Guide to Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered Wood Flooring is the perfect choice if you desire a beautiful wooden floor but would like something which can withstand rapid changes in temperatures and is easy to install.
If you’re considering installing Engineered Wood Flooring then continue reading this guide to discover the pros and cons, the different types available and tips on keeping it looking its very best!
What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered Wood Flooring is made of a core of hardwood or plywood, with a layer of hardwood veneer on the top of the surface. It’s still made of genuine wood so it gives any space the same contemporary look and feel which solid wood offers. Engineered Wood Flooring ranges in thickness, depending on the quality, but is typically between 7-22mm. Underneath the top veneer are several more layers of thin wood all glued together. This makes them less prone to movement which humidity can cause.
What are the benefits of choosing Engineered Wood Flooring?
The main benefit of choosing Engineered Wood Flooring over Solid Wood is that due to the way it’s manufactured, with all the layers of wood, it’s less prone to movement and therefore can withstand rapid changes in temperatures and humidity.
Engineered wood flooring is considered as hard-wearing, this is because the way the flooring has been constructed it makes it a lot tougher than solid wood. Therefore, if you have a big family or pets, engineered wood is built to withstand the footfall of your family.
Another huge advantage which many homeowners enjoy is that Engineered Wood Flooring is easy to install. With the option of a click system it means the flooring just clicks together, like laminate flooring.
Other benefits:
- Suitable for installation over under floor heating;
- Looks sensational in any interior;
- Huge choice available.
- Wider planks available
- Longer planks available
- Suitable in conservatories & Kitchens
What are the potential disadvantages of choosing Engineered Wood Flooring?
One potential disadvantage of choosing Engineered Wood Flooring is that it isn’t the cheapest option for a ‘real wood’ look, laminate and vinyl are much cheaper options, generally. For many people, another reason why they may not choose Engineered Wood Flooring and go with Solid Wood is merely because they want a solid, real wood effect, and not even engineered wood will have the same visual impact in their opinion. Also depending on the thickness of veneer sometimes a solid board can be sanded back more times, giving the floor a longer life span.
What are the different species of Engineered wood?
There are many different species of engineered wood flooring to choose from, depending on your taste and budget.
Different wood species have varying degrees of hardness. However, this doesn’t necessarily affect their durability – a softer wood may still deal with wear and tear quite well. Different species of wood will also react differently to light and moisture. Maple for example, does not cope well with changing temperatures so Oak or Walnut would be better suited for underfloor heating. It is important to consider the species of wood carefully when selecting a flooring.
Some of the treatments available include;
- Satin Lacquer – One of the thinnest treatments available, satin lacquer does not disguise the wood’s natural lustre. The treatment will accentuate the look of the wood, while making it more durable and easier to clean.
- Matt Lacquer – The velvety texture of this treatment is pleasing underfoot, as well as being hardwearing and easy to maintain.
- Nature Oil – Nature Oil is perfect for bringing out the natural grain and texture of the wood. Floors treated with Nature Oil are easy to maintain, but not quite as durable as those treated with lacquer. We do recommend that natural oiled floors are finished with a extra coat of oil once laid to add that extra level of protection.
Engineered Wood Flooring is an ideal alternative to solid wood flooring if you want that real wood look but need something that can withstand changes in temperatures. Plus, it’s often amore cost effective, easier to install and able to cope with moisture more than solid wood can.
Many people now choose Engineered Wood Flooring over Solid Wood due to the countless advantages it brings, plus, the fact that it looks beautiful in any interior!
Here at BestatFlooring we offer a wide range of Engineered Wood Flooring, so you’re sure to find the perfect flooring to suit your taste and lifestyle.