Engineered timber flooring consists of core layers of reinforced composite plywood over a thin hardwood top layer, often known as a veneer or wear layer. Oriented strand board, which is constructed of wood strands that have been crushed and then adhered together, may, in some circumstances, be used to replace plywood.
A homeowner can get the appearance of solid wood flooring using engineered wood at a lower cost and with simpler flooring installation. The other frequent sort of wood flooring, however, is solid wood flooring, which is made entirely of solid wood. This kind of flooring is normally more costly than engineered timber flooring but also lasts longer as it can be reconditioned over and over again.
Advantages of Engineered Timber Flooring
Compared to conventional solid hardwood, this flooring alternative provides several advantages.
Resistance to Moisture and Temperature
Engineered timber is less sensitive to moisture and temperature changes than solid wood flooring because of its composite core layers. Despite the possibility of some warping, which usually occurs when moisture problems are ignored (such as those caused by a pool of water), there is significantly less general swelling and shrinking than in a solid wood floor.
Lower Price
Everything associated with engineered timber flooring is less costly, such as the materials and labour. It should be noted that this only applies to the same species of wood; for instance, an engineered teak floor may be less costly than a solid oak floor, but vice versa is true for an engineered oak floor.
Environmentally Friendly
Engineered timber floors may be the best option if you care about the environment. If you want to use exotic or rare kinds of wood, these flooring use less wood per board than solid wood floors, which may be a decisive factor. These floorings are environmentally safe and sustainable because there is a reduced requirement for hazardous glue and little to no sawdust. Having said that, this does differ from business to business, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s environmental credentials before making a purchase.
Practical and Stylish
On the surface, engineered timber flooring will resemble traditional hardwood flooring, making it appear highly fashionable. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of finishes. Hence, if there is a certain wood you prefer, it is likely to be accessible in an engineered form. An engineered timber floor will have the timeless beauty that makes hardwood flooring so desirable. The most common type of wood flooring is, by far, engineered oak, which is available in a wide range of hues and finishes.
Boost the Value of Your Property
If properly laid, hardwood flooring will raise the value of your property, and individuals frequently use this strategy to do so. The same result can be achieved with engineered hardwood, which is also a terrific method to boost your home’s long-term value. Even if you don’t have any immediate plans to sell, engineered flooring can be a wise investment.
Disadvantages of Engineered Timber Flooring
Every flooring has factors to take into account. If engineered wood is something you’re thinking about, you should be aware of these things.
Possibly Weak
There are many different types of engineered wood flooring, and some producers will construct their floors out of flimsy, extremely affordable materials. It could seem strong and stable at first glance, but after a short while, it might turn out to be really weak and unstable. Make sure you are buying engineered wood flooring from a trusted supplier by conducting research.
High Maintenance Level
You must actively preserve your floor to keep its quality, similar to how you would go for a solid wood floor because the top layer of an engineered wood floor is constructed of hardwood. Wood floors frequently experience fading, scratches, and dents, but these problems can be lessened or avoided by taking the right safety steps.
Fading
This is another drawback that both engineered and regular hardwood floors share. The wood will fade away if it is overexposed to UV rays, and if the problem is ignored for too long, it won’t be possible to fix it. Fortunately, you may reduce the chance of fading by closing your drapes and blinds or using some rugs to hide more exposed parts.
Small-Scale Resurfacing
An engineered timber floor can only be polished and refinished a handful of times—and occasionally just once—before the hardwood erodes to disclose the core layers. This is due to the veneer layer. The depth of the veneer layer determines how many instances you can resurface. For instance, a 1/16-inch coating won’t survive nearly as long as a 1/6-inch layer.
Longevity
One drawback of engineered wood in comparison to genuine hardwood is that, despite lasting decades with good care, it cannot be sanded and refinished as frequently as solid hardwood.
Take Away
Although there are clearly some drawbacks, many of these problems also apply to conventional hardwood floors. Hence, choosing engineered timber flooring isn’t really much worse for you. The same fashionable and classic style is typically available for less money. You may have a gorgeous floor you can enjoy for years to come as long as you make sure you are purchasing your engineered flooring from a high-quality supplier and make an effort to ensure it is properly maintained.
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