When it comes to home or office renovation, the first thing that comes to mind is to renew the flooring. An ideal flooring option can make your space look aesthetically appealing. You can opt for anyone from an array of flooring types available, such as solid hardwood, laminate, vinyl and engineered wood flooring. The choice of flooring will depend on your liking, requirement and place where you want to install the new flooring.
You can go for solid oak flooring if you like the charm of natural wood. It creates a luxurious space and adds elegance to your decor.
If you are looking to create the same natural appeal but without burning a hole in your pocket, then engineered oak flooring is your best bet.
Once installed nobody can spot the difference between the engineered and solid wood flooring. But there are some differences between the two types of flooring.
The basic difference is in the way they are constructed. There are rooms or areas, with high moisture or temperature changes, where you cannot use solid wood but engineered wood floors can be installed.
Let’s discuss in detail both these types of flooring.
What is engineered hardwood flooring?
Let’s understand what is engineered oak flooring. The top layer, also known as the wear layer of this type of flooring is constructed using real hardwood. Then there is a core constructed using multi layers of plywood pressed together.
Various varieties of engineered floors are available such as 9 or more ply construction that has 3 millimetres or more top wood layer. Then there are also low quality versions such as 3 ply construction with a one-millimetre veneer layer.
What is solid hardwood flooring?
This type of flooring is made from a solid piece of timber. The wood is cut from the tree trunk and then floorboards are made from that.
One can opt for any wood species they like from a wide range available. Solid hardwood floorboards are available in various sizes and finish.
Unfinished hardwood flooring can also be chosen. And once the floor is installed then you can select the stain and finish to match your home decor.
What is your budget?
Your final decision will also depend on your budget. If you have a low budget then instead of the solid hardwood flooring go for the engineered wood flooring as solid wood planks cost higher than the engineered wood planks.
The reason for this is that the solid wood boards are constructed completely using real wood. On the other hand, engineered floorboards have wood only on the top layer and its core is multi layered plywood.
Which one is good for underfloor heating?
If you have an underfloor heating system, then experts recommend not to use solid hardwood flooring as with temperature changes wood gets warped or swollen.
You can use engineered flooring as it is constructed in such a way that it can handle temperature changes. Its core lends it stability so that it doesn’t get damaged by the heat.
Where do you want to install the flooring?
The room or area where you want to install your flooring can help you decide which flooring to choose. If it’s a high traffic area, you can go with solid hardwood flooring. The reason for this is that solid wood floors can be sanded down and refinished many times in their lifespan.
For entrances or living areas, it is perfect. But for rooms where humidity and temperature changes occur, it is best to use engineered flooring instead of solid wood.
So for kitchens and conservatories, engineered flooring is recommended as it is constructed in such a way that with moisture or temperature fluctuations, it doesn’t get damaged.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
- It is affordable compared to solid hardwood flooring.
- It is versatile as it can be used in areas where temperature and humidity fluctuations happen.
- It is very stable and can be used with underfloor heating.
- It is quick and easy to install if you opt for click system engineered floorboards. It comes pre-finished from the factory, so as soon as it is installed, you can use it.
- Once installed, it is difficult to make out the difference between solid hardwood and engineered flooring as it has a layer of hardwood on top.
Hope it has been a good read. If you have any query, please ask us in the comment section
