The majority of purchasers of engineered wood flooring often lean towards the 14mm and 15mm options. However, this overlooks the notable advantages offered by 16mm engineered wood flooring. When researching engineered wood flooring for your project, you’re likely already familiar with its composition and the benefits it presents over traditional solid wood flooring. This guide is dedicated to highlighting the unique benefits of 16mm engineered wood flooring and why it’s a worthy consideration for your project.
Key Benefits of 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring
Enhanced Durability
16mm engineered wood flooring typically features a robust real wood top layer of 4mm, surpassing the 3mm layer commonly found in 14mm and 15mm alternatives. What impact does this have in practical terms? The additional 1mm in the real wood layer can extend the floor’s lifespan by 5 to 10 years, a significant duration. The durability of wood flooring is closely linked to the number of times it can be sanded, which rejuvenates its appearance to look newly installed. The sanding process involves removing a 1mm layer of real wood, highlighting the importance of the difference between a 4mm and a 3mm top layer. This process is typically undertaken every 5 to 10 years by wood flooring owners.
Competitively Priced
In the realm of 16mm real wood flooring, you’ll find that solid wood flooring ranges from approximately £60-£70/m2, while engineered wood flooring of the same thickness starts at around £50/m2. While this price difference may seem modest, it becomes substantial when considering flooring for an entire house.
Compatibility with Underfloor Heating
Not all real wood flooring types are suitable for underfloor heating, but 16mm engineered wood flooring is. Solid wood flooring, irrespective of its size, is unsuitable due to expansion and potential damage from heat. For engineered wood flooring to be compatible with underfloor heating, it must not exceed 18mm in total thickness, with a real wood top layer of no more than 5mm. The 16mm engineered wood flooring, with its 4mm real wood top layer, meets these criteria.
Availability in Wider Planks
16mm engineered wood flooring is often available in wider plank sizes, typically exceeding 200mm, with 220mm being a common width. Wider planks are highly sought after due to their aesthetic appeal. They feature fewer joints, leading to minimal disruption of the wood’s natural lines and the room’s overall appearance. This results in a more expansive floor look and a clearer view of the vertical grain, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Cost-Effective Fitting Options
A significant portion of your engineered wood flooring project’s cost is the fitting, usually done by a professional. The cost is influenced by the area to be floored and the available fitting options. 16mm engineered wood flooring is lightweight enough to benefit from the popular floating installation method, along with the tongue and groove system. This results in quicker and more affordable fitting costs. Heavier and thicker engineered wood flooring often requires more time-consuming and expensive nail or glue down installation methods.
Should You Opt for 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring?
If your budget allows, 16mm engineered wood flooring represents exceptional value for money. It’s a robust option that promises to provide decades of use and enjoyment.
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FAQ
Why Choose 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring Over 14mm or 15mm Options?
16mm engineered wood flooring stands out for its enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal. It typically comes with a thicker real wood top layer of 4mm, compared to the 3mm layer in 14mm and 15mm options. This additional thickness can extend the flooring’s lifespan by 5 to 10 years, making it a more long-lasting choice.
How Does the Durability of 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring Compare?
The durability of 16mm engineered wood flooring is superior due to its thicker top layer. This allows for more frequent sanding – a process which rejuvenates the flooring’s appearance – without compromising its integrity. The ability to sand the floor more often means it can maintain a new look for a longer period.
Is 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring Cost-Effective?
Yes, 16mm engineered wood flooring is cost-effective. While the initial cost per square meter might be slightly higher than thinner options, its longer lifespan and reduced need for frequent replacements make it a financially sound choice in the long run, especially for large-scale projects.
Can 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring Be Used with Underfloor Heating?
Indeed, 16mm engineered wood flooring is suitable for use with underfloor heating systems. Unlike solid wood flooring, which can expand and get damaged due to heat, 16mm engineered wood flooring, with its 4mm top layer, efficiently conducts heat without exceeding the maximum thickness required for underfloor heating compatibility.
What Are the Fitting Options for 16mm Engineered Wood Flooring?
16mm engineered wood flooring offers cost-effective fitting options. Its lighter weight allows for easier and quicker installation using the floating method or the tongue and groove system. This contrasts with heavier and thicker options that may require more expensive and time-consuming installation methods like nailing or gluing down.