The Ultimate Guide to Wood Flooring in London

Flooring is more than a design choice — it’s the foundation of your home’s character. Among all flooring options, wood flooring remains the most timeless, elegant, and durable. Whether you own a Victorian townhouse in Hampstead, a modern flat in Canary Wharf, or a boutique in Chelsea, the warmth and sophistication of wood never go out of style.

At UniqFloors – Flooring Specialist London, we bring over 20 years of expertise in supplying and installing wood flooring in London. From selecting the right wood species to ensuring flawless installation, our team delivers craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

Visit our showroom at 669 Finchley Road, at the junction of Finchley Road and Prospect Road, London NW2 2HY, to explore a wide range of solid, engineered, and oak wood flooring collections.

What Is Wood Flooring?

Wood flooring refers to flooring made primarily from timber, offering both structural strength and aesthetic value. It can be manufactured as solid hardwood flooring (a single piece of timber) or engineered wood flooring (multiple layers for extra stability).

This natural material adds warmth, acoustic comfort, and longevity unmatched by synthetic floors. Many London homeowners choose hardwood flooring because it enhances property value while creating a calm, organic atmosphere in every room.

Ultimate Guide to Wood Flooring in London

Why Choose Wood Flooring in London?

London’s architectural diversity calls for a flooring option that adapts to both period and contemporary homes. Wood flooring achieves that perfect balance — classic yet modern, natural yet practical.

  1. Timeless Appeal

Wood flooring adds lasting beauty to any space. Its natural grain patterns and rich tones evolve with age, giving character and warmth that no synthetic surface can replicate.

  1. Durability and Longevity

High-quality hardwood flooring can last decades — even centuries — with proper care. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a long-term investment.

  1. Eco-Friendly Choice

All our woods at UniqFloors are sustainably sourced. Engineered planks use less hardwood while maintaining the same look, reducing environmental impact.

  1. Easy to Maintain

With regular sweeping and occasional polishing, your wood flooring remains beautiful and resilient for years.

  1. Property Value

Installing wooden floors can significantly increase your home’s resale value, making it a wise financial decision.

Softwood vs Hardwood Flooring

When planning your wood floor installation, the first distinction to understand is between softwood and hardwood.

  • Hardwood Flooring: Includes oak, walnut, ash, and maple. Known for strength and resistance to wear — ideal for high-traffic rooms.
  • Softwood Flooring: Includes pine, spruce, and cedar. More affordable, warmer underfoot, and suited for less busy areas.

In London homes, hardwood remains the preferred choice for its resilience and timeless appearance.

Popular Wood Species in London

Oak Flooring

Oak is the most popular wood flooring in London due to its distinctive grain, versatility, and strength. Available in red or white varieties, oak adapts to both traditional and modern interiors. Over time, it develops a charming patina that adds depth to your space.

Walnut Flooring

Dark and luxurious, walnut wood adds sophistication and warmth to living rooms and bedrooms.

Maple Flooring

Maple has a light, creamy tone ideal for minimalist or Scandinavian-style interiors.

Ash and Beech Flooring

Both species are durable and offer subtle grain patterns, perfect for contemporary London flats.

At UniqFloors, we provide a curated selection of hardwood flooring species, each available in multiple finishes and thicknesses to suit your style and budget.

Why Choose Wood Flooring in London

Types of Wood Flooring

When clients visit our showroom, they often ask which type of wood flooring best fits their lifestyle and property. Below, we explain the main options available across London homes.

  1. Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, usually 18–22 mm thick. It can be sanded and refinished many times throughout its life, lasting well over 50 years.

Key Advantages:

  • 100% natural wood from top to bottom.
  • Can be restored multiple times.
  • Provides a traditional, high-end appearance.

Considerations:

Solid wood expands and contracts with humidity, so professional installation is essential. At UniqFloors, our experts acclimatise the boards before fitting to ensure stability and long-term durability.

Solid wood flooring suits living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms — areas with consistent humidity.

  1. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is made of multiple layers — a real hardwood veneer on top of plywood or HDF beneath. This design provides structural stability and prevents warping, making it ideal for London flats with underfloor heating or temperature variations.

Benefits:

  • Same authentic look as solid wood.
  • Compatible with underfloor heating.
  • More resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
  • Faster and cleaner installation process.

Many homeowners in North London choose engineered wood floors for kitchens or converted basements where humidity levels fluctuate.

  1. Parquet and Herringbone Wood Flooring

For those seeking a statement look, herringbone or chevron wood patterns add elegance and architectural charm. These intricate designs create a sense of movement and depth, perfect for period homes or luxury apartments.

