How is solid wood flooring installed?

Solid wood flooring is most commonly installed using a tongue & groove system, where each plank has a protruding “tongue” on one side and a matching “groove” on the other. This method ensures the boards lock tightly together for a seamless and secure fit. However, due to the nature of solid wood, it must also be fixed to the subfloor for stability—typically using either nailing or glueing methods.

The right installation method depends on your subfloor. If you have wooden floorboards or a timber subfloor, nail-down installation is ideal. The planks are nailed through the tongue into wooden battens or joists beneath. This creates a very sturdy floor and allows for a small amount of natural movement, which is important for wood expansion and contraction.

If you’re installing over concrete or underfloor heating (though underfloor heating isn't always recommended for solid wood), the floor should be glued down using a flexible adhesive. This helps prevent movement and keeps the boards in place as the wood responds to changes in temperature and humidity.

Unlike engineered wood, solid wood is not suitable for floating installation (where planks are clicked together and laid over underlay without fixing), as it’s too prone to expansion and contraction.

Before installation begins, it’s vital to let the boards acclimatise in the room for at least 5–7 days. This allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space, helping avoid warping after installation.

Finally, professional installation is highly recommended for solid wood flooring to ensure long-term stability and the best results.