The realm of real wood flooring encompasses two main types: traditional or solid wood flooring, and manufactured wood flooring. Both are fabricated from real wood, distinguishing them from entirely synthetic wood effect flooring options such as laminate and luxury vinyl. This article delves into the intricacies of manufactured wood flooring, providing a comprehensive understanding of its composition, advantages and disadvantages, thereby enabling you to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Composition of Manufactured Wood Flooring
As previously noted, manufactured wood flooring is composed of a topmost layer of natural wood, which endows the final product with the appealing visual characteristics of real wood flooring. This natural wood layer typically ranges in thickness from 2mm to 6mm, with the most common thicknesses being 3mm and 4mm. The species of wood can span traditional to exotic types, but in the UK, Oak and Walnut are frequently encountered.
Beneath this natural wood layer, you will find between 3 to 12 layers of ‘manufactured’ products comprising the core and backing of the floorboards. These manufactured materials typically include plywood, MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), and softwood. This blend of natural wood and engineered materials earns this flooring its designation as “Manufactured Wood Flooring.” It is also referred to by several related names such as Engineered Wood Flooring, Semi-Solid Wood Flooring, and Real Wood Top Layer Wood Flooring, all of which describe the end product: a wood floor with a top layer of real wood, bolstered by a synthetic core.
Is Manufactured Wood Flooring Right for You?
If you are seeking the aesthetic and tactile appeal of real wood flooring, manufactured wood flooring will not disappoint. These floorboards bear a striking resemblance to traditional solid wood flooring, but circumvent many of the drawbacks associated with solid wood. Solid wood tends to respond adversely to variations in humidity, dampness, and temperature, rendering it unsuitable for areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, basement, conservatory, and for use over underfloor heating. In contrast, the synthetic core of manufactured wood flooring—comprised of plywood, MDF, and softwood—renders it resilient to these conditions, thereby offering enhanced fitting versatility.
Moreover, by utilising a thinner layer of natural wood (2mm to 6mm), manufactured wood flooring becomes a more cost-effective alternative to solid wood flooring. Given that both types of flooring appear identical once installed, there is minimal advantage to choosing solid wood flooring over its manufactured counterpart.
Exploring Alternatives to Manufactured Wood Flooring
Should you opt against manufactured wood flooring, the first alternative might be solid wood flooring, despite its aforementioned limitations. More comparable alternatives in terms of fitting flexibility and cost include luxury vinyl and laminate flooring. However, the disparity lies in the visual and tactile characteristics of the floorboard. Manufactured wood flooring, boasting a layer of real wood, retains the natural features of wood, including colour variations, sap, and knots. Conversely, luxury vinyl and laminate flooring employ a printed layer designed to mimic natural wood, often resulting in a more consistent—but potentially less authentic—appearance.
Conclusion
Understanding the features, benefits, and potential limitations of manufactured wood flooring is pivotal in making an informed decision that best suits your specific needs and preferences. It is a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional solid wood flooring, while still preserving the coveted look and feel of real wood. However, personal preferences and specific requirements may lean towards other alternatives such as luxury vinyl or laminate flooring. In the end, the best choice hinges on a careful balance of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and budget considerations.
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FAQ
What are the main components of manufactured wood flooring?
Manufactured wood flooring is composed of a topmost layer of natural wood and between 3 to 12 layers of ‘manufactured’ products comprising the core and backing of the floorboards. The manufactured materials typically include plywood, MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), and softwood.
What is the thickness of the natural wood layer in manufactured wood flooring?
The natural wood layer in manufactured wood flooring typically ranges in thickness from 2mm to 6mm, with the most common thicknesses being 3mm and 4mm.
How does manufactured wood flooring compare to solid wood flooring in terms of suitability for different areas?
Manufactured wood flooring is more resilient to variations in humidity, dampness, and temperature than solid wood flooring, making it suitable for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, conservatories, and for use over underfloor heating where solid wood flooring would be inappropriate.
Is manufactured wood flooring a cost-effective alternative to solid wood flooring?
Yes, manufactured wood flooring, by utilising a thinner layer of natural wood, becomes a more cost-effective alternative to solid wood flooring. Despite the cost difference, both types of flooring appear identical once installed.
What are the alternatives to manufactured wood flooring?
The first alternative to manufactured wood flooring is solid wood flooring. More comparable alternatives in terms of fitting flexibility and cost include luxury vinyl and laminate flooring. However, the visual and tactile characteristics of the floorboard can vary depending on the option chosen.