Introduction

Classic Oak flooring highlights the inherent beauty of real wood, featuring distinct grain patterns and natural colour variations. These are not defects but characteristics that add authenticity and warmth to your space.

Our raw Classic Grade Oak displays minimal knots, veins, sap and brown oak filler. Low to moderate tonal variations — ideal for homeowners who appreciate rustic charm with a modern finish.

Like all natural wood, the flooring may undergo slight colour changes with exposure to sunlight. To preserve its look, consider using UV window film in areas of direct sunlight.

Installation of any boards will be regarded as acceptance by the professional installer and/or homeowner.

Acclimatization & Storage

Acclimatize flooring for 48–72 hours in the installation area, open the boxes (break the plastic seal) and lay boards flat. Do not remove planks from their packaging until you are ready to begin installation.

Store 16mm above concrete screed. Keep boards away from walls and ensure the room is dry and well ventilated.

Do not stack items on top of the boxes. Acclimatization is essential for wood to adapt to site conditions (humidity).

Subfloor & Site Preparation

Subfloor must be clean, level, and dry (moisture ≤3–4% Tramex or ≤12% Protimeter).

Screed must be ≥25MPa. Surface must be mechanically ground to remove laitance. Perform a pull-off test (minimum 1 bar) for bonding strength.

It is highly recommended to apply a vapour barrier (paint-on) for all ground-floor installations to prevent rising damp and enhance adhesive bond. Ensure that the screed is clean and free of all foreign substances, before applying any vapour/ bonding/ adhesive layer. If this is left the adhesion strength will be compromised and in turn so will your installation.

Ensure all wet works (plaster, screed, paint) are completed and the site is enclosed. Confirm door clearances over finished floor height.

During the finishing process when the screed is installed, any Laitance on the surfaces of the finished screed must be removed as this will affect the bond of the adhesive and could cause the floor to fail.

Pre-Installation

Professional installation is highly recommended for optimal results. Before installing, ensure the following:

• • Inspection: Open all boxes and inspect the boards for any visible defects, such as damage, color inconsistencies, or size variations. Blending planks from different boxes can help create a more uniform look.
  • All boards installed will be deemed to have been accepted by the professional installer and/or homeowner. Any visible defects must be reported to the retailer prior to installation for inspection and potential replacement. We cannot be held responsible for any flooring installed with visible defects.
  • To accommodate the natural colour variation found in hardwood flooring, installers are required to mix planks from at least five different boxes during installation.
  • All Villa Engineered Oak floors must be glued down with a recommended commercial floor adhesive. If you are unsure what adhesive to use, please contact your Villa sales consultant.

Installation – Glue Down Method

Start at the longest wall. Use chalk lines to define glue zones (2–3 boards wide).

Use a 6mm notched trowel for full bond or 10–12mm beads for batten bond — glue applied to screed, not boards.

Fit planks tongue-to-groove, using a tapping block and mallet for alignment. Maintain 15mm expansion gap at walls and fixed structures.

Stagger joints randomly for a natural look. Avoid end-joint alignment in successive rows.

Remove excess glue immediately using recommended adhesive remover — never let glue dry on plank surface.

Underfloor Heating Guidelines

Only install if system is compatible with engineered flooring. Follow heating manufacturer’s guidelines.

Surface temperature should not exceed 27°C. Gradually increase system temperature post-installation.

Confirm both adhesive and flooring are suitable for heated floors. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Post-Installation Care

Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches. Lift furniture when moving — do not drag.

Place rugs at entrances and high-traffic areas. Avoid rubber-backed mats that may trap moisture.

Clean using vacuum or soft broom. Use a damp (not wet) mop with wood-friendly cleaner. Never use steam mops or abrasive materials.

Maintain room humidity between 45–60%. Use humidifiers/dehumidifiers as needed to reduce shrinkage or expansion.

Avoid water spills. Wipe up any moisture immediately to prevent staining or warping.

Follow finished specific curing and maintenance instructions, whether the floor is oiled or coated with polyurethane.

Maintenance Recommendations

Engineered oak boards supplied are raw and have no top surface finish. The boards will need to receive a floor finishing product.

For any care and maintenance requirements, please consultant the care and maintenance guide of the floor finishing product used.

Warranty

Villa provides a 20-year warranty on engineered oak flooring, covering manufacturing and material defects, provided the product is installed and maintained in accordance with our guidelines.

In the event of a valid claim, we will replace the affected planks and cover reasonable labor costs.

Exclusions: The warranty does not apply to

• • Damage caused by misuse, moisture abrasive cleaning materials or incorrect cleaning and maintenance products.
  • Issues arising from the installation of boards with visible defects that were not reported prior to installation.
  • Normal wear and tear, or changes resulting from environmental conditions beyond our control (e.g., humidity, temperature fluctuations, sunlight colour changes).