If you are planning a wood flooring project, the chances are you’ve come across the term three strip wood flooring, but what exactly does this mean? In a nutshell, three strip engineered wood flooring is engineered flooring boards, which have been produced to create a look that gives the impression of three boards in one.
Engineered wood flooring is made up of several layers of different woods that are bonded together to create a stable base for a solid wood top layer, or lamella. The main advantage of such flooring is that it doesn’t react to heat and moisture changes in the same way as solid wood and as such is a great solution for the likes of kitchens and bathrooms. Engineered wood flooring comes in single planks as well as 3 strip options.
One of the great advantages of three strip wood flooring is that it allows you to lay your flooring rapidly and reduce the risk of gaps developing between boards as time marches on. With this type of flooring, you are able to lay your flooring (almost) three times more quickly because you’re effectively laying three planks in one go. What this means is that your installation costs and time should be significantly reduced. Add to that the fact that a broader board, like 3 strip flooring is more stable than narrow boards, and you begin to see the attraction. Because this type of flooring is created in the factory and is glued under pressure, it performs like one piece of wood, but has the advantage of being even stronger.
The strips in three strip wood flooring are made either by cutting grooves or v’s into the solid wood lamella to create a look that gives the impression of 3 planks lying together or by bonding three strips of lamella, edge to edge to one board. Both options are highly appealing visually, but in many ways, the option that has v’s cut invariably looks more “chunky” and more like solid wood rather than the bonded option. Which option you plump for will depend on the look you’re hoping to create for your project and of course your own personal preference.
When it comes to species and finish, like all engineered wood flooring, three strip wood flooring comes in a whole host of different wood species and finishes. Available in off-white to almost black in colour, as well as a highly natural, oiled finish through to a more shiny, hardwearing lacquered finish, there truly is something to suit every look you can possibly imagine. No matter whether you are planning a traditional look for your interior or a cutting edge, modern look, 3 strip engineered wood flooring is a great solution that you won’t tire of. If you’re planning a new floor and are struggling to decide between traditional, single plank and three strip, why not get in touch so we can explore the pros and cons of each option?
Single Plank vs. Three Strip Engineered Wood Flooring
| Single Plank Engineered Wood Flooring | Three Strip Engineered Wood Flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Made up of several layers of different woods bonded together to create a stable base for a solid wood top layer. | Similar to single plank but gives the appearance of three boards in one due to either grooves or bonding of three strips of lamella, edge to edge to one board. |
| Reaction to Heat and Moisture Changes | Doesn’t react significantly to heat and moisture changes, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. | Similar to single plank, doesn’t react significantly to heat and moisture changes. |
| Installation Speed | Normal installation speed, each plank is laid separately. | Allows for faster flooring installation because you’re effectively laying three planks at once. |
| Stability | Stable due to its layered construction. | More stable due to broader boards, behaves like one piece of wood but with added strength. |
| Visual Appeal | Offers a traditional look of solid wood. | Comes with two visual options – one with cut grooves that gives a chunky, solid wood look and another with bonded strips. |
| Species and Finish Availability | Available in a wide range of wood species and finishes, catering to various aesthetics. | Similar to single plank, available in a wide variety of wood species and finishes. |
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FAQ
What is three strip wood flooring?
Three strip wood flooring is a type of engineered flooring boards, which have been produced to create a look that gives the impression of three boards in one. It allows for rapid flooring installation and reduces the risk of gaps developing between boards over time.
How is engineered wood flooring made?
Engineered wood flooring is made up of several layers of different woods that are bonded together to create a stable base for a solid wood top layer, or lamella. This construction makes it less reactive to heat and moisture changes compared to solid wood.
What is the advantage of three strip wood flooring?
One of the main advantages of three strip wood flooring is that it allows you to lay your flooring quickly because you’re effectively laying three planks in one go. This significantly reduces your installation costs and time. Additionally, a broader board, like 3 strip flooring, is more stable than narrow boards.
How are the strips in three strip wood flooring made?
The strips in three strip wood flooring are made either by cutting grooves or v’s into the solid wood lamella to create a look that gives the impression of 3 planks lying together or by bonding three strips of lamella, edge to edge to one board. The option chosen depends on the desired look and personal preference.
What finishes are available for three strip wood flooring?
Three strip wood flooring comes in a whole host of different wood species and finishes. Available in off-white to almost black in colour, as well as a highly natural, oiled finish through to a more shiny, hardwearing lacquered finish.
