Engineered Wood and Laminate Flooring FAQs

Choosing some new flooring usually brings up a few practical questions, especially around underlay, moisture, underfloor heating and where it can be used.

We’ve answered some of the more frequently asked questions about laminate flooring and engineered wood flooring below. Where requirements vary by range, always check the fitting guide or product specification for the exact floor you have chosen.

1. Do You Need Additional Damp-Proof Membrane On Products That Have An In-Built Underlay?

A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is required when the flooring is being installed over a new concrete floor, even where the product already has integrated underlay.

If there is an ongoing damp problem, this needs to be resolved before the new flooring is fitted.

2. Do Laminate And Engineered Wood Flooring Need Underlay?

It is often the case that laminate and engineered wood flooring need underlay, but all of our current laminate and engineered wood ranges already come with integrated underlay included, so there is no need to buy or fit a separate layer underneath.

Adding extra underlay is not recommended, as it can create too much movement beneath the boards and may affect the locking system. The main thing to focus on instead is making sure the substrate is clean, dry, stable and suitable for the flooring before installation starts.

3. Can Laminate and Engineered Wood Be Used With Underfloor Heating?

Yes. Our current laminate and engineered wood flooring can be used with both water-based and electric underfloor heating systems, provided the installation requirements are followed.

The floor surface temperature should not exceed 27°C. For water-based systems, the guidance requires a 50mm screed, while electric systems require a 13mm screed above the heating system.

It is also important to follow the fitting instructions for the exact flooring range before installation, as the heating system needs to be factored into the preparation from the start.

4. Can Laminate and Engineered Wood Be Laid In A Conservatory?

We strongly advise against fitting laminate or engineered wood flooring in a conservatory. These rooms can experience big changes in temperature between the day and night, and those fluctuations can cause the boards to move or warp, which may put stress on the locking system.

Conservatories also tend to receive a lot of direct sunlight, so the flooring can fade more quickly over time. For that reason, it is better to choose a floor that is specifically suitable for the temperature changes and sunlight exposure you would expect in a conservatory, such as our SPC Flooring.

5. What Is A 4V Groove?

A 4V groove means the plank has a bevelled edge on all four sides. Once the floor is fitted, those bevels create a visible outline around each board, helping to give the flooring more definition and a finish that is closer to the look of individual timber planks.

All of our current laminate and engineered wood ranges use a 4V groove, so you’ll see that defined edge around each plank once the floor is laid.

6. What Is Hydro+?

Hydro+ is a water repellent coating that is applied on the joints of the planks to make laminate flooring water resistant. It is a hydrophobic coating (not a wax or oil) that protects the laminate flooring, whether it has a bevel edge or not.

This coating is applied during the manufacturing process so that the flooring is ready to be installed. This special coating provides resistance against spills for up to 24 hours, this is why it’s recommended to clean up any liquid spill within 24 hours, but preferably immediately.

7. Do You Need To Use Click Guard Waterproofing Treatments Between Joints To Use In A Bathroom?

No, additional Click Guard treatment is not recommended for our current laminate or engineered wood flooring. During manufacturer a resin is added to the joint edges, so when fitted, the resin joints join up to seal the planks. Alongside this, our laminate flooring has a V313 heavily water-resistant core and most of our engineered wood have a water-resistant SPC core.

If you are fitting the floor in a bathroom, always make sure the exact product is suitable for that room and follow the relevant fitting guide.

8. Can Engineered Wood Flooring Be Sanded Down?

Some engineered wood flooring can be sanded down, but this depends on the thickness of the real wood veneer and the manufacturer’s guidance for the product.

Where sanding is permitted, around 0.5mm is typically removed per sand, so engineered wood should only be refinished a limited number of times over its lifetime. As a general rule, no more than three sandings may be recommended.

Our current engineered wood ranges are not suitable for sanding, so always check the product guidance before attempting to refinish the surface. If the floor becomes marked or worn, it is best to use our recommended cleaning and maintenance products.

Still have a question about your flooring? Our fitting guides guides cover the practical details in more depth, or you can visit your local Topps Tiles store for help choosing the right laminate flooring or engineered wood flooring for your space.

If you’re still weighing up your options, you can also explore our range of Luxury Vinyl Tiles, with different constructions, finishes and formats available depending on the room and look you have in mind.

Engineered Wood and Laminate Flooring FAQs

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Engineered Wood and Laminate Flooring FAQs