Ted Todd | Specialist Woods Birnham Narrow Herringbone

Installation Methods for Engineered Oak Plank and Herringbone Floors

Before You Start

Let boards acclimatise in the room they'll be fitted in for 48-72 hours before installation, ideally at normal room temperature and humidity. This gives the wood time to adjust and reduces the risk of movement once it's down.

Always leave an expansion gap of around 10-15mm around the perimeter of the room and against any fixed obstacles such as pipes or door frames. This gap can be hidden under skirting board or scotia once fitting is complete.

Nailing Down

Engineered Oak Plank floors can be secret-nailed to an existing timber subfloor, including:

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

Gluing Down

Engineered Oak Plank and Herringbone floors can be glued directly to:

• 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

• Test the subfloor's moisture level before installing. Concrete should be checked with a damp proof membrane test or moisture meter and confirmed against your adhesive manufacturer's threshold (commonly around 75% RH) before proceeding.
• We recommend using a Surface Primer to ensure a strong bond
  between the subfloor and adhesive.

Special Considerations for Gypsum or Anhydrite Screeds

• Anhydrite screeds are slow to cure. Check the surface moisture content is within the adhesive manufacturer's specified limit before fitting, particularly important where underfloor heating is fitted beneath the screed.
• Additional preparation is required, including the removal of the soft surface laitance and refinishing with a primer and levelling compound.

Floating

A floating floor can be installed over:

• Concrete
• Anhydrite
• Existing wood floor
• Chipboard
• Ceramic tiles
• Terrazzo
• Metal
• PVC
• Linoleum
• Slate
• Marble
• OSB
• Plywood

(Note: Floating floors cannot be installed over carpet.)

The type of underlay needed depends on the subfloor condition. However, for most installations, we recommend using an underlay with a built-in damp-proof membrane, particularly over concrete or screed subfloors.

Underfloor Heating

Most of our engineered oak ranges are suitable for use over underfloor heating up to a maximum flow temperature of 27°C, check the individual product page to confirm. When commissioning underfloor heating beneath a new floor, bring the temperature up gradually over several days rather than switching straight to full heat, and avoid running the system at full temperature for at least a week after installation to let the floor settle. Fully bonded (glued) installation is generally recommended over floating or nailing for the best heat transfer.

Additional Notes

• Plank Floors: Suitable for floating, secret-nailing, or gluing down.
• Herringbone Floors: Typically glued down but can be floated under the right circumstances.

Always refer to the manufacturer's fitting guides for the appropriate installation method.

How do I clean this floor?

To clean an oiled or lacquered floor, always follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure. 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.

If your floor is unfinished, it should be sealed with an oil, lacquer or wax before use. Until it's finished, only dry-clean it (vacuum or a dry mop), as bare wood will mark and swell if it gets wet.

Does my floor need to acclimatise before installing?

Yes, we recommend letting your floor acclimatise for 3 to 4 days before installation. This should be done in the same room where it will be installed, and the flooring should remain in its sealed packaging to prevent warping due to temperature changes. Avoid storing the flooring outdoors, in outbuildings, or in areas with damp or condensation issues.

How much wastage do I need?

We generally recommend accounting for 10% wastage for plank floors, and 15% for herringbone. However, factors such as room shape and laying style can impact this, so always consult with your installer first.

What condition should the subfloor be in?

The subfloor beneath your 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 is colour variation and how should I lay the planks
with colour variation?

Colour variation refers to the natural differences in colour and grain that occur in real wood. To achieve a balanced look, blend planks from several packs across the entire room rather than laying one pack at a time.

What type of joints does this flooring have?

Our engineered floors typically feature tongue and groove joints, unless stated otherwise on the individual product page.

What expansion gaps are needed?

Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. When fitting a wood floor, leave expansion gaps wherever the boards meet a wall, structural support, stairs, breakfast bar, fireplace, or central heating pipe. Gaps must also be considered at doorways to allow for differing expansion between rooms. Use spacers at regular intervals when fitting and remove them before installing skirting boards, beading, or trims. Allow a 2mm gap for every metre span of the floor, with a minimum of 10-15mm gap regardless. For areas over 5m in width, extra provisions should be made for expansion.

How can this flooring be installed?

Engineered plank flooring can be installed by floating, secret-nailing, or gluing down. For floors with underfloor heating, we recommend a glue-down installation for better heat transfer. Herringbone floors are typically glued down but can be floated under the right conditions. Always refer to the manufacturer's fitting instructions for best results.

Can I have underfloor heating with this flooring?

Suitability depends on the specific product, some of our ranges are rated for underfloor heating up to a maximum flow temperature, while others (including most solid wood) are not. Please check the underfloor heating suitability shown on the product page before you buy, and always refer to the manufacturer's installation guide for the appropriate method.

What does 'pack includes cut lengths' mean?

This means that at least one plank within your pack will be cut in half. This is intentional to help spread the joints out across your floor, preventing weakening. The other planks will be of the same length.

Can I use this flooring in my bathroom?

We generally do not recommend using engineered or solid wood flooring in bathrooms or wet rooms. For waterproof options, consider products specifically designed for high-moisture environments, such as Click LVT.

Delivery Information

At Newland Floors and Doors, we aim to provide efficient and reliable delivery services. Please read the following information to understand our shipping process and policies.

Stock Availability and Shipping Times

We keep stock of our most popular products. Your order will be dispatched either from our premises or directly from the manufacturer or supplier. Shipping times may vary depending on product availability and type. If your order contains multiple products, please note these may arrive as separate deliveries on different days.

Flooring and Door Deliveries

Once your order is received, we aim to process deliveries quickly. The typical delivery time is between 3 to 5 business days, although it may be longer during peak seasons, weekends, or public holidays. We'll be in touch to confirm delivery details ahead of time so you know when to expect your order.

All flooring and door deliveries are kerbside only, meaning the goods will be left at the kerb or the nearest accessible point to your property, and you'll need to bring them in yourself. Flooring packs are heavy, often 20kg or more, so please arrange help carrying them in, particularly if there's any distance between the kerb and your door. If this could be an issue, please let us know at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options.

Checking Your Delivery

Please inspect your goods at the time of delivery, before signing for them. If anything appears damaged or you're missing items, note this on the delivery paperwork and contact us straight away. We're unable to accept damage claims made after goods have been signed for as received in good condition.

Important Notes

• Deliveries may be made using various commercial vehicles, including up to 18-tonne lorries. We assume that your property is accessible to these types of vehicles.
• Large quantities of flooring cannot be carried up stairs or into upper-floor properties, including flats above ground floor (even where a lift is available) and communal areas. For flats, your order will be left at the external doorstep on the ground floor. For properties with stepped access, the flooring will be left at the bottom of the steps.
• Drivers may need assistance with unloading larger items. If access is likely to be an issue, please let us know at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options.
• Deliveries to certain areas, such as Scotland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and others, may take longer than the usual delivery time.
• We currently only ship within the UK and do not accept orders for the EU or other international locations.

For further assistance or inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact our team.

Cancelling Your Order

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

Please check the outer packaging at the time of delivery, and sign as unchecked if you're not able to inspect it fully before the driver leaves. 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. Please send photos of the damaged products along with your order details within 48 hours of receiving the goods.

Leftover Packs

We accept returns of unused and unopened packs of flooring within 30 days of delivery, subject to the conditions below and a supplier restocking and collection fee (see below).

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 Brooks. 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.
• On receipt, returns will be inspected, and any damaged goods will be deducted from the return value.
• A restocking and collection fee applies to all returns made under this 30-day policy. This fee is set by our supplier and passed on directly, we don't add anything on top. We will always inform you of the fee prior to your return and confirm any deductions before arranging collection.