Hardwood Flooring Dubai: Best Picks, Prices & Climate Tips

 

TL;DR — The 30-second answer

Hardwood flooring Dubai: For most homes, choose mid-thickness engineered oak (wear layer ≥3 mm) for interiors; for exposed balconies, façades and landscaping choose thermally‑modified wood (Lunawood/Novawood) or teak.

• Immediate next step: measure your area, request 3–4 samples (one species, one finish, one engineered construction), and ask for Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and manufacturer warranty. Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC can supply Lunawood and Novawood samples and technical datasheets on request.

Why this guide matters in Dubai

Dubai’s combination of aggressive sun, coastal humidity, and fine sand makes timber behave differently than it does in temperate climates. Cupping, gaps between boards, finish failure and rapid colour fade are common symptoms when product choice or installation is not adapted to the environment.

Read on and you’ll leave with three things: a clear material choice by room and exposure, realistic landed and installed budgets, and a step‑by‑step checklist you can use when ordering samples and booking installers. That’s the difference between a floor that looks great for months and one that performs for years.

• Stable boards with predictable expansion/contraction.

• Finishes that resist UV fade and abrasion.

• Minimal reactive maintenance and a clear warranty path.

Hardwood flooring Dubai — quick decision map (pick by room & exposure)

Use this as a quick folder for decisions. Think: species + construction + finish = right outcome for the space.

• Living rooms & bedrooms→ Engineered oak (European/American oak) with 3–5 mm wear layer; oil or UV-lacquer finish.

• High‑traffic areas → Hard species (oak, teak) or engineered boards with thick wear layer and scratch-resistant finish.

• Kitchens & bathrooms (limited use)→ Prefer waterproof LVT. If you must use wood, select engineered boards with high-performance finish and install a good underlay; keep localized water control strict.

• Balconies / terraces / landscaping / façades → Thermally‑modified wood (Lunawood / Novawood) or teak. Thermowood is especially resilient to moisture and decay—Royal Grand Star supplies Lunawood and Novawood across the UAE/GCC.

• Saunas / spas / resin‑free interiors → Nordic softwoods or thermally stabilized Nordic species (resin-free and health-friendly).

Engineered wood flooring Dubai vs Solid hardwood — what to choose

In Dubai, engineered wood is the usual winner. It’s dimensionally stable, adapts to HVAC environments and can be specified with wear layers that allow at least one re‑sand later in its life. Solid hardwood still has its place—for heritage projects or owners who plan multiple re‑sandings over decades—but it needs stricter site control. For a deeper background on hardwood options and performance in UAE conditions see the Thermowood Hardwood in Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide, Thermowood.ae.

Engineered wood flooring Dubai: why it usually wins here

Let’s be specific:

• Cross‑layered core construction reduces cupping and movement compared with solid boards.

• It’s available prefinished with high‑performance UV-cured oil or polyurethane (PU) lacquers that include UV inhibitors—important for colour stability.

• Practical spec to request: total thickness 12–20 mm, wear layer 2.5–6 mm (aim ≥3 mm for re‑sanding), 5–7 ply cross core for better stability, precision tongue‑and‑groove profiles.

• Best uses: apartments, high-AC environments, gluedown or floating installations depending on area size and subfloor.

Engineered wood flooring Dubai: common constructions & finishes to prefer

Look for:

• Multi‑ply cross‑laid core—reduces movement.

• Wear layer ≥3 mm—enables sanding once in the future if needed.

• Prefinished UV‑oiled or UV‑cured lacquer—both are durable; oil gives a matte, repairable surface whereas lacquer gives higher chemical resistance.

• Finish with UV stabilizers—slows colour shift in sun‑exposed rooms.

Manufacturers and installers often publish product and installation notes; see an example engineered product and installation overview from a regional installer guide: engineered wood flooring.

Solid hardwood: pros, cons and when to pick it in Dubai

Pros:

• Timeless look, deeper sanding potential, can last decades with care.

Cons:

• More movement with humidity; needs rigorous acclimatisation and tight site control.

• Higher installation sensitivity and risk of cupping if moisture conditions aren’t strictly managed.

When to pick solid: heritage homes, owners wanting multiple re‑sands, or locations with strict humidity control (e.g., dedicated climate‑controlled rooms). For more on the technical differences between species and timber types see Understanding Hardwood and Softwood: A Comprehensive Guide by Thermowood.ae.

Parquet & herringbone vs wide plank

Both have aesthetic and practical merits:

• Parquet/herringbone: when glued down, the pattern can be stable and hides small joint movement. Good for traditional interiors.

• Wide plank: modern, expansive look but shows movement and colour variation more visibly. Choose wider wear layers and superior finishes for wide planks in Dubai.

Which wood species and products survive Dubai’s heat & humidity?

