Looking for the warmth and beauty of real wood flooring? Solid hardwood has drawbacks in some homes. However, engineered wood could be the solution. We have found that many homeowners across London have chosen engineered wood flooring, and after learning more about its construction, we understand their preference.
All About Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is definitely not a wood flooring substitute. This flooring type has multiple layers of timber which are glued together, and then a real hardwood veneer top layer. This top layer is real wood, which means that it is the same as real solid wood flooring. The plywood core that is beneath the veneer top layer gives engineered wood an advantage over solid wood.
With the layers of construction in engineered wood, this flooring type expands and contracts less than solid wood, therefore, with the flooring less expanding and contracting, there’s less of a chance of large gaps to form between the flooring boards. This is very useful for hallways, kitchens, and homes that have underfloor heating.
Reasons for Preference
Works with underfloor heating. This is the biggest reason for choosing engineered wood. Most solid wood flooring types created problems with underfloor heating, however most engineered wood types do not create those issues.
Real wood options. With engineered wood, the top layer can be any wood type from ash to oak and walnut to other types. Once engineered wood is installed, the flooring is truly difficult to distinguish from solid hardwood.
More stable in tricky rooms. We wouldn’t recommend it for bathrooms, but this floor does well in kitchens and dining rooms, and hallways. Solid wood sometimes doesn’t hold up well in those places, but this flooring does.
Can be sanded and refinished. This flooring can be refinished and sanded, but it is of lesser quality than solid wood. Still, good quality engineered boards can be refinished and sanded once or twice, unlike flooring that can only be refinished once.
The Downsides Worth Knowing
There are always drawbacks, so better to be informed now than later.
Engineered boards sometimes have thinner veneers, but with this comes an inability to refinish and sand the boards as often. Once you sand down the veneer, it’s gone.
If you have a thinner engineered board, then the floor can wear down faster. Picking a good quality board with a thicker top layer can make a difference. Finally, while engineered boards do better with high humidity than solid wood, they are both wood, so standing water is not good.
Installation Options
There are a few ways engineered wood can be installed based on the type and condition of your subfloor.
- Floating — wood boards “float” on top of an underlayment and are not attached to the subfloor.
- Glued Down — boards are glued to subfloors (concrete or timbers) aiding with sound and stability.
- Nailed/Stapled — similar Installation method to solid wood. Used on timber subfloors.
Installing methods will depend on the type of subfloor in the room and if there is heating installed in the floor. It is best to have a professional check your options before purchasing wood flooring.
Is Engineered Wood Right for Your Home?
Engineered wood is a great alternative to solid hardwood if you want the warmth and character of real wood. It is a better option if you have a house that experiences the temperature fluctuations of central heating or the damp of the British winters. It is also a better option if you have underfloor heating in the kitchen. It is a little bit more expensive than laminate and Luxury Vinyl Tile but the real timber makes a difference compared to a fake image.
If you want to discuss further your options of species and finishing, contact us! We would love to help!