If you’ve been looking for the right flooring option for your home, there’s a chance you’ve heard the term “engineered flooring” floating around. Not quite sure what all the fuss is about? We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand what engineered flooring, and if it could be right for you.
What is it?
Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed from real wood that has been layered and bonded together. The top layer displays the natural variance and beauty of the wood, just like traditional solid wood, and therefore works wonders to update your home’s look and feel. Underneath this surface layer, you’ll find multiple layers of high density fibre board which create a stable, long-lasting foundation.
Photo by Whitestone Builders
Features
#1 Moisture-Resistant
Although any type of timber flooring will be damaged under a deluge of water, engineered flooring is more resistant against humidity than solid flooring. This makes it ideal for humid climates, or for installation over concrete, in bathrooms or in basements.
Photo by The New & Reclaimed Flooring Company
#2 Stability
When investing in your home’s flooring, you want to be sure that the investment will last. Engineered flooring provides this peace of mind, as its unique construction means its less likely to buckle, gap or become compromised due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Daily wear and tear doesn’t have to be a concern when you install engineered flooring.
#3 Applicable to the Whole Home
Solid timber flooring is unsuitable for basements and bathrooms due to the moist conditions in those areas. Engineered flooring, on the other hand, can be installed on any level as it will not be compromised by moisture.
Photo by CAPITAL BUILDING:: Apartment – Renovations
#4 Easy Installation
Engineered flooring is easy for the average handyman to install as a quick DIY job. Depending on the product you choose, engineered flooring can be slotted together, stapled, glued or floated, providing more flexibility than solid timber flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring can be stapled, glued, or floated, depending on the product you choose. Floating floors are the easiest to install and can go directly over an existing floor.
If you go for a glue-free click engineered floor that is also pre-finished (meaning it’s been pre-stained, varnished or oiled and does not need any further treatments), you will even be able to walk on your brand-new floor immediately after installation.
The fact that engineered flooring is available in wide boards also makes it quicker to install, requiring fewer joins across the floor.
Photo by CAPITAL BUILDING:: Apartment
#5 Warmth
Wood is a great natural insulator, with engineered flooring helping to retain heat in your home and allowing you to walk barefoot around your home. Underfloor heating can even be installed for added cosiness.
#6 Genuine
Because engineered flooring is not made of solid hardwood, you might think that this somehow makes it less genuine. In reality, engineered flooring provides just the same authentic touch of warmth and beauty to your home, performing just as well or even better than a solid timber floor.
Photo by Spinnaker Development
#7 Choice of Look
There is no limit to the stunning natural variations found in engineered flooring, with a range of colours, textures, species and finishes available. This means that no matter the aesthetic or style of your home or your desired look, there will be an engineered flooring option to suit. Whether you want a simple low-budget option or an aged, oiled surface layer, engineered flooring has something to offer to everyone.
Photo by BiglarKinyan Design Planning Inc.
Engineered flooring is also available in chevron and parquet designs if you’re looking for that extra touch of style to take your flooring to the next level. This makes it effortless to install a stunning design, and may even eliminate the need for professional installation if you are confident with your DIY skills.
#8 Maintainable
Timber floors, whether engineered or solid, will age, just like the rest of us. However, engineered flooring is easy to maintain and can therefore be spruced up to allow it to age gracefully. This can include sanding, re-staining, lacquering or varnishing, ensuring that even when your engineered flooring begins to show its age, it will do so in a graceful way.
Photo by My House Design Build Team
#9 Affordability
All of the above benefits of engineered flooring are possible at a lower cost than solid timber flooring. If you’re looking for a low-cost flooring option that is durable and attractive, engineered flooring is the clear choice!
About the Writer
This post is written by Joseph Webb. Joseph is an excellent blogger and philosophers, His keen observation to provide useful information which helps readers to get more ideas.