Short summary: use naturally stable species indoors (via engineered construction) and thermally modified wood or teak for all exposed outdoor uses.

Species profiles

• Teak — top outdoor performer. Natural oils resist moisture and insects. Ideal for decks and balconies; develops a silver patina if oiled less frequently.

• Oak (European/American) — a safe, durable interior choice when supplied as engineered planks. Good grain and longevity.

• Mahogany — dense, premium look and stable for quality interiors when engineered.

• Acacia — durable and cost‑effective; more UV‑sensitive outdoors so needs finish maintenance.

• Beech / Ash — usable indoors if sealed and monitored; less common for Dubai’s public projects.

• Thermally modified wood (Lunawood / Novawood) — excellent for façades, terraces and landscaping: dimensionally stable, rot resistant and requires less chemical coating. Royal Grand Star supplies Lunawood and Novawood across the UAE/GCC. See a Lunawood project example in Dubai for real-world performance:Lunawood Marasi Water Homes case study.

Engineered alternatives & synthetics

Where exposure is extreme, consider engineered constructions with polymer‑backing or high‑grade composite decking. SPC/LVT options are recommended for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Hardwood flooring Dubai: Prices, budgets and realistic examples

Price explainer — what’s included

Understand three common cost categories:

• Product only — price per m² for the boards arriving at site (ranges below).

• Landed cost — product + local delivery + taxes + customs (if imported).

• Installed cost — landed cost + installation, adhesives, levelling, underlay, skirting and waste allowance.

Cost drivers & negotiation tips

• Wear layer thickness and finish type: these explain most price differences.

• Plank width and pattern: herringbone/parquet generally costs more (labour‑intensive glue‑down).

• Lead time and local stock: local stock reduces landed cost and shortens acclimatisation times.

• Ask for itemised quotes listing product, adhesives, levelling and skirting so comparisons are fair.

Where to buy hardwood flooring Dubai: trusted suppliers & showrooms

Evaluate showrooms based on stock vs made‑to‑order, sample policy, installation partners and warranty handling. Always ask for installed project references in Dubai.

Who to call (shortlist)

• Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC — Exclusive UAE/GCC distributor for Lunawood (Finland) and Novawood (Turkey). Good match for exterior façades, decking and certified thermowood. They can provide technical datasheets, sample packs and project references across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• Floor Land LLC — Strong developer track record and full installation packages; good for engineered oak & parquet.

• Nordic Homeworx — Kährs and premium European brands; good after‑sales maintenance support.

• Al Ameemi – Berrywood showroom— Bespoke parquet and tailored installations; well‑suited for premium interiors.

• Floorworld, Fixit Design, Al Shamsi Trading — Wide price and product ranges; check stock depth and installation guarantees.

What to ask each supplier (short checklist)

• Origin of product and wear‑layer specification.

• Sample policy — request slab samples (150 × 250 mm or larger).

• Delivery lead time and stock availability.

• Recommended adhesives, underlay and acclimatisation protocol (get it in writing/TDS).

• Certifications: FSC/PEFC/CARB2 and product warranty (product + installation).

• Installed project references in Dubai (photos & contacts if possible).

How to order samples and evaluate them — a field‑tested checklist

Minimum sample pack to request

• One slab‑size sample per species/finish (≥150 × 250 mm).

• Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and cross‑section photo showing wear layer & core.

• Certification docs (FSC/PEFC/CARB2) if claimed.

• Installed photos and at least one local reference project.

In‑home sample tests (48–72 hour checks)

1. View in morning daylight and under evening artificial light—note colour differences.

1. Place sample on the intended floor and monitor over 48–72 hours with AC off and on to spot edge movement.

1. Grit test: place the sample on a rug and slide a small amount of sand over it; inspect for scratches.

1. UV test: leave a sample in a sun‑exposed window for a week to preview colour shift.

1. Ask for the floor’s expected maintenance intervals and confirm if the sample finish matches long term expectations.

Decision rule: if two of three samples show significant colour shift or edge gaps after in‑situ acclimatisation (72h), re‑consider that species or finish.

Installation & acclimatisation checklist for Dubai (step‑by‑step)

Pre‑install checks

• Site measure and substrate assessment (age of screed, permeability, existing tiles removal).

• Subfloor level: typical tolerance ≤3 mm over 2 m (confirm with manufacturer).

• Moisture testing: use CM/hygrometer and follow manufacturer thresholds—get these values from the TDS.

Acclimatisation

General practice: store planks in the installation room for 48–72 hours; some vendors recommend longer. Keep HVAC set to normal operating conditions during acclimatisation. In very dry or variable conditions extend acclimatisation up to 5–7 days and monitor moisture readings. For a clear explainer on acclimation practices see hardwood floor acclimation explained.

Installation methods

• Floating — fast, less invasive, best for small-medium rooms; avoid for very large open areas.

