If you’re looking to install solid or engineered wood flooring by hand, here are a few things to bear in mind:

Before you purchase your solid wood flooring, check which installation system it uses. There are two main types: ‘Tongue and Groove’ and ‘Click’.

• Tongue and Groove is more traditional, ensuring dimensional stability and strength. Along one edge, a ‘tongue’ protrudes from the centre of the board, whilst on the other, an indented groove is cut into the wood. This allows each board to fit together securely.

• Click installation is quick and hassle free. Like tongue and groove, click boards fit together, however, the click method allows the boards to lock into place, snapping together with a single movement.

Many fitters prefer floating their boards due to quick and easy installation. Floating does not require you to fix your flooring to a subfloor. Both click and tongue and groove planks can be fitted this way.

Adhesive is applied to the groove for added stability, and underlay is fitted underneath the board. This cuts down on labour, whilst ensuring that your boards are comfortable and strong underfoot.

Fixing your flooring to the subfloor will encourage a long lifespan and minimal movement. Both Tongue and Groove and Click boards can be fitted this way, however, it is more popular with the former.

Depending on the material of your subfloor, boards can be fixed in a variety of ways. For solid surfaces such as concrete, adhesive is applied directly under the board. For wooden subfloors, the boards can be ‘secret nailed’ along the tongue. Both methods are equally beneficial, giving you outstanding results.

For an in-depth look at fitting solid wood flooring, check out our dedicated installation guide. We’ve curated the best tips and tricks, helping your renovation go smoothly.