9 Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring
It looks like solid wood, is faster to install, and is less susceptible to moisture damage. Sounds like the ideal flooring? Meet engineered timber flooring.
Our experts at Online Flooring Store are here to help you learn more about this unique, low-fuss, high-tech flooring type and if it is a good fit for your style and needs.
What Is Engineered Flooring?
If you were to take a look at of some of our engineered timber options such as Maison Rustique Oak or Prestige Oak, you would almost certainly assume this rich-looking flooring is real hardwood. Looks, however, can be deceiving. Yes, the top is real wood, but the layers underneath are comprised of thin plywood layers.
The top and bottoms layers are 100% natural wood, which comes in a variety of species. The middle is a plywood core consisting of 5 to 7 layers crisscrossed in different directions and glued together.
The result is an aesthetically pleasing, durable flooring that has similar characteristics of hardwood without the drawbacks.
Since being invented in the 1960s, the appearance, quality, durability, and performance of engineered wood flooring have seen great improvements — and continue to improve. With a wide range of surface effects, patterns, and colours, the design options are full of potential.
What Are the Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring?
Engineered timber flooring offers a host of benefits that make it an excellent option worth considering. It also has certain aspects that make it more appealing than solid hardwood, as detailed below.
1. Increased Installation Options
Engineered timber’s layered construction provides the stability for installation in volatile environments. Engineered timber can often be installed in areas that would not be suitable for solid hardwood, such as over radiant heating systems (in most cases), basements, or concrete floors.
This makes engineered timber a versatile option for areas where you want a beautiful end result. If durability, humidity, or temperature changes are top concerns, engineered timber is worth putting at the top of your list of options to consider.
2. Ease of Installation
Along with increased options for where it is suitable, engineered timber can also be installed by budget-minded homeowners. This can save homeowners a significant amount of money while still providing a lovely final result. At the Online Flooring Store, we recommend using certified tradesmen for all of our products.
3. More Affordable
Engineered timber tends to be less expensive than solid hardwood (with the exception of premium collections). This is especially true for thicker options that have already been sanded and finished multiple times. Engineered timber is also less expensive to lay when using professional contractors.
4. No Sub Floors Required
No plywood subfloor needed here! This means that engineered timber can be installed directly over concrete without worrying about installing plywood first.
If your space has a concrete sub-floor, this usually makes the flooring less expensive and less complicated to install. Australian standard floor preparation tolerances still apply.
5. Versatile and Aesthetically Appealing
When used in a space, engineered timber creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. With a wide range of colours and options, any design — chic, modern, rustic, industrial, urban — can be complemented by engineered timber’s timeless appearance and cohesive style.
Just like timber flooring, which has been used for thousands of years, engineered timber boasts a natural appearance, unmatched beauty, and warmth that meshes with any setting.
With the rising popularity of engineered timber, the range of colours and styles continues to advance rapidly thanks to consistent advancements in technology and manufacturing processes.
6. Impressive Stability
Engineered flooring is typically more stable due to its layered construction. Because the layers run perpendicular to each other, expansion and contraction are usually less of a problem (especially during winter months that tend to be drier).
This increased stability also gives you the option to go with wider planks while still being cost effective.
7. Option for Refinishing
Generally, engineered wood can be sanded and refinished at least once — and sometimes several times — throughout the life of the floor. Be sure to know your floor’s specs to be certain.
8. Better for the Planet
Timber products are known for being one of the most sustainable options in flooring. But engineered timber takes sustainability a step further since the planks make better use of slow growth hardwood species.
Its top layers are also thinner, meaning they require less wood than solid timber. This translates to more boards from one tree, making better use of a limited resource.
9. Better for Your Health
With a growing focus on health, engineered timber boasts a wealth of advantages. Studies even suggest that timber and wood products may have a positive impact on mental health thanks to their stress-reducing effects. This is thought to be partly due to the nature-like atmosphere timber products help create.
If someone in your family has allergies, timber flooring should be at the top of your list in terms of flooring options. Timber flooring creates a cleaner indoor environment since it does not harbour pet dander, mould, dust, pollen, or other dangerous, irritating allergens.
What Are the Best Areas to Install Engineered Timber Flooring?
Engineered timber flooring is highly versatile and makes a great addition throughout your home, office, or desired space. Smaller spaces can feel larger when engineered timber flooring is installed, making it ideal for cramped rooms.
They make an excellent choice for kitchen and dining rooms where spills and scratches are almost a guarantee. Its hard-wearing surface also makes it the perfect choice for areas that see a high amount of foot traffic.
Is Engineered Timber Flooring Easy to Care For?
Engineered timber floors are generally low maintenance and easy to care for. In many ways, they should be treated in a similar fashion to solid timber flooring:
- Avoid using generic detergents as they may cause permanent damage
- Wipe up any spills immediately so the liquid does not linger on the floor’s surface
- Regular sweeping and vacuuming are important to keep floors free of dirt and dust
Want More Information?
Between its versatility and various benefits, the rising popularity of engineered timber flooring is no surprise. To help determine if engineered timber flooring is the ideal option for your space, feel free to contact us for customised advice.