At UniqFloors, our expert installers specialise in parquet designs that combine precision craftsmanship with modern finishing techniques.

The Wooden Floor Installation Process

Professional installation is key to achieving a long-lasting and visually flawless result. At UniqFloors, we follow a proven multi-step process for every wooden floor installation in London:

  1. Consultation & Measurement – We assess your space and recommend the best wood type, thickness, and finish.
  2. Subfloor Preparation – A perfectly level subfloor is essential. Any irregularities are corrected to prevent future gaps or movement.
  3. Acclimatisation – For solid wood floors, boards are left to adjust to the room’s humidity before fitting.
  4. Precision Installation – Using tongue-and-groove or click systems, we ensure seamless alignment and minimal waste.
  5. Finishing & Aftercare – Once fitted, your floor is cleaned, polished, and protected with the appropriate sealant or oil.

Whether you’re installing hardwood flooring in your living room or upgrading your workspace, our specialists ensure professional precision at every stage.

Maintenance and Restoration

A wooden floor’s beauty lasts for decades when properly maintained. However, over time, minor scratches or dullness can appear — this is where UniqFloors’ restoration services come in.

Floor Sanding

We carefully sand the surface to remove imperfections and reveal the wood’s natural grain.

Refinishing

Using eco-friendly oils or UV-cured lacquers, we restore the sheen while protecting against daily wear.

Deep Cleaning

Annual professional cleaning helps preserve the finish and prevents dirt build-up.

Regular maintenance ensures your wood flooring remains as stunning as the day it was installed.

Solid vs Engineered Wood Flooring: Which Should You Choose?

Both types offer unique benefits. Here’s how to decide:

Feature Solid Wood Engineered Wood
Composition 100% hardwood Hardwood veneer + core layers
Durability Extremely long-lasting High durability with more stability
Moisture Resistance Moderate High
Underfloor Heating Not recommended Perfectly compatible
Refinishing Multiple times 1–2 times
Price Higher More affordable

If you live in a modern flat or property with underfloor heating, engineered wood flooring is ideal. For heritage homes or high-value interiors, solid wood flooring delivers unmatched authenticity.

Choosing the Right Finish

The finish defines both the look and durability of your floor.

  • Oiled Finish – Enhances natural grain and provides a soft matte appearance.
  • Lacquered Finish – Adds shine and better resistance to scratches.
  • Brushed & Smoked – Offers a rustic, aged character ideal for traditional London homes.

Our specialists will guide you through the available finishes to match your lighting, decor, and daily usage.

Combine Wood with Other Flooring Solutions

Many London homeowners blend different floor types to achieve a seamless yet functional home design. For example:

  • Engineered wood flooring for main living areas.
  • Luxury vinyl flooring in moisture-prone rooms.
  • Carpets in bedrooms for added comfort.

At UniqFloors, we also provide:

This combination creates design continuity while maintaining practicality across your entire property.

Why Choose UniqFloors – Your Flooring Specialist London

  • 20+ years of experience installing wood, vinyl, and carpet floors.
  • Expert craftsmanship with attention to detail from start to finish.
  • Premium materials from trusted, sustainable suppliers.
  • Local expertise with hundreds of satisfied London homeowners.
  • Comprehensive service – from supply to aftercare.

Our showroom, located at 669 Finchley Road, NW2 2HY, is open to homeowners, architects, and developers looking for bespoke flooring solutions.

Request your free quote today or visit us in person to see how we can transform your home with natural beauty and precision.

FAQs About Wood Flooring in London

What is the best type of wood flooring for London homes?

For London’s climate, engineered wood flooring is often best due to its stability and compatibility with underfloor heating. However, solid hardwood flooring remains the top choice for period properties and high-end renovations.

How long does wood flooring last?

With proper installation and maintenance, hardwood floors can last more than 50 years. Engineered floors typically last 25–30 years.

Is wood flooring suitable for kitchens or bathrooms?

Yes, with the right finish and care. Engineered wood performs better in rooms exposed to humidity, while solid wood is ideal for dry areas.

How much does wooden floor installation cost in London?

Costs vary based on wood type, size, and preparation. Visit UniqFloors showroom or request a quote for an accurate estimate.

Can wood floors be restored?

Absolutely. Our wood floor restoration services include sanding, refinishing, and re-oiling to bring old floors back to life.

 

In need of some help choosing your Carpets?Call 020 7433 3131 or visit our Finchley showroom

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