13 Reasons To Choose Engineered Wood Flooring

• Hard to distinguish from solid wood

Due to the composition of engineered wood flooring, it is really difficult to distinguish solid from engineered – once the flooring has been laid. The solid top layer has the exact same characteristics, styling and finish as real wood. Even the toughest wood experts would struggle to differentiate between the two.

• Resilient to heat and moisture

One of the main advantages of engineered wood flooring is the resilience to heat and moisture. The structural layers of supporting softwood dramatically reduces the natural wood expansion levels whilst decreasing movement and improving the overall performance in high risk areas – providing the ideal solution for kitchen and bathroom environments. This also makes engineered flooring compatible with underfloor heating as long as the temperature does not exceed 27°.

• Durability 

Engineered wood flooring is extremely robust with an impressive performance level in both commercial and industrial environments. Capable of withstanding the effects of heavy traffic, the base layers of bonded plywood provide structural support whilst the hardwood veneer and protective coatings combine to create a solid construction.

• Re-sanding

The number of times engineered flooring can be re-sanded depends on the thickness of the solid wood layer, however the ability to do so is a huge benefit to the range.

When the purse strings are tight the last thing you want to do is replace your entire flooring due to a devastating scratch. With engineered flooring you can restore the effects of wear, repair minor damage and banish stain deflects with a simple re-sanding process. Whilst a re-coat in oil or lacquer replenishes the protection layer, providing a whole new flooring at a fraction of the cost.

• Re-finishing

Oiled engineered wood flooring typically requires re-finishing every 2 years to re-nourish and preserve the wood. This includes a re-sand, followed by a coating of protective oil over the surface layer. You can take advantage of this opportunity to change and enhance the appearance of the wood using coloured oil tints or other finishing products. This not only gives you a fresh new look but also saves you a substantial amount on replacing the flooring. Lacquered engineered flooring also offers design flexibility but this is not a periodical requirement, instead this is at your own discretion.

• Comprehensive range

Whether you’re looking for authentic real wood grains or an ultra-modern whitewash finish, there’s a range of engineered flooring to suit all home stylings. Designs fluctuating in length, width, grade and finish to create your desired effect. Room suitability can impact the best range to go for e.g. narrow boards can accentuate the length of a room whereas thicker boards perform best in high traffic areas. Finding the right combination for your needs is easy with such a comprehensive range available.

• Wider boards

The composition of engineered wood boards means they can be manufactured to a greater width than that of solid wood. The plywood layers provide structural support to enable widths of 240mm. However solid wood has a tendency to bow once it has exceeded a width of 200mm. The rarity of trees to accommodate greater widths makes wider boards the more expensive option. However they are much more efficient to fit and less boards are needed to cover the surface area.

• Premium designs

Trends in engineered wood flooring have seen the popular herringbone and chevron designs introduced to the range. Cut to accommodate the intricate designs, the engineered versions offer greater flexibility in terms of room suitability and ease of fitting.

• Easy fitting

The majority of engineered wood flooring features a tongue and grove or click lock system for fast, efficient fitting. Suitable for both DIY and professional installations, the boards simply click together, providing a seamless joining.

• Cost efficient

Engineered wood flooring fluctuates in price depending on the quality of the wood. In general it is priced based on two variables; the thickness of the veneer and width of the plank. When compared to solid wood flooring it is much more affordable, with a range to suit every budget.  

• Can be re-used 

The longevity of your flooring will depend on the usage and maintenance. A well maintained floor can last up to 30 years. In this time you might decide to relocate or simply redecorate your home. Click lock engineered flooring can be taken up and re-used in another room setting with ease; simply unclick the flooring and away you go.

• Minimal subfloor preparation 

Unlike solid wood, there is no need for excessive subfloor preparation. The click lock option is fitted with a floating installation, eliminating the need for stringent levelling or excessive adhesive.

• Lasting impression

Engineered wood flooring brings the same character, charm and elegance as solid wood. The ability to re-sand means there’s no need to worry about deflects to the ware layer or accumulating the dreaded ‘walkway’. A quick sand down and re-finish will restore your flooring back to its former beauty; continuing to impress for years to come.

*collaborative post