Engineered timber flooring installation has seen a boom in popularity over the last decade or so, with people increasingly seeing it as an alternative to solid wood flooring. It’s no wonder why: engineered timber is often significantly cheaper than solid wood, while offering many of the same qualities and benefits. It is made from thin sheets of timber that have been compressed into strips and then glued together to form a single panel. This kind of manufacturing process means that engineered flooring can often be less expensive than solid wood while still offering many similar benefits – its thinner profile also makes it easier to install in certain spaces. Engineered flooring comes in several different varieties, each with its own pros and cons. So if you’re thinking about installing this kind of flooring in your home, read on for everything you need to know about engineered timber flooring.
What is engineered timber flooring?
Engineers timber flooring is essentially a manufactured wood product, usually made from timber such as spruce, pine, and fir. There are different types of engineered flooring available, with each type boasting its own set of qualities and features. Engineered flooring is designed to be lighter and thinner than solid wood flooring, and is often made from a combination of different timbers or species to create a unique look. Solid wood flooring is made from one piece of solid timber, which is then sanded and varnished or stained to create a unique finish. This means that the flooring will be heavier and thicker than engineered flooring, while also costing more to produce. Engineered wood flooring is usually made from several thin layers of timber, each of which is typically just 1 to 2mm thick. The layers are then compressed using high pressure, which allows for a thinner product that’s easier to install.
Pros of installing engineered timber flooring
Engineered timber is often significantly cheaper than solid wood, while also offering many of the same qualities and benefits. For example, you can expect your engineered flooring to be durable and long-lasting, as well as being easy to clean and maintain. Engineered flooring is easier to install than solid wood, which can be a massive benefit if you’re doing the installation yourself. Many engineered flooring products also come with a locking system that makes the installation process even easier. Engineered flooring is often lighter than solid wood flooring, making it easier to move or transport if you need to take it elsewhere. Engineered flooring is easy to repair and replace if it becomes damaged or worn. Plus, it’s easy to mix and match different engineered flooring types and colours, which is perfect if you want to create a unique flooring design.
Cons of installing engineered timber flooring
While engineered flooring is often significantly cheaper than solid wood, it’s often not as durable. While engineered flooring is perfect for high-traffic areas, it isn’t well-suited to areas where it is prone to getting wet. Easier installation and repairability also mean that engineered flooring is generally less durable than solid wood. Engineered flooring is also often not as long-lasting as solid wood, which can make it unsuitable for areas such as a kitchen or bathroom.
How to install engineered timber flooring
First, you need to decide which type of engineered flooring is right for your home. This will help you to choose the right flooring colour, pattern, and design, which will ultimately determine how your room will look once the installation is complete. You will then need to decide where you want the flooring to be installed. You may want to go for a full installation, covering the entire floor of your home, or you could choose to install flooring in certain areas of your house. It’s also important to choose the right underlay for your engineered flooring, depending on the type of flooring you’re installing. It’s also a good idea to factor in the cost of installation, as well as any potential maintenance and cleaning requirements of your new wood flooring.
Conclusion
Engineered flooring is a great option for many homeowners. It is often significantly cheaper than solid wood, while offering many of the same qualities and benefits. However, it’s important to keep in mind that engineered flooring isn’t as long-lasting as solid wood, and isn’t well-suited to areas where moisture is common. You should also factor in the cost of installation, as well as any potential maintenance and cleaning requirements before deciding on which type of engineered flooring would be best for you.
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