Frequently Asked Questions.

Engineered timber floorboards are made by joining multiple layers of wood to create a single floorboard. The boards consist of a core of layered pine, ply, or other species of wood with the top surface layer being natural solid wood that’s coloured and lacquered.

Yes! The term “engineered” does not mean the wood is synthetic. For example, laminate flooring, which is made from high density fibreboard (HDF), can be made to imitate the appearance of timber flooring. Engineered timber flooring is real wood, but the board itself has been manufactured out of different types of layered timber.

The way in which engineered timber floorboards are made mean they offer a range of performance benefits over solid hardwood, for example stability and sustainability. Engineered timber flooring is made from 100% real wood, so it has an authentic look and feel. The structure of the layered floorboard means it’s designed and structured in a way to mitigate warping and cupping with changes in temperature and can be more stable in humid environments.

Engineered refers to the way in which the timber flooring plank is constructed. An engineered timber flooring plank consists of multiple layers as opposed to solid timber which is one single layer, or one single solid plank of wood.

In addition to our large range of engineered timber flooring. We also offer a wide range of hybrid vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. Both our hybrid and laminate flooring ranges have products designed for multiple budgets and interior styles.

Hybrid flooring is a product that combines multiple different materials together into one easy-to-install product. The planks in all our our hybrid flooring ranges are made from a stone-polymer core, a durable ‘timber-look’ vinyl surface layer, and an underlay already applied to the back of the board.

Each element of a hybrid floorboard provides benefits over other flooring products. The stone-polymer core offers flexibility and durability. The vinyl surface layer provides protection to printed image of the timber grain and guards against wear and tear. The pre-applied underlay makes the board quick to install, as underlay does not need to be installed before the board.

Laminate flooring is an incredibly durable and wear resistant flooring product. Consisting of four layers; a wear resistant overlay designed to resist stains and scratches, a design layer with a high-resolution print of timber, a high-density fibreboard core that is extremely durable and moisture resistant, and a balancing layer designed to keep the board stable after installation.

With its durable surface layer and high-density fibreboard core, laminate flooring is extremely durable. Laminate flooring is far more scratch resistant, impact resistant, and longer lasting than hardwood, vinyl, or carpet. It’s extremely good for homes where cats, dogs, kids, and even high heels are constantly present.

At Suburban Flooring Co. we use the glue down method for all of our engineered European Oak timber flooring. The glue down method is when the engineered timber flooring is fixed down directly to the subfloor using an adhesive. An even layer of bonding agent is applied to the floor substrate and/or the back of the plank, and a tongue and groove system is used, which makes for an easier installation and secure joins. The glue that’s applied to the subfloor also acts as a moisture barrier for the timber flooring above it.

Hybrid flooring always use the ‘floating’ installation method. As all our hybrid flooring products have the underlay built in, the hybrid planks are laid directly over the subfloor without any adhesive. Our hybrid flooring products use a click-lock system known as Uniclic, which means each plank clicks together and is locked into place over the subfloor. As hybrid flooring is not glued down, the planks can be easily uninstalled should you ever need to change out any planks.

Like our hybrid flooring range, our laminate flooring range is also installed using the ‘floating’ method. Unlike hybrid flooring, laminate flooring does not have the underlay built in, so a separate underlay will need to be installed over the subfloor before the laminate flooring planks are installed. Once the underlay in installed, the laminate boards are installed with a click-lock system known as Uniclic where each plank clicks together and is locked into place over the underlay. Like hybrid flooring, laminate flooring is not glued down, so they can also be easily uninstalled should you need to change out any planks.

Caring for engineered timber flooring doesn’t have to be hard. It’s recommended that you regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris that can cause micro scratches to the surface. Overtime, these scratches can dull and damage the surface.

When mopping your floor, never use a steam mop or wet mop and bucket like you would with tiles. You can use a lightly damp mop that won’t leave excess water on the floor. Water left on engineered timber flooring can cause damage and swelling at the joins of the planks.

Alternatively, we recommend a dedicated engineered timber floor cleaning solution and microfibre spray-mop for the best results. Not only will this leave your floors clean, it will also help to protect the surface. Always clean up spills as soon as possible. Check out our blog for further tips and our online store for cleaning products.

To keep you new hybrid floor looking its best, regularly sweep and vacuum to remove dirt and debris that could cause abrasions and scratches to the surface. Clean up spills and accidents as soon as possible. 

For mopping, use and dry to damp (never wet) mop or a hybrid floor cleaner in a spray-mop with microfibre pad. Dedicated floors cleaners and microfibre mops will help to keep your floor looking newer for longer.

Try to keep dirt and debris at bay regularly sweeping and vacuuming. By doing so, you’ll reduce the possibility of surface scratches and potential damage. If accidents or spills occur, be sure to wipe them up as soon as possible. Quick cleaning of spills will help to minimise potential damage and stains.

For mopping, use and dry to damp (never wet) mop or a hybrid floor cleaner in a spray-mop with microfibre pad. Dedicated floors cleaners and microfibre mops will help to keep your floor looking newer for longer.