Exploring Engineered Wood Flooring: Everything You Need to Know

If you're considering installing wood flooring in your home, you may have come across the term "engineered wood flooring" during your research. In this post, we'll delve into everything you need to know about engineered wood floors, including what they are, the different types available, their suitability for various rooms, their lifespan, installation process, and maintenance.

What is Engineered Flooring?

Engineered wood flooring is a manufactured form of wood flooring composed of layers of different materials sandwiched together. Unlike laminate flooring, which features a printed top layer, engineered wood flooring boasts a real wood top layer known as the wear layer. This wear layer typically ranges from 2.5mm to 6mm in thickness, and a thicker wear layer allows for more sanding and refinishing, thereby extending the floor's lifespan.

Beneath the wear layer, the cross-layer core provides the necessary strength and stability. Common materials used in the core layer include plywood or softwood. Additionally, an engineered board is supported by a veneer layer for balance at the bottom.

This engineered construction minimizes expansion, contraction, and warping, making engineered flooring more durable than traditional solid wood flooring. While engineered floors may be more expensive than laminate flooring, their enhanced durability justifies the investment.

Types of Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered floors come in various board types, including traditional straight boards, herringbone planks, and Design Panels. They also feature different finishes, such as lacquered or oiled finishes, with options for brushed & matt lacquered boards and sawn finishes for a textured feel. The finish and type significantly impact the floor's overall look and feel, so it's essential to compare and choose the right one for your space.

Room Suitability & Where to Use Engineered Flooring

Engineered wood floors offer the natural look and feel of solid hardwood flooring with enhanced stability and versatility. They are suitable for most areas of your home, especially high-traffic areas like kitchens or dining rooms. Lacquered floors are easier to maintain and resist spills better than oiled floors, making them ideal for such spaces.

However, oiled floors provide a more natural look but may show signs of wear sooner. They may not be suitable for rooms prone to spills, such as kitchens. Engineered wood flooring is not recommended for high-moisture environments like bathrooms or utility rooms, but water-resistant flooring options are available as alternatives.

Lifespan of Engineered Wood Flooring

Most engineered floors have a lifespan of around 30 years due to their robust construction. However, at Newland Floors and Doors, we offer a 100-year guarantee, underscoring our commitment to quality and durability.

Installing Engineered Wood Flooring

The installation method for engineered flooring depends on the type of floor, joint, and subfloor requirements. It's essential to let the planks acclimatize to the conditions in your home for at least two days before installation to minimize the risk of movement.

Engineered floors commonly feature tongue and groove joints and can be installed as floating floors, secret nailed, or glued down. Familiarize yourself with the installation instructions and method, or consider hiring an expert for professional installation.

Caring for Your Engineered Wood Flooring

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your engineered wood flooring looking its best. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and mop with a well-wrung mop to avoid excess water, which can cause warping. Perform monthly deep cleans using specialist hardwood cleaning products and take steps to protect the floor against scratches.

If you have underfloor heating, gradually increase the temperature over a few days after installation to help the floor adjust.

In Conclusion

Engineered wood flooring offers durability, versatility, and timeless beauty, making it an excellent choice for any home. With proper care and maintenance, engineered floors can last for decades, adding warmth and elegance to your living space. If you have further questions about engineered hardwood flooring, don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly sales team for assistance.