them a popular choice in today's interior design trends.
+ What are the benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring?
Easy to install - Engineered Wood Flooring is incredibly easy to work with and quick to install, thanks to a wide variety of modern T&G or LOC fixing systems, making it attractive to both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers.
Wider Boards - Engineered Wood Flooring is often available in a wide selection of widths from very narrow (80-100mm) through to extra-wide boards (250-300mm). To achieve the same results using solid wood would require a large tree to cut the raw materials from. This isn't the case with engineered wood flooring as the core is made from man-made timber such as plywood.
Stability - The core of an Engineered board is made from multiple layers of plywood, HDF or softwood to create an extremely stable product. Due to numerous layers being used in its construction, this allows for slight natural movement once the product has been installed.
Looks & Value - Engineered Wood Flooring has the same finished appearance of a Solid Wood Floor. However, it sits at a much cheaper price point in the market, and it is much easier to install due to modern T&G and LOC systems.
+ Can I install an Engineered Floor over a Concrete Subfloor?
Yes, an Engineered Wood Floor is ideal for installing over a concrete subfloor - as long as the moisture content in the concrete is no higher than 4%. The preferred method of installation for this sub-floor would be to float it over an underlay with an adequate damp proof membrane (DPM). It is also possible to fully bond the engineered wood flooring to the sub-floor. Please only use the recommended adhesives when fully bonding your floor.
+ Can I refinish my Engineered Wood Flooring?
Yes, it can be re-sanded. How much or how often will depend on the thickness of the wear layer. We would always recommend the services of a professional when carrying out any refinishing work.
+ What is a Lacquered finish?
A lacquered finish uses a polyurethane coating that is sprayed onto each board's surface by a series of brushes or rollers. This layer provides a coating over the wood grain and forms a hard coating that will protect the product from dirt and moisture seeping into the wood.
+ What is an Oiled finish?
Oiled Finishes use synthetic oil that penetrates deep into the wood allowing the colour and texture to be brought to the surface to create a visually stunning floor. Also, the oil provides a protective layer which prevents day-to-day scratches and damage.
+ What is a Distressed finish?
A distressed finish is a specialist finishing technique designed to create a worn and aged look and feel to your flooring. The machining process uses filler to fill surface cracks and knots, making a more rustic appearance across each board.
+ What is Rustic grade?
Rustic Grade is a mixture of timbers with varying appearance. Our Rustic Grade contains a variety of cleaner boards with little character to more lively planks containing colour variance and filled knots.
+ What is Natural grade?
Natural Grade is a selection of timbers with less variance in colour & character. Although you will see a slight colour variance, the appearance will be more controlled with only small knots and shade variance allowed.
Aquacore - Engineered Vinyl
Aquacore is a brand name for our collection of Engineered Vinyl Flooring with a Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) core structure. Aquacore has been expertly engineered to allow for a quick and easy installation which utilises a market-leading LOC system. This product is also waterproof, making it the perfect companion in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
+ What are the benefits of Engineered Vinyl?
Durability - Aquacore is made from a series of layers pressed together, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear.
Cost - Aquacore is a cost-effective alternative to Engineered Wood Flooring, with the added benefit of being fully waterproof.
Choice - Thanks to the photographic layer used in the Aquacore construction, it is possible for us to offer a broader range of colours that replicate real wood flooring appearance and texture.
Easy to Install - All Aquacore products feature a LOC fixing system, which allows the product to be installed in very little time - making it perfect for the DIY consumer.
+ Where can I install Aquacore?
Aqaucore is one of the most versatile products we offer in our range. The floor can be used in every room in your home and in some commercial settings. The product is well suited to areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms and utility rooms.
+ Can I use Aquacore with Underfloor Heating?
All Aquacore products are suitable for use with Underfloor Heating Systems.
+ Is Aquacore DIY friendly?
Aquacore is a DIY friendly product that can be installed with minimal experience of flooring installation. On the back of each box of flooring, you will find a handy step-by-step guide on how to install Aquacore in your home. Alternatively, if you would prefer to watch a video on installing this product, use your mobile phone to scan the QR code found on the packaging.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate Flooring is made from a series of synthetic layers to create a strong and versatile flooring product. It all starts with a backing layer made from melamine fibreboard which gives the product its stability. A specialist photographic layer is then applied to the surface - This can reflect many different flooring types such as real wood, concrete, tiles, etc. A clear coat of lacquer is then applied to the top surface to finish the board, which protects the floor from day-to-day wear and tear. With current innovations in the Laminate industry, it is now possible to print 3D surfaces onto the top layer to make your laminate floor feel more authentic than ever.
