Engineered wood flooring is not only a really popular flooring solution these days; it’s also highly practical and a convincing alternative to solid wood flooring. That said, there are still people who wouldn’t consider anything but solid wood, because they don’t feel they’re getting real wood unless it’s solid. In order to help you decide if engineered wood flooring might work for your project, we’ve decided to put together the many pros of this solution and to outline what is, to be honest, the only single real disadvantage.
Here they are:
Resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations
One of the most significant advantages of engineered wood flooring over solid wood flooring is that it will withstand even severe temperature and moisture fluctuations. What this means is that, unlike solid wood flooring, you can install engineered wood flooring in kitchens that suffer more than their fair share of steam and heat. The reason that engineered wood flooring is suitable in these environments is because it doesn’t expand and contract to the same extent as solid wood flooring and as a result won’t cup or warp due to moisture and temperature changes.
The huge choice available
The selection of engineered wood flooring on the market today is quite simply astounding. There’s everything from antique looks down to the most modern (almost) white or black floor you can imagine. What’s more, within the range of prices of engineered flooring, there truly is something for every budget.
Add to the choice of colour and price range, there’s also a really broad style choice. With an engineered flooring board, you can save time by opting for a 2-strip, a 3-strip or even a parquet look, all of which are really authentic looking and can be laid in a flash.
Superb good looks
There’s no getting away from the fact that engineered wood flooring looks just like real wood flooring.
Although only a few years ago, it was reasonably easy to spot the difference between engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring, this is no longer the case. In fact, in most cases, when you opt for a quality engineered wood floor, the vast majority of people would seriously struggle to say whether or not it’s solid wood. With all the other advantages associated with this type of flooring, this authentic look truly is the icing on the cake.
Suitable for installation over under floor heating
Solid wood flooring isn’t normally recommended for installation over under floor heating because of the constant expansion and contraction that’s caused when the heating comes on and goes off. Engineered wood flooring on the other hand is a perfect partner for under floor heating. Although there are restrictions on the thickness of board, which is normally recommended (generally speaking no more than 14mm), there’s plenty of choice when it comes to finding the right product.
Lifespan
As you’re no doubt aware, in many of the stately homes and castles throughout Europe, there are examples of solid wood floors that have been in place for centuries. However, the same can’t be said for engineered wood flooring. This is true for two reasons. First, engineered wood flooring simply didn’t exist centuries ago and second, there are a finite number of times that you can re-sand and re-finish engineered wood flooring. While there are also a finite number of times you can sand solid wood flooring before reaching the stage where you might cause damage, generally speaking that number is greater for solid wood than engineered. However, like most things in life, there’s a solution to this issue if it is causing you worry.
By choosing an engineered wood floor with a thicker top layer or lamella like any of these ones, you will get a good number of sandings and refinishings without needing to worry about causing damage.
If you’d like to explore further the pros and cons of engineered wood flooring, why not get in touch? The team at Wood and Beyond will give you an honest and unbiased view about which wood floor option will work best for you.
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FAQ
What are the main advantages of engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring has many advantages, including resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations, a vast selection in colour, price, and style, authentic good looks that mirror real wood flooring, and suitability for installation over underfloor heating.
How does engineered wood flooring respond to moisture and temperature changes?
Engineered wood flooring can withstand severe temperature and moisture fluctuations, making it suitable for environments such as kitchens where steam and heat are common. It doesn’t expand and contract to the same extent as solid wood flooring and, as a result, won’t cup or warp due to moisture and temperature changes.
Is engineered wood flooring available in a variety of styles and colours?
Yes, engineered wood flooring comes in an astounding variety of colours, styles, and price ranges, allowing something for every budget. You can find everything from antique looks to the most modern white or black floors.
Can I install engineered wood flooring over underfloor heating?
Yes, engineered wood flooring is suitable for installation over underfloor heating. However, it’s generally recommended to choose boards no more than 14mm thick.
What is the lifespan of engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring has a finite lifespan, as there are only a certain number of times you can re-sand and refinish it. But by choosing engineered wood flooring with a thicker top layer or lamella, you can ensure a good number of sandings and refinishings without causing damage.