When it comes to the heart of the home, there’s no denying that the kitchen holds a significant place. More than just a space to prepare meals, it’s often where the family gathers, memorable chats occur over coffee, and holiday preparations begin. Simply put it, you’ll likely to spend much of your time in the kitchen area (probably just second to your bedroom). As such, this essential space deserves a floor that’s both stylish and of course highly practical. Enter engineered wood flooring – a versatile and durable option that’s increasingly becoming the go-to choice for savvy homeowners that are looking for a real wood look without the downsides of solid wood flooring.
Why Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring comprises multiple layers of wood, compressed together to create a sturdy and long-lasting structure. The top layer is made from 100% real wood such as Oak and Walnut, providing the beauty and elegance of real wood, while the lower layers consist of high-quality man-made materials that ensures stability and resistance to moisture. The combination if real wood top layer and artificial core, makes engineered wood flooring suitable for the kitchen area. If you opt for solid wood flooring in the kitchen areas, you’ll likely regret your decision when the wood cups from excess moisture.
Beauty of Real Wood
Engineered wood flooring offers the elegance and warmth of real wood, making it a desirable choice for many homeowners. From the classic (natural colours in wide plank size) to contemporary (grey or white colours in narrow plank size), this flooring fits effortlessly into any kitchen design. Moreover, the range of finishes and colours available is vast. Whether you prefer the cosy charm of darker shades, the minimalist beauty of light tones, or the bold sophistication of black, you’ll find something to your liking.
Durability
A kitchen is a high-traffic area where spills and splashes are common occurrences. Engineered wood flooring, thanks to its layered structure, resists water, moisture and withstands wear and tear better than many other flooring types. For underfloor heating systems that are popular nowadays in the kitchen, it’s a smart choice as it allows heat to pass through effectively, unlike solid wood flooring. Our selection of engineered wood flooring for underfloor heating is a testament to the functional versatility of this flooring type.
Easy Installation
Engineered wood flooring comes many fitting options, but the two most common are: click system and tongue-and-groove. Both are straightforward to install, even for a DIY enthusiast. The click system engineered wood flooring is particularly appealing for its ease of installation and secure fit, while the tongue-and-groove method results in a really flash finish.
How to Choose the Right Engineered Wood Flooring for Your Kitchen?
Choosing the right engineered wood flooring involves considering factors such as the style of your kitchen, the amount of foot traffic it receives, and your personal preferences in colour and finish.
- Style: Look for a style that complements the aesthetics of your kitchen. Whether you prefer the classic look of oak, the eye-catching pattern of herringbone, or the unique appeal of chevron, the choice is yours.
- Colour: The colour of your flooring can dramatically influence the mood of your kitchen. Light and white colours create a sense of space and openness, while dark and black colours add a touch of elegance and depth. Grey, black, and white are all stylish and modern options that can give your kitchen a sleek and contemporary look.
- Finish: The finish of your engineered wood flooring can make a big difference in its appearance and and of course its durability. Due to the likelihood of accidental spills, opt for a strong uv lacquered option.
- Thickness of the wear layer: The 100% real wood top layer that engineered flooring consists of comes in thickness range of 2mm to 6mm thick. For a high traffic areas such as the kitchen, you will do well to opt for a wear layer thickness of 3mm and above.
Conclusion
Engineered wood flooring combines the charm and beauty of real wood with the strength and durability of multi-layered construction, making it a smart choice for your kitchen. Its range of styles, colours, and finishes ensures that whatever your kitchen design, there’s an engineered wood flooring option that can perfectly complement it. Explore our selection at Wood and Beyond, and take the first step towards transforming your kitchen today.
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FAQ
1. Why is engineered wood flooring a good choice for kitchens?
Engineered wood flooring is a great choice for kitchens due to its durability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes. Its multiple layers, made of real wood and high-quality man-made materials, provide a sturdy, long-lasting structure. The top layer offers the elegance of real wood, while the lower layers ensure stability, even in high-moisture environments like kitchens (and bathroom provided the correct finish has been applied).
2. What makes engineered wood flooring more suitable than solid wood for kitchens?
Solid wood flooring can cup from excess moisture, making it less suitable for kitchens. In contrast, engineered wood flooring, with its combination of a real wood top layer and an artificial core, resists moisture and is better suited for kitchens.
3. How does the style of engineered wood flooring affect my kitchen’s aesthetic?
The style of engineered wood flooring can significantly influence your kitchen’s look. Depending on whether you prefer the classic look of oak or more modern styles like herringbone or chevron, your flooring choice can complement the aesthetic of your kitchen.
4. How can I ensure my engineered wood flooring is durable enough for a high-traffic area like the kitchen?
When choosing engineered wood flooring for your kitchen, consider the thickness of the wear layer. This 100% real wood top layer comes in a range of 2mm to 6mm. For high traffic areas like the kitchen, it’s advisable to opt for a wear layer thickness of 3mm or above.
5. What installation options are available for engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring commonly comes with two fitting options: click system and tongue-and-groove. Both are straightforward to install, even for a DIY enthusiast. The click system is particularly easy and provides a secure fit, while the tongue-and-groove method results in a flush finish.
