Solid wood flooring has been popular for years now as homeowners recognise its many advantages. Not only is wood flooring aesthetically pleasing and timeless, but it also offers several practical benefits such as increased durability and ease of maintenance. This type of flooring is available in a variety of styles, colours and textures too, making it easy to find the perfect flooring for any room in any home.
One of the only downsides to hardwood flooring is its price and it isn’t always a budget-friendly choice. Fortunately, there are a few flooring types that mimic the appearance of real wood but are more affordable. Almost everyone has heard of laminate flooring nowadays and is familiar with its benefits, yet there’s another great option to consider whenever you’re installing new flooring; engineered wood flooring.
If you’ve never heard of engineered flooring and you’re wondering whether it’s a good solution for your home, our flooring experts have answered some frequently asked questions about this modern type of flooring.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Simply put, engineered wood flooring is a type of flooring made from layers of manufactured wood materials like plywood or HDF (high-density fibreboard) and solid wood, such as oak, walnut or maple. This makes this innovative type of flooring more stable and durable than solid hardwood, yet it’s still authentic in both appearance and feel.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Durable?
Due to the way it’s manufactured, engineered flooring is incredibly durable and it can last for decades when it’s properly installed and well maintained. When compared to hardwood flooring, it’s more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, and its construction provides extra strength. This type of flooring is perfect for busy households and it will be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday family life.
What is the Difference Between Engineered Wood and Laminate Flooring?
Both engineered wood and laminate flooring have a similar stable base, as laminate is often made from MDF or HDF. However, they have a very different top layer. While engineered wood is made with a layer of high-quality solid wood, laminate is made with a decorative paper layer that has a plastic coating.
There is no denying that laminate flooring has its own benefits, from being low cost and hard-wearing to easy to install, but it doesn’t have the same authentic feel as engineered wood flooring. It’s also not as long-lasting due to the fact it isn’t made with real wood.
Can Engineered Wood Flooring be Refinished?
There are a few different types of engineered flooring on the market and depending on the thickness of the top layer of solid wood, it can sometimes be sanded and refinished. Higher quality products with thicker top layers can be sanded and refinished multiple times, so it’s easy to keep the flooring looking its best for years to come.
Is Engineered Wood Flooring Expensive?
Engineered wood flooring is considered to be a mid-price product. This type of flooring is more expensive than laminate flooring, but more affordable than solid wood flooring. It requires very little maintenance to keep it in good condition though, so it’s a cost-effective choice for both homes and businesses. This type of flooring is a great investment.
Can Engineered Wood Flooring be Installed in Bathrooms?
This modern flooring style can be installed in any room in the home. Thanks to its improved structural stability, it’s less affected by moisture and it won’t shrink or warp if it comes into contact with water. Engineered flooring is also compatible with underfloor heating systems, which are popular in bathrooms, so you can keep the space warm and comfortable.
Looking for the Best Place to Buy Engineered Wood Flooring?
Now you know a little bit more about engineered wood flooring, if you’re interested in installing it throughout your home, explore our website today. Whenever you’re searching for somewhere to buy engineered wood flooring in Ireland, you can turn to us in confidence knowing that our collection is created from the finest hardwoods and machined with precision.
With several styles, including herringbone, chevron and parquet flooring to choose from, we have the perfect solution for every modern home on our website. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any unanswered questions about engineered flooring. You can also visit our showroom to see our engineered wood flooring in person.