If you are looking for a classic flooring material that’s durable and not as costly as solid wood flooring, you may want to look into engineered wood. This flooring material offers the beauty and timeless of solid wood floors and the sturdiness of laminated wood and can work with different design styles. Below are some vital things you need to know when deciding whether this flooring option could be a perfect fit for your abode.
Unlike solid wood floors, engineered wooden floors contain a wear layer, which is the topmost layer, that’s made of solid wood. Under this layer is the multilayer plywood layer. The core plywood layer and the top layer’s thickness will significantly differ based on the manufacturer’s design. Generally speaking, the standard thickness is usually between two to six millimetres, and in most cases, the top layer’s thickness will reflect the product’s quality.
This flooring option comes in a wide variety of timbre species such as walnut, oak, maple, birch, hickory, cherry, and exotic timbre species such as tigerwood and African mahogany. Also, it’s likewise available in many different widths that range from ultra-slim to very wide wooden planks. Further, you can also find options with special finishes such as hand-scraped or multi-tone finishes.
The Advantages
All wooden flooring options are, to differing degrees, vulnerable to wear, tear, and damage from standing water or flooding. But engineered wooden flooring is significantly more stable than other wooden flooring options because it contains multiple plywood core layers. This makes it less likely to shift, contract, or expand when it’s exposed to temperature shifts, humidity, and moisture.
This kind of stability decreases the possibility of warping that usually comes with solid wood floors, especially with wide solid wood planks. This characteristic also makes engineered wooden floors an excellent option in places where you can’t install solid wood floors, like over radiant heating systems or concrete flooring.
Since this flooring option comes in a variety of thicknesses, it could be a great choice if you are looking for thin wood, such as for matching the thickness of adjacent flooring. It’s likewise an easy way to get the feel and look of wide plank wooden flooring, which is a staple in farmhouse home design. And depending on where you buy your flooring, reclaimed wood or engineered flooring may be your only choice if you are on the hunt for planks that are wider than five inches.
Cleaning and Maintenance Needs
Fortunately, engineered wooden floors are very easy to care for and maintain. You vacuum or sweep daily and then mop it with a damp rag or mop. It is still made of wood, however, so you should avoid using harsh detergents, ammonia, steel wool, and scouring pads. It would be best if you also referred to the cleaning and maintenance instructions of the manufacturer to be on the safe side.
Whether building a new house or remodelling, engineered wood flooring can offer the durability and look that you need to complete your project. Just do your research and work with an experienced contractor or supplier to ensure that you get the specific type that best fits your needs.
