When exploring real wood flooring options, you’ll typically encounter two primary types: traditional solid wood flooring, crafted entirely from solid wood, and its contemporary alternative, engineered wood flooring. Engineered wood flooring, composed of a solid wood top layer over a sturdy core of ply and MDF, has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, even outpacing sales of its solid wood counterpart. However, to make a thoroughly informed decision, it’s crucial to consider its disadvantages. This article will delve into the potential drawbacks of engineered wood flooring.
Disadvantage 1: Lifespan
Solid wood flooring usually ranges from 16mm to 20mm in thickness, composed entirely of 100% natural solid wood. Conversely, engineered wood flooring ranges from 10mm to 21mm, with the natural wood layer typically constituting 20% to 25% of the board’s total thickness. The significance of this lies in the sanding and refinishing process that floor owners often undertake. As each sanding operation removes about 1mm of wood, a 20mm thick solid wood flooring can be sanded approximately 20 times. In contrast, a 20mm thick engineered wood flooring, with a typical top layer thickness of 4mm or 5mm, can only be sanded a few times.
Disadvantage 2: Water Resistance
Engineered wood flooring may not be the best fit for areas prone to wet conditions, such as bathrooms. In these situations, alternatives like wood-effect LVT are more water-resistant. Although engineered wood flooring can be treated with a suitable water-resistant coating and installed using a tight fitting method (like the click system), this resistance will fade with wear and tear, necessitating occasional recoating.
Disadvantage 3: Underfloor Heating Compatibility
As underfloor heating systems grow in popularity due to their efficient heating capabilities, it’s important to consider the compatibility of your flooring. Not all engineered wood flooring is suitable for underfloor heating systems. The optimal board should be thin enough to permit heat transmission but robust enough to ensure a long, serviceable life. For optimal energy efficiency, the total thickness of the engineered wood should not exceed 18mm, with the real wood top layer no thicker than 5mm.
Disadvantage 4: Maintenance
If you’re seeking a low-maintenance flooring solution, options like luxury vinyl flooring or laminate flooring might be a better fit. As engineered wood flooring incorporates natural wood, it requires careful maintenance. If you choose engineered wood, prepare for a maintenance regimen that includes:
A. Regular sweeping with a soft brush or vacuum to prevent dust and dirt from causing long-term damage to your floor.
B. Frequent cleaning with a slightly damp mop (microfibre mops tend to be most effective on wooden floors).
C. Choosing cleaning products specifically intended for wood to ensure proper cleaning and care. Products that add lustre to your floor are a bonus.
Disadvantage 5: Price
Engineered wood flooring is not the most budget-friendly choice. While it’s more affordable than solid wood flooring, high-quality engineered wood often costs twice as much as comparable luxury vinyl or laminate options. For those with a tight budget, this could pose a significant disadvantage.
So Where Does That Leave You?
While engineered wood flooring does have its disadvantages, it’s important to balance these against its strengths. Its installation is typically quicker, easier, and cheaper than that of solid wood flooring, thanks to fitting methods like floating and click fit. Furthermore, it offers a vast choice in species, grades, and finishes, and provides the aesthetic appeal of real wood—something even the best quality luxury vinyl and laminate flooring can’t match.
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FAQ
Q1: What is the typical thickness of engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring usually ranges from 10mm to 21mm in thickness, with the natural wood layer constituting 20% to 25% of the board’s total thickness.
Q2: How does the thickness of engineered wood flooring affect its lifespan?
The thickness of engineered wood flooring impacts its lifespan because it determines the number of times the floor can be sanded and refinished. A 20mm thick engineered wood flooring, with a top layer thickness of 4mm or 5mm, can only be sanded a few times, unlike solid wood which can be sanded approximately 20 times (when comparing to 20mm solid wood flooring).
Q3: Can engineered wood flooring be used in wet areas?
Engineered wood flooring might not be the best choice for areas prone to wet conditions like bathrooms. While it can be treated with a water-resistant coating, this resistance can fade over time with wear and tear.
Q4: Is engineered wood flooring compatible with underfloor heating systems?
Not all engineered wood flooring is suitable for underfloor heating systems. The board needs to be thin enough to allow for heat transmission but robust enough for long-term use. The total thickness should not exceed 18mm, with the real wood top layer no thicker than 5mm.
Q5: What kind of maintenance does engineered wood flooring require?
Engineered wood flooring requires regular sweeping with a soft brush or vacuum, frequent cleaning with a slightly damp mop, and the use of cleaning products specifically intended for wood.