Engineered wood is a relatively new kid on the wood flooring block and is foolishly dismissed by many as not being ‘real’ wood. At Wood and Beyond, we’re in no doubt that for us engineered wood IS real wood! While engineered wood flooring isn’t made entirely from solid wood, it is made from a high degree of real wood and boasts a quality, real, solid wood top layer.
If you’re one of the doubters when it comes to deciding between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring, let us reassure you. In this article we’ll briefly describe how engineered floor boards are constructed, why they’re such an attractive alternative to solid wood flooring and why you should completely dismiss any thoughts that they’re not REAL wood!
Engineered wood flooring – in a nutshell!
Engineered wood flooring is a relatively new addition to the wood flooring range of options available and has truly revolutionised how and where wood flooring can be used. Although it’s a man-made product, it is still made of real wood, so is indeed real wood flooring. Made by bonding together layers of different woods and topping them off with a solid wood top layer, it has all the great looks of solid wood but a whole host of additional benefits.
Constructed by layering a number of sheets of ply or high density fibre board (HDF) to create a solid core board, it’s the top layer of solid wood that makes this option so real looking. Most commonly found topped with the likes of oak or walnut, engineered wood flooring can be used throughout the whole home, and even in places where solid wood wouldn’t normally be recommended.
Why is engineered wood flooring so sought after?
This is simple. Engineered wood flooring is highly sought after because it can withstand temperature and moisture fluctuations in a way that solid wood simply can’t. The construction of the core board of engineered wood flooring means that it hardly bats and eyelid when temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall.
What normally happens to solid wood when temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall is that it expands and contracts. When wood is out in its natural environment it can expand and contract to its heart’s content, but when it has been cut into flooring planks, this expansion and contraction can cause havoc.
The very fact that engineered wood flooring doesn’t expand and contract in the same way that solid wood flooring does, means that it can safely be used in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as over under floor heating. Normally, any of these environments would be out of bounds for solid wood flooring, but engineered wood flooring can not only deal with them, but will stand up to them with pretty much no problem at all.
Why this stuff is REAL wood, but with bells on!
So, what all this means is that “Yes!”, engineered wood is real wood and more than that, it not only looks the part, but it behaves in such a way that you can use it with confidence that not only will it look great, but it will stand up to more or less everything you choose to throw at it.
Here is a summary of why you should definitely accept that engineered wood is real wood and why you simply must include it in your list of “possibles” for your next flooring project:
- Choice of species. You get the species you want. There’s a whole range of species of engineered wood available so you can choose the species that suits your project best of all.
- Selection of grades. You get the grade of wood you want. Again available in a range of grades, you can choose the grade that suits your desires and your budget.
- Great range of colours. You get the colour you want. No matter whether you’re seeking a light and airy white washed look or a jet black, sultry look, with engineered wood you can have it.
- Plenty of different finishes. You get the finish you want. From natural looking brushed and oiled, to highly polished lacquer, when it comes to finish, the choice really is yours.
- You can fit it wherever you like. Kitchens, bathrooms, over underfloor heating – no matter what your situation, you’ll be able to find a real engineered wood solution to suit.
- A long lasting flooring solution, real engineered wood lasts for years and years if you treat it right. In fact, you can even re-sand and re-finish it if you find it’s starting to look tired after a few years.
- Great looks. With styles to suit every taste, there truly is an engineered wood flooring solution for everyone.
- Great prices. With prices at every level of the wood flooring price spectrum, there is no need to ignore engineered wood flooring because you think it might be expensive – there really is a solution at every price break that won’t break the bank!
If you’d like to explore in greater detail the differences between engineered and solid wood flooring, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond, we’re fanatics of everything wood flooring related and would be delighted to help you make the very best choice for your home.
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FAQ
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a type of flooring that is made by bonding together layers of different woods and topping them off with a solid wood top layer. Even though it’s a man-made product, it’s still made of real wood.
Why is engineered wood flooring a preferred choice?
Engineered wood flooring can withstand temperature and moisture fluctuations far better than solid wood. Because it’s less likely to expand and contract, it can be used in environments like bathrooms and kitchens, or over underfloor heating, where solid wood wouldn’t normally be recommended.
Is engineered wood flooring considered “real” wood?
Yes, engineered wood flooring is considered real wood. It is made from layers of different woods and features a top layer of solid wood. This gives it a realistic look, similar to that of solid wood flooring.
What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring comes with numerous benefits. You have a vast choice of species, grades, and colours to choose from. It can be fitted anywhere, even in kitchens and bathrooms or over underfloor heating. Furthermore, it is long-lasting and can be re-sanded and refinished if necessary.
Can engineered wood flooring be used in a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, engineered wood flooring can be used in a bathroom or kitchen. Its construction allows it to withstand changes in temperature and moisture, making it suitable for such environments where solid wood would not be advisable.