+ What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a layered floor covering the is constructed around a High Density Fibre Board. Laminate flooring then has a design decor underneith a transparent protective layer ensuiring you flooring not only looks fantastic, but is built to last.
+ What are the benefits of Laminate Wood Flooring?
Durability - Since laminate is made from a series of fibreboard layers pressed together, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear.
Cost - Laminate Flooring is a much more cost-effective way of renovating your home apposed to Engineered or Solid Wood Flooring.
Choice - Thanks to the photographic layer used in laminate flooring construction, it is possible for us to offer a broader range of colours that mimic high-end species of timber.
Easy to Install - Because all Laminate Flooring features a LOC fixing system, it allows this for an incredibly hassle-free installation - making it perfect for the DIY consumer.
+ Is Laminate Flooring waterproof?
Laminate Flooring is NOT suitable for areas with high moisture such as bathrooms. If you do spill water onto your laminate, it should be dried up as quickly as possible to minimise the risk of any long-term damage. We do not reccomend installing this type of products in areas such as bathrooms.
+ How Should I Maintain Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is extremely easy to maintain and can help preserve your flooring if done correctly. We reccomend you follow our cleaning guide for laminate flooring which can be viewed here
Flooring Installation
There are many types of flooring on the market today, and with that comes a whole host of technical terms, questions, and guidelines. Below we have compiled some of our most frequently answered questions when it comes to installation.
+ Can I fit Wood Flooring over Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is suitable for most types of wood flooring (except Solid Wood). Always check product specifications before purchasing to ensure it meets your Underfloor Heating system's needs and requirements.
+ What is a Floating Floor installation?
A Floating Floor Installation is where the boards are connected using their fixing systems (T&G or LOC) rather than directly fixed to the sub-floor. A floating installation would then be placed on top of an underlay product suitable to the sub-floor and room type. This method allows for some degree of movement and expansion as all wood floors expand over time. Floating installations are often used with Laminate & Engineered Wood Flooring.
+ What is a Nail Down installation?
The Nail Down method for installing flooring is one of the most demanding types of installation. It requires specialist tools and skills to carry it out correctly. You will generally see this method being used by a professional flooring installer. It is worth noting this method should only be used when a wooden sub-floor is present.
+ What is the 5G Click System?
The 5G Click System is a patented fixing method for Engineered Flooring. It uses a flexible and displaceable fibreglass tongue which clicks into place when the boards are joined together. This method is one of the fastest ways to install Engineered Wood Flooring.
+ How do I dispose of old flooring?
Any old floor coverings or leftover cut pieces should be recycled at your local household waste collection site. Laminate flooring consists of over 80% wood; this can be widely recycled and be used again to make more wooden products.
+ How do I choose the correct Underlay for my flooring?
All floors need some form of Underlay to reduce sound transmission, retain heat or prevent water egress. At Timba Floors & Boards, we stock a wide range of underlay products that can deliver different results. If you are unsure what type of Underlay you require, speak to one of our team, and we will advise you.
+ Can I have a wood flooring in my kitchen?
Yes, all of our products are suitable for use in kitchens.
+ Can I have a wood flooring in my conservatory?
To install a wood floor in your conservatory, you need to maintain the temperature in the room. If your conservatory is very hot in the summer then very cold in the winter, you may encounter problems. Speak to a professional installer who will be able to advise you on the correct product.
+ Can I have a wood flooring in my bathroom?
We do NOT recommend installing wood or Laminate Flooring in a bathroom, because of the high humidity and temperature levels that these rooms experience. However, Aquacore is a perfect solution to installing wooden flooring in high humidity areas such as a bathroom.
+ Do you offer a Fitting Service?
Timba Floors & Boards do not offer a fitting service. We are a manufacturer/importer and distributor of flooring products. We rely on our network of retailers or merchants to provide the next level of service you may require. However, we always recommend that our customers use a professional to install their flooring. Please use The National Institute of Carpet and Floor Layers database to find a local registered installer.