Buying Guide

Real Wood Flooring Buying Guide

Real wood, or engineered wood, introduces real timber to your home in a more affordable way than solid wood. Below you can discover its benefits, the different types available, and ideas on how to introduce this versatile material to your space.

What is engineered flooring made of?

Real wood, also known as engineered wood, is made up of several laminate layers that are topped with a solid timber layer for an authentic wood effect. The laminate layers minimise the impact of environmental factors like humidity and moisture, offering a stable wood alternative.

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What is the difference between engineered wood and real wood flooring?

Where real wood is made from a mix of timber and manmade layers, solid wood is completely made of solid timber. This requires regular maintenance and is long-lasting, whilst real wood is quicker to fit and more affordable. You can also fit underfloor heating under engineered wood.

What are the benefits of real wood?

Cost-effective and easy to refresh over time, real wood is a practical option that will look good for years to come. Read on to discover more benefits below.

Affordable organic style

If you want the look of real timber without the price tag, then real wood is a great alternative for your home. Only the top layer is made of natural materials, which helps to lower the cost of this timeless style.

Easy to customise

Staying on-trend is easy with real wood, as the top layer of timber can be re-sanded and re-finished up to three times. Personalise this flooring with paints, oils, stains and varnishes to create a custom look in your home.

Howdens Real Wood Pre-Finished Oak Single Plank Wide

Long-lasting and versatile

The laminate layers of this floor type holds up well against humidity and heat fluctuations, making it a versatile option that can be used in multiple areas of the home. It also means it is quicker to fit as it requires little acclimatising.

What are the different types?

With a wide selection of shades and patterns to choose from, it is easy to bring the look of natural elements to your home.

Pre-Finished Oak Single Plank Wide (W180mm)

Consider pre-finished

As well as reducing installation time, the pre-finished coating of this real wood floor helps to resist stains and scratches, so families can make light work of cleaning and enjoy a newer looking floor for longer.

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Howdens Solid Pre-Finished Fast Fit Bamboo

Go for glueless fast-fit

Available in a variety of shades and patterns, our fast-fit real wood floor reduces installation time. New and improved technology also means this floor requires no glue or knocking to fit it into place.

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Choose a 3 strip design

Add visual interest and character to a space with the decorative finish of our three strip real wood floors. Made from veneers which create the three plank effect, it has also has a plywood base for added strength.

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Types of real wood

Howdens Pre-finished Solid Oiled Oak Flooring

Simplify with planks

A traditional design that replicates the look of solid boards, real wood plank floors add simple style and a natural look to a home. It also comes is a selection of colours to suit many interiors.

Browse plank real wood flooring

Introduce trendy grey

Chic and versatile, a cool grey tone can be paired with a variety of colours and gives any room a stylish update. You can choose from single plank or three strip designs.

Explore grey real wood flooring

Howdens Real Wood Pre-Finished Fast Fit Chestnut Oak Single Plank Wide

Add timeless oak

For a look that transcend trends, opt for real wood in an oak shade. Great for adding warmth and natural character, the variety of shades available make it easy to match your home.

Discover oak flooring

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