# Engineered Wood Flooring Source: https://milaflooring.com/engineered-wood-flooring Last updated: 30 September 2026 **In short:** Engineered wood flooring has a real hardwood top layer bonded to a stable plywood or softwood core. Mila Flooring supplies and fits it across Carlow and Leinster with full subfloor preparation, and most boards are suitable over underfloor heating. Engineered wood gives you the warmth and grain of real hardwood, with a layered core that stays stable through central heating, damp Irish winters and open plan living. ## Real wood, built for modern homes The top layer is genuine hardwood, so it looks, feels and ages like a solid floor. Underneath, the layered core resists the swelling and shrinking that heating and humidity cause, which makes engineered boards the natural choice for kitchens and open plan rooms. ## A natural match for underfloor heating Most engineered boards are designed to sit over underfloor heating. We match the board, the underlay and the fitting method to your system and to the manufacturer's guidance. ## Plank or pattern Choose wide planks for a calm, contemporary room, or engineered herringbone and chevron for a floor that becomes the feature. Either way, the subfloor is prepared properly first. ## What the job includes ### What's included - Floor assessment before we quote - Subfloor inspection and levelling - Moisture barrier where needed - Underlay or adhesive to suit the board - Skirting and thresholds fitted - Old flooring taken away ### Styles & finishes - Wide plank and standard plank - Herringbone and chevron patterns - Natural, smoked and stained tones - Lacquered or oiled finishes - Suitable over most underfloor heating - Matched to your stairs and thresholds ## Why clients choose this service - **Real hardwood surface.** Genuine timber grain and warmth, in oak and other hardwoods. - **Stable layered core.** Copes with heating, humidity and big open plan spaces. - **Underfloor heating ready.** Most boards suit underfloor heating, fitted to the manufacturer's guidance. - **Can be refinished.** A thick enough top layer can be sanded and refinished in years to come. ## Questions ### Engineered or solid wood, which should I choose? Both are real wood on the surface. Engineered wood is more stable because of its layered core, so it copes better with heating, open plan rooms and changes in humidity. Solid wood can be sanded more times over its life. For most modern Irish homes, especially with underfloor heating, engineered is the safer choice. ### Can engineered wood go over underfloor heating? Most engineered boards are designed for it, because the layered core moves less than solid timber as the floor warms and cools. Each manufacturer sets a maximum surface temperature and fitting method. Tell us about your heating system and we will match a board to it. ### Can engineered wood be sanded and refinished? Yes, if the hardwood top layer is thick enough. A thicker wear layer can be sanded back and refinished, while a thin one can only be lightly recoated. If being able to renew the floor in future matters to you, ask about the wear layer when choosing a board. ### Is engineered wood suitable for a kitchen? It is a popular kitchen floor because the core is stable and a good lacquer or oil finish resists everyday spills. Wipe up standing water quickly. For bathrooms, utility rooms and anywhere that gets properly wet, a waterproof vinyl or SPC floor is the better choice. ### Do you fit engineered herringbone? Yes. Herringbone and parquet patterns are a large part of our work. See our herringbone page for how pattern floors are planned and laid. ### Do engineered wood floors need to settle before fitting? Wood flooring should be left in the room it will be fitted in before laying, so it adjusts to the temperature and humidity. The manufacturer's instructions set how long. ### Can you supply the flooring? Yes, we supply and fit. If you have already chosen or bought a floor, mention it when you ask for a quote. ## Get a quote Fill in https://milaflooring.com/quote or call 085 143 3969. Email info@milaflooring.com. Quotes are free with no obligation.