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What to Expect When Installing Engineered Timber Flooring
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Guide

What to Expect When Installing Engineered Timber Flooring

From acclimatisation to the final clean — a step-by-step look at how a timber floor goes in.

Knowing what's involved in installation helps you plan your project and ask the right questions. Engineered timber is one of the more straightforward floors to lay — here's how it typically goes.

Acclimatisation

Timber is a natural material, so before anything is laid the boards spend time acclimatising to the temperature and humidity of the room. This lets the floor settle to its environment so it stays stable once installed — don't rush it.

Subfloor preparation

A good floor starts with a good subfloor. It needs to be clean, dry, flat and sound. Your installer will check moisture levels, level any high or low spots, and lay an appropriate underlay or moisture barrier as needed.

Floating vs glue-down

HARO's Top Connect click system lets most floors 'float' over an underlay — fast, clean and glueless. Some situations (large areas, certain subfloors, or over underfloor heating) suit full bonding instead. Your installer will recommend the right method.

Finishing touches and timeframe

Skirtings, scotia, stair nosings and door trims complete the job, followed by a final clean. Because HARO boards arrive pre-finished, there's no sanding or sealing on site and no drying time — once it's down, the floor is ready to live on. Most domestic installs take a few days depending on size and detail. talk to our team for a measured quote and timeline.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to install a timber floor?
Most domestic installations take a few days, depending on the area, the format (herringbone takes longer) and any subfloor preparation needed.
Do I need to do anything before installation?
The boards need to acclimatise to the room first, and the subfloor must be clean, dry and level. Your installer will manage this.
Is there mess or drying time?
No sanding or on-site finishing — HARO floors are pre-finished, so once they're laid you can walk on them straight away.

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