What types of product do you supply at Leek Oak?

At Leek Oak we offer an extensive range of both solid and engineered real hardwood flooring in a range of grades and finishes, both in traditional boards and parquet. We also supply wooden wall panels.

What is the difference between solid and engineered flooring?

Solid and engineered flooring appear similar but the difference lies in the construction of the boards. Solid wood flooring is exactly that –a single type of wood, directly from the source and shaped into boards. Engineered flooring consists of a real hardwood layer to provide the appearance of wood but it is fixed to a plywood base layer for stability.

What is the difference between engineered and structural engineered flooring?

Structural engineered flooring is constructed the same way as engineered flooring but it is thicker, at a minimum of 18mm. This added thickness increases its load bearing capacity and makes it suitable for installing over more surfaces, such as joists.

Which type of flooring is best for me?

There are many factors to consider when choosing your new flooring. Please refer to our pages on solid and engineered flooring for further information about each type and which one is most suitable for your project.

I have underfloor heating in my home and would like to fit real hardwood flooring. Is this possible?

Yes! While traditional solid hardwood flooring would not be compatible with underfloor heating due to its sensitivity to temperature changes, engineered flooring is stable to fluctuations and suitable for installing over underfloor heating.

Is it possible to have a hardwood floor in a conservatory or basement?

Yes! Conservatories are often prone to changes in moisture and temperature, so while solid wood flooring may not be suitable, you can certainly install engineered wooden flooring for the visual appearance of real hardwood, but with additional stability.

I want to invest in a long-lasting wooden floor for my property – what should I choose?

For the longest lasting option, solid wood flooring is a real investment. Despite its higher cost and increased maintenance, with appropriate care it can last a lifetime and adds real value and character to your property. It can also be sanded and refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan in the event of wear or damage. However, please keep in mind that solid wood flooring is not suitable for all applications – see the product page for information and guidance on whether this is the best choice for your project.

What do the different ‘grades’ of flooring mean?

The flooring grades are there to help you choose the right product for your property in terms of appearance. Grades refer to the level of variation and natural features present in the boards, such as sap, knots and grain pattern. The grade you choose will depend on the visual effect you desire! See our grade information page for more information and examples of the grades available.

Which finish should I choose?

There are extensive options available for flooring finishes so this depends entirely on the appearance you wish to achieve! Wooden flooring is available in a large range of colours and shades, with the option of different effects and finishes. Whether you are looking for aged, rustic flooring in deep shades or a clean, modern appearance in a light shade, you are bound to find a product to complement your property from the Leek Oak range. For further guidance on the different finishes available please refer to our information page.

Can I install my new flooring as soon as it arrives?

No. It is recommended that you allow the boards to acclimatise for 14 days in the room in which they are to be fitted. Simply lay the unopened packs flat in the room in which they are to be installed and allow around 14 days before fitting. See our fitting page for more information on this process.

How should I prepare for installation of my flooring?

Before your new flooring can be fitted, you must ensure that the subfloor is correctly prepared and that it is clean, dry and dust free. Moisture levels should also be checked and it should be ensured that the surface is flat and level – please see our fitting page for more information on how to check that your property is correctly prepared for installation.

I have recently had my property plastered; can I fit new wooden flooring?

No – due to the moisture levels caused by plastering, it is not advisable to install wooden flooring in a recently plastered space. Check with your supplier how long it takes for the plaster to fully dry out, but generally this can take 2-4 weeks depending on whether the plaster was applied to plasterboard or render.

I have recently had a concrete subfloor put in and wish to install my wooden flooring; can I do this straight away?

No. Concrete will increase the moisture levels and again can cause damage to wooden flooring. Concrete can take at least 60 days to cure but may require much longer depending on the area covered. Seek advice from your supplier on how long this may take to fully cure and ensure regular moisture measurements are taken.

Will I need underlay for fitting my new floor?

This depends on a few factors – the type of installation you are doing, the kind of subfloor you have and the moisture levels. Please see our fitting guide for further information. We also stock several different kinds of underlay suitable for a range of applications that you can purchase with your flooring.

Which fitting method should I use?

The method you use will depend on the type of flooring (solid, engineered) and the type of subfloor you have. Certain methods are not suitable for some types of flooring, and some subfloors require specific types of installation. See our fitting guide for more information on this and to help you choose the best method for your project.

What is the difference between the joining methods?

Most of our products use a tongue and groove joining system, but some have a ‘click’ system. These methods simply refer to the way that the boards attach to each other. Tongue and groove is the more traditional method and requires adhesive between the boards, and Click boards simply ‘click’ together without the need for adhesive.

How should I clean my flooring?

When carrying out normal cleaning, sweeping or vacuuming with a soft bristle brush or vacuum head is sufficient to remove dirt and dust. Ensure spills are cleaned up straight away and when you need to clean more thoroughly, use a specialist wood care product and take care not to over-wet your floor. See our wood care and maintenance page for more detailed information on how to care for, clean and maintain different types of finishes. We also stock a range of wood care products designed for use with our flooring and finishes.

What type of flooring finish should I choose?

Again, this depends on the appearance and style that you desire! We supply flooring in a range of finishes, from cleaner, modern styles for a contemporary aesthetic to distressed, rustic boards full of character. We also stock a wide variety of colours and stains to suit any home. You can also purchase unfinished boards if you require a level of customisation and select your own stains, colours and finishes to create a bespoke product tailored to your home. See our guide to finishes for more information.

Do I need to refinish my flooring? How do I go about this?

Though our finishes are durable and add protection to your flooring, it is still a natural wood product and as such can be scratched, worn or damaged over time. You can refinish your flooring when necessary, but how you do this depends on the type of finish and stain. See our wood care and maintenance page for information and guidance on how to repair and refinish your product. We do stock oils and lacquers for a range of products, allowing you to keep your flooring fresh and durable.

Are your products sustainably sourced?

Our products are produced from wood sourced from legal, sustainable forests in line with the EUTR (European Union Timber Regulations).