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A Quick Guide To Engineered Wood Flooring

Posted On Thursday, 05 May 2022 19:29
A Quick Guide To Engineered Wood Flooring

There are several options you can try when choosing the flooring for your house or office. However, if you like the classy and natural look that wood gives within the home, you should consider engineered wood flooring. This article serves as a guide for homeowners to decide whether engineered wood flooring is for them or not. 

What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring consists of multiple layers. This includes a core of hardwood or plywood, covered with a layer of hardwood veneer, also called the wear layer on the surface. The thickness of engineered wood flooring differs depending on its quality. Still, it’s usually within a thickness range of a 3-ply construction with a 1mm wear layer to a 9-or-more ply construction with a 3mm-or-more wear layer. 

The veneer is underlain by several layers of thin wood glued together. Usually, the price corresponds with the quality. So, it’s better to go for thicker options to make them less prone to movements that humidity can cause. Engineered wood flooring is equally made of genuine wood, giving the same classy look that solid wood provides. Check out Wooden Floors UK or other websites to know more about engineered wood flooring.

Benefits Of Engineered Wood Flooring

1. Durable: This is a significant plus for engineered wood over solid wood. It has the advantage of stability over a wide range of temperatures, especially for areas with fluctuations in humidity or moisture. The floorboards remain in good shape even in extreme conditions. However, engineered wood flooring isn’t recommended for areas with standing water, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.

2. Easy to Install: There are many ways to install engineered wood, unlike solid wood, where the options are limited. You can install it by gluing it to a concrete subfloor or nailing it down to a plywood floor. 

You could also harness it by installing it as floating flooring. Engineered wood flooring allows easy installation over other subfloors like plywood, old floor covering, or even concrete. This would be a go-to option after buying a house.

3. Affordable: Engineered wood flooring is a case of quality and affordability. This is one major thing that attracts people to it. It’s much more affordable than solid hardwood flooring. It’s made of genuine wood; hence it offers the contemporary look that solid wood will give for a lesser price.

Other benefits include:

  • It gives sensational looks to any interior
  • It’s preferred for installation over underfloor heating
  • There are many available choices
  • Longer and wider planks are available
  • It’s ideal for conservatories and kitchens

Disadvantages Or Drawbacks Of Engineering Wood Flooring

There are just a few things to consider as drawbacks of engineering wood flooring. One of them is that this type of flooring can’t be sanded or refinished more than 1-2 times. This depends on the thickness of the hardwood veneer. However, engineered wood mostly has a finish warranty of up to 30 years. Besides, if you select wood species of high Janka hardness rating, you’ll have the floor resistant to wear and tears for an extended period. 

Also, engineered wood flooring requires the use of less wood compared to solid hardwood floors. However, the adhesives used may produce harmful emissions. This is an environmental concern. Therefore, you should check your floor's environmental rating before you purchase them.

Lastly, some people want the solid real wood effect. This is a desire that the engineered woods might not satisfy, in their opinion.

What Are The Different Species Of Engineered Wood Flooring?

There are several species of engineered wood flooring. Your choice may depend on your taste and budget. The individual species have different degrees of hardness. This doesn’t determine their durability as softwood will still have high resistance to wear and tear. 

The various species also have varying reactions to light and moisture. For example, Oak or Walnut will be well suited for underfloor heating. At the same time, Maple might not be the best choice in areas with fluctuating temperatures. 

Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance

The first rule of maintaining your engineered wood floors is to ensure they are dry as often as possible. They deal well with moisture, even more than solid wood floors, so they must never get soaking wet. This also includes moping slightly damp rather than soaking wet.

Also, ensure to avoid scratches from affecting your wood. These could come from abrasive furniture, stiletto heels, and so on. Try as much as possible to prevent scratches to ensure an excellent general appearance on your floor. 

Some engineered wood floors come pre-treated. Applying additional treatment on your floors is recommended to get the best, such as quality hard wax oil. Several other surface treatments would help you to enjoy your floors even more.

Conclusion

Engineered wood floors have proven to be excellent options for those that want the real wood look. This guide has highlighted the pros and cons of engineered wood flooring, how to maintain engineered wood flooring, and all the essential things you need to know about this flooring option. Engineered wood gives you the desired look and durability, not to mention easy installation.

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