Laminate & Real Wood Flooring Guide – Choosing the Right Floor for Your Home

Hard flooring is a timeless choice for home improvement projects, bringing style, durability, and elegance to any space. Whether you’re updating a hallway, transforming a living room, or giving your bedroom a fresh look, laminate floors and solid wood flooring offer beautiful, long-lasting solutions.

At Trade Superstore, we provide three premium hard flooring types to suit every style and budget:

• Laminate flooring – affordable, versatile, and easy to install.

• Solid wood flooring – classic, luxurious, and long-lasting.

• Real wood top layer flooring – the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern practicality.

From herringbone to chevron designs, rustic finishes to sleek modern looks, we have laminate options and wood floors that will transform your home.

1. Laminate Flooring – Affordable Style with Easy Installation

If you want the look of natural wood without the higher price tag, laminate floors are a fantastic choice. They’re budget-friendly, stylish, and quick to install—perfect for DIY enthusiasts thanks to click fitting flooring systems.

Our laminate options come in a variety of finishes, from authentic oak, beech, and pine effects to more distinctive styles like reclaimed wood, painted boards, and parquet designs.

Key Benefits of Laminate Flooring:

• Affordable yet high-quality

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Available in 6–12mm thickness

• Suitable for underfloor heating

• Resistant to everyday wear and tear

How Laminate Flooring is Made:

1. Backing paper – adds stability and protects against moisture.

2. High-density fibreboard (HDF) – made from responsibly sourced wood (FSC® or PEFC™ certified).

3. Printed decorative layer – replicates the wood effect you choose.

4. Clear protective wear layer – ensures durability and scratch resistance.

2. Real Wood Top Layer Flooring – Natural Beauty with Added Durability

Also known as engineered wood flooring, real wood top layer flooring gives you the authentic look and feel of solid wood flooring with extra stability and moisture resistance. It’s perfect for rooms with fluctuating temperatures and humidity—though we recommend avoiding bathrooms and kitchens.

Features:

• Works with most underfloor heating systems

• Available in 10–18mm thickness

• Can be sanded and refinished a few times

• Multiple finishes – from pale whitewashed oak to deep caramel tones

Structure:

• Bottom layer – adds stability and prevents warping.

• Middle layer – made from softwood or HDF for strength.

• Top layer – solid oak for that authentic hardwood appearance.

3. Solid Wood Flooring – Classic Luxury That Lasts a Lifetime

For a premium home improvement investment, solid wood flooring is unbeatable. Made from single pieces of oak, it offers a rich, natural texture that matures beautifully over time.

Our solid wood range is available in natural shades from dove grey to deep coffee, perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

Things to Note:

• Thickness: 12–21mm

• Not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens (prone to warping with moisture)

• Two underfloor heating-compatible options available

• Variations in plank colour are natural—mix planks before laying for an even look

4. Flooring Finishes – Choosing Between Matt & Gloss

Your choice of finish can dramatically change the style and maintenance needs of your floor:

• UV-oiled finish – A matt look that penetrates the wood for long-lasting protection. Ideal for natural-looking floors.

• Lacquered finish – A glossy, smooth surface that’s easy to maintain and resistant to everyday wear.

5. Flooring Fitting Systems – DIY-Friendly Installation

Both laminate and wood flooring can be fitted with either tongue and groove or click fitting flooring systems.

Tongue and Groove: Planks interlock with glue, ideal for a traditional installation.
Click Fitting: Easy to assemble and disassemble – available in two types:

• Angle-to-angle click – quick but easier with two people.

• Drop click – one-person installation-friendly.

6. Underlay – The Foundation of Your Floor’s Performance

The right underlay provides cushioning, soundproofing, and insulation. It can also protect from moisture and even out subfloor imperfections.

• Foam underlay – best for dry rooms like bedrooms and living rooms.

• Fibreboard underlay – ideal for uneven subfloors and noise reduction.

• Sponge rubber underlay – moisture barrier for kitchens and bathrooms.

• Cork underlay – eco-friendly choice for glued solid or real wood floors.

7. The Finishing Touches – Trims, Protection & Style

• Skirting boards & scotia trims – hide expansion gaps and create a polished look.

• Thresholds – smooth transitions between rooms.

• Furniture protection – use pads or cups to prevent dents.

• Rugs & rug grips – add warmth and style while preventing slips.

Final Thoughts – Finding Your Perfect Floor

Whether you choose the affordability and practicality of laminate floors, the elegance of real wood top layer flooring, or the enduring luxury of solid wood flooring, our range offers something for every style, budget, and lifestyle.

Your home improvement journey starts from the ground up—so make your flooring choice one that’s as beautiful as it is durable.