• Glue‑down — more stable for large areas and parquet/herringbone; reduces board movement in Dubai’s conditions.

• Nail/staple down — used mainly for solid hardwood; depends on subfloor construction.

Adhesives, underlays & vapor barriers

Use manufacturer‑approved adhesives rated for local temperatures. Install a vapor barrier where required and choose underlayments that match the installation method and product warranty.

Expansion gaps & transitions

Provide perimeter expansion gaps (typically 8–15 mm). In very arid climates, consider a slightly larger gap—up to 20 mm—based on TDS guidance. Use transitions at thresholds and between large open spaces.

Post‑installation

• Final inspection and thorough cleaning per finish manufacturer.

• Register product warranty and keep TDS and supplier communications.

• Schedule a 1–3 month check to confirm board behaviour and finish integrity.

Also consider the benefits of using kiln‑dried stock for certain installations — see the Thermowood Kiln‑Dried Wood in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to Quality and Durability for details and supplier recommendations.

Warranties, certifications & aftercare

Good warranties include

• Product warranty (length varies by manufacturer).

• Wear‑layer warranty if listed separately.

• Finish warranty and an installer defect warranty (common installation liability ~1 year).

• Warranty registration with proof of purchase and installation date—get this in writing.

Certifications to request

• FSC / PEFC – sustainable sourcing.

• CARB2 / Formaldehyde emission compliance.

• CE marking & product TDS for technical compliance.

• Documentation supporting LEED credits if your project requires it.

Maintenance routine (one‑page calendar)

Frequency	Action
Daily/Weekly	Sweep or vacuum with soft head; wipe spills immediately.
Monthly	Damp mop with manufacturer‑approved cleaner (no soaking).
Annually	Inspect joints, skirtings and finish; re‑oil decks or reapply finish as recommended.
Long term	Re‑sand only if wear layer allows (engineered wear layer ≥3 mm recommended for one re‑sand).

Project timeline — sample to finished floor (typical)

1. Day 0–3: Measure & request samples.

1. Day 3–10: Samples arrive; evaluate & finalise specification.

1. Week 1–4: Place order (local stock quicker; imports add lead time).

1. Week 2–6: Delivery & acclimatisation (depends on shipment & storage).

1. Installation day(s): small jobs 1–5 days; larger homes staged room by room.

1. Post‑install inspection & warranty registration (within 7 days recommended).

Note: bespoke parquet, custom finishes or large thermowood orders can add 4–12 weeks—confirm lead times before signing contracts.

Decision checklist — what to do today

• Measure your floor area (length × width × 1.05 for 5% wastage).

• Order 3–4 samples (include at least one Lunawood thermowood sample if you plan outdoor/ façade work).

• Ask suppliers for itemised quotes: product, adhesive/underlay, levelling, skirting, delivered & installed.

• Book a trained installer for a site assessment and get 2–3 comparative quotes.

• Collect TDS, certificates (FSC/PEFC/CARB2) and register the warranty after installation.

Royal Grand Star — practical help

Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC is the UAE/GCC distributor for Lunawood Thermowood (Finland) and Novawood Hardwood (Turkey). They’ve supplied thermally‑modified and sustainably sourced wood for façades, decking and landscaping in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For climate‑sensitive exterior and landscaping projects, Royal Grand Star can provide sample packs, technical data sheets, and local project references. For an example of Thermowood applications and expert deck solutions see the Thermowood Wood Decking Dubai | Thermowood AE Expert Deck Solutions.

If you’re evaluating thermowood for balconies, façades or garden decking, request Lunawood/Novawood samples and technical datasheets to verify performance and specification for your project.

Appendix & resources

Downloadable templates & visuals (suggested)

• Sample checklist (PDF) — request from suppliers or your project contact.

• Sample specification table (use the template below).

• Budget calculator spreadsheet — itemise product, installation and ancillaries.

• Visuals to collect: showroom photos, sample swatches, cross‑section diagrams, before/after installation photos.

Further reading and reference posts: see the Thermowood blog entry on hardwood in dubai, Thermowood.ae for case studies and project notes.

Summary — two things to take away

1. For most Dubai interiors, choose engineered wood (oak preferred) with a wear layer ≥3 mm and a UV‑stable finish. It balances beauty with the dimensional stability needed in hot, variable climates.

1. For exposed exteriors, façades and landscaping, choose thermally‑modified wood (Lunawood/Novawood) or teak. Request samples and the TDS before finalising design and installation.

Ready to move forward? Measure your area, order samples (including a Lunawood/Novawood sample for outdoor work), and ask suppliers for itemised installed quotes. If you’d like Lunawood or Novawood samples and technical datasheets for a climate‑sensitive façade or decking project, Royal Grand Star General Trading LLC can assist with genuine thermowood options and local project references.