Engineered flooring, made from oak, is a really attractive and versatile flooring option, which is probably why it is so very popular. If you’re not familiar with engineered oak flooring it is a superb alternative to solid oak, simply because it looks just like the real thing, but has qualities that solid oak doesn’t have. Solid oak flooring is made up of oak and nothing else. Wood is lumbered from the oak tree and then graded before being cut into flooring planks. Oak is a particularly strong and hardwearing wood as well as being relatively abundant and affordable, which is no doubt why it is so popular.
Engineered oak flooring, like any other quality engineered flooring product is made up of layers of ply which are bonded together to form a solid and highly stable core board. That core board is then topped off with solid oak and the finished product, although more stable than solid oak flooring looks just like solid oak.
Solid oak is 100% natural and as such, when temperatures and moisture fluctuate it expands and contracts. This is completely normal and happens all the time with solid oak. However, this can cause issues with flooring if it happens excessively as it often does in kitchens and bathrooms. Engineered oak flooring on the other hand, which is often referred to as ‘machined oak flooring’; ‘real layer oak flooring’ or ‘semi solid oak flooring‘ remains pretty much un-phased by these fluctuations.
Why choose engineered oak flooring:
It looks just like the real thing. Thanks to the solid oak top layer on engineered oak flooring it looks just like solid oak.
You can fit it in any room in the home. As we’ve mentioned, because of the clever way engineered oak flooring is constructed it can be fitted in rooms where solid oak flooring wouldn’t normally be recommended, such as kitchens and bathrooms. This is great news for anyone who’s keen to have an oak floor but is worried about the effects of temperature or moisture fluctuations.
It is suitable for installation over under floor heating. Solid oak flooring is normally a ‘no-no’ for fitting over under floor heating. Once again, thanks to its construction there is no issue fitting the right engineered flooring over under floor heating.
You can re-sand and re-finish it several times in its lifetime. A great thing about all oak flooring is that you can make it look like new several times. This is because, with a light sanding and a re-finish, your floor will look just like it was fitted yesterday J. If your home has heavy traffic or you’re keen to have the flexibility to re-sand and re-finish your floor frequently, you should choose an engineered oak floor with a nice thick top layer or lamella.
There’s a huge choice available. Oak, like any other wood, comes in a whole range of colours and grades, from really light to relatively dark as well as from prime to rustic. Engineered oak flooring is available in pretty much every option of oak available, which means that you have a huge choice of colours and grades on the market, letting you choose a solution that’s perfect for you.
It won’t bust your budget. One of the greatest things about engineered oak flooring is that it looks a million dollars but won’t cost you even a fraction of that. Again there’s a huge range on the market and if you shop around carefully you should be able to bag yourself a real bargain within budget that looks as if you’ve really pushed the boat out.
If you’d like to discuss the pros and cons of engineered oak flooring versus solid oak flooring, why not get in touch? At Wood and Beyond we have a great team on hand, ready and willing to help you with all your wood flooring projects.
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FAQ
Q: What is engineered oak flooring?
A: Engineered oak flooring is a flooring option made up of layers of ply bonded together to form a stable core board, topped with a solid oak layer. It closely resembles solid oak flooring in appearance.
Q: Why should I choose engineered oak flooring?
A: There are several reasons to choose engineered oak flooring. It looks like real oak, can be installed in any room including kitchens and bathrooms, is suitable for underfloor heating, can be re-sanded and re-finished multiple times, offers a wide range of colors and grades, and is affordable compared to solid oak flooring.
Q: How does engineered oak flooring differ from solid oak flooring?
A: Solid oak flooring is made entirely of oak, which expands and contracts with temperature and moisture fluctuations. Engineered oak flooring, with its ply layers and solid oak top layer, is more stable and less affected by such fluctuations, making it suitable for areas where solid oak might not be recommended.
Q: Can engineered oak flooring be installed over underfloor heating?
A: Yes, engineered oak flooring is suitable for installation over underfloor heating systems. Unlike solid oak flooring, which is not recommended for this purpose, engineered oak flooring is constructed in a way that allows it to be safely used with underfloor heating.
Q: Is engineered oak flooring budget-friendly?
A: Yes, engineered oak flooring offers a cost-effective option that resembles solid oak. With a wide range of options available in terms of colors, grades, and prices, you can find an engineered oak floor that suits your budget without compromising on quality.