Installation Methods for Solid Wood Flooring

Nailing Down

Solid wood flooring can be secret-nailed to an existing timber subfloor. Suitable subfloors include:

• Solid wood flooring
• Plywood
• OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
• Particleboard
• Most vinyl tile or non-cushioned resilient floors that have been installed on a wood subfloor and are securely adhered

Gluing Down

Solid wood flooring can be glued directly to various surfaces, including:

• Concrete
• Ceramic tiles
• Terrazzo
• Metal
• Slate
• Marble
• OSB
• Plywood

Ensure the existing surface is rough or porous. Pre-sand any slick or sealed surfaces, especially gypsum and anhydrite screeds, to remove the soft surface laitance.

Special Considerations for Gluing to Concrete

• We recommend using a surface primer to ensure a strong bond between the subfloor and adhesive.

Special Considerations for Gypsum or Anhydrite Screeds

• Additional preparation is required, including the removal of the soft surface laitance and refinishing with a primer and leveling compound.

Frequently Asked Questions about Solid Wood Flooring

How do I clean this floor?
To clean your oiled or lacquered floor, always follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures. Alternatively, you can use a well-wrung mop with water only. We do not recommend using a steam mop or any other cleaning solutions on our floors.

Is solid wood flooring suitable for underfloor heating?
No, we do not advise using underfloor heating with solid wood flooring. Solid hardwood tends to expand and contract with temperature changes, making it unstable for use with underfloor heating systems.

Does solid wood flooring need to acclimatise before being installed?
Yes, we recommend letting your solid wood floor acclimatise for 5 to 7 days before installation. This should be done in the same room where it will be installed and within the sealed packaging to prevent warping from temperature changes. Avoid storing the flooring outdoors, in outbuildings, or in areas with damp or condensation issues.

Can I float solid wood flooring?
No, solid wood flooring can only be installed by either fully gluing it down or by secret nailing it down.

What condition should the subfloor be in?
The subfloor beneath a natural wood floor must be in good structural condition, free from damp rot, fungal or insect infestation, and contaminating residues. It should be flat with uneven areas not exceeding 3mm over a 2m area. The surface should be vacuumed and completely free of debris before installation. Ensure hot pipes are well insulated to prevent localised hotspots, which can cause the wood to warp or shrink.

What if I am installing over floorboards?
If installing over floorboards, ensure the voids beneath have a height of 600mm from the ground to the bottom side of the joists. We recommend using a suitable damp-proof membrane to protect the floor from moisture. Make sure the voids are vented around the perimeter, with vents positioned to allow airflow under the entire floor. As a rule of thumb, all venting should equal a minimum of 1.5% of the total square meterage of the installation. Keep the vents open throughout the year.

Is solid wood flooring suitable for bathrooms?
No, solid wood flooring is not suitable for bathrooms or wet rooms. For waterproof flooring options, please view our Brecon range.

What is colour variation and how should I lay the planks with colour variation?
Colour variation refers to the natural differences in colour that occur in real wood. To achieve a balanced look, blend planks from several packs across the entire room.

What does 'pack includes random lengths' mean?
This means that your floor pack will include boards of various lengths rather than boards of the same length. This is due to product availability as each piece is made from a single piece of timber.

How much wastage do I need?
We generally recommend accounting for 10% wastage. However, factors such as room shape and laying style can impact this, so always consult with your installer first.

What joints do these planks have?
Solid Wood flooring features tongue and groove joints.

All Brooks Floors deliveries are made either from Brooks main warehouse or our store in Coleford, Gloucestershire. We only keep stock of our most popular lines, so please allow up to 5 working days for standard delivery. All flooring deliveries are curb-side, meaning you will need to carry the goods into your property. If this is likely to be a problem, please inform us at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options.

Delivery Details

• Availability: If no one is available to accept your delivery at the provided address, a re-delivery charge will apply when you reschedule.
• Delivery Vehicles: Deliveries can be made in various commercial vehicles, including up to 18-tonne lorries. It is assumed that the property is easily accessible to these vehicle types.
• Access Restrictions: Flooring cannot be delivered to properties with stepped access, flats above the ground floor (regardless of lift access), or left in communal areas. For flats, orders will be left at the ground floor external doorstep. For residential properties with stepped access, flooring will be left at the bottom of the steps. Drivers may need assistance with unloading larger items. If access is likely to be a problem, please inform us at the time of order to discuss alternative delivery options.
• Doorstep Delivery: Doorstep delivery is available for lighter parcels. Depending on the courier, you will receive delivery time updates. Please leave your mobile number when checking out.

If you wish to cancel your order before it has been dispatched, please contact us with your order number and the details of the item(s) you wish to cancel.

Damaged or Missing Goods

In the rare event that you receive damaged goods or there are missing items, please contact us directly as soon as possible so we can resolve the issue swiftly. Follow these steps if you receive faulty products:

1. Send photos of the damaged products along with your order details within 48 hours of receiving the goods.

Leftover Packs

We offer a full refund for unused and unopened packs of flooring within 30 days of delivery. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds after 30 days.

Please note the following conditions for returns:

• All goods must be stored correctly (at ambient temperature, away from moisture) and will be moisture-read on return to Woodpecker. If the moisture reading is outside the 7-11% WME range, a refund will not be issued.
• All goods must be in their original packaging with only clear tape used to reseal packs.
• A £25 collection charge applies to all returns.
• On receipt at Brooks, returns will be inspected, and any damaged goods will be deducted from the return value.
• A restocking fee of 20% of the return value applies to all returns. Unfortunately, this fee is beyond our control and is part of our supplier's policy. We will always inform you of this fee prior to your return and will confirm any deductions before arranging collection.