What are the benefits of using engineered wood flooring

What are the benefits of using engineered wood flooring

Oak flooring has been one of the top flooring choices for centuries. You can find it in many grand historic buildings, yet it also looks just “at home” in contemporary apartments and new build houses. The demand for natural oak flooring is unwavering, but in recent decades, there has been a surge in people instead opting for engineered wood flooring. With the look and feel of natural oak, engineered flooring can look stunning in any room. It also delivers a unique set of advantages.

Less likely to warp, crack or buckle

One of the main reasons why people look to engineered wood flooring rather than oak or another hardwood species is simply because it is less likely to warp or crack. Solid wood flooring can be problematic because it expands and contracts under fluctuating moisture conditions, but engineered hardwood doesn’t expand nearly as much, meaning it’s easier to install and easier to fix, reducing costs as a result.

Delivers the beauty of natural hardwood

If it looks like oak, feels like oak and sounds like oak, it’s oak surely? That’s what your guests will likely believe. In fact, part of it is really is natural wood. Engineered wood flooring is made up by bonding multiple layers of wood together, and it’s finished with a solid top layer, also known as the wear layer. Once engineered wood flooring is laid, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring.

It will serve you well for decades

Engineered wood flooring may not be able to deliver the same level of durability as natural hardwood flooring; however, you will certainly get decades out of this beautiful flooring – if it’s well maintained. Like solid oak, the top layer (wear layer) can be sanded and re-finished if necessary.

Minimal sub-floor preparation needed

The ‘floating’ installation method means that there isn’t a great deal of preparation work required, especially when compared to a solid wood floor that needs gluing down. Whether your sub floor is concrete, chipboard or asphalt, it’s possible to quickly place underlay and any associated moisture barrier across the subfloors and you’re good to go.

It’s cheaper than solid hardwood

Engineered flooring is a quality option and while it’s usually a great deal more expensive than laminate, which doesn’t provide the look or feel of real wood, it is somewhat cheaper than solid hardwood flooring. Furthermore, there is a huge variety of finishes to discover, from rustic hand-distressed boards to the more modern and mellow natural brushed boards, while you’re also able to install underfloor heating to elevate warmth and comfort.

If you’re interested in learning more about engineered wood flooring, or you need some assistance whilst you weigh up your options, we’d be more than happy to help. Simply send us a message or call 01536 